Ciao Italia Ristorante
Best Seafood Near SeaWorld Orlando
Fresh fish, risotto pescatore, and Italian seafood classics served minutes from the park since 1991.
Italian Seafood Done Right, Minutes from SeaWorld
There is a difference between seafood that happens to be on a menu and seafood that a kitchen actually knows how to prepare. At Ciao Italia Ristorante, seafood is not an afterthought. It is a cornerstone of the menu, rooted in the same Italian coastal traditions the Navarra family brought with them when they opened the restaurant in 1991. Located just minutes from SeaWorld on Westwood Blvd, Ciao Italia serves some of the best Italian seafood you will find anywhere in Orlando.
The risotto pescatore alone is worth the drive. A generous bowl of creamy Arborio rice loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a light tomato and white wine broth. It is the dish that guests talk about for weeks after their visit, and it is the reason many of them come back.
From the Coast to Your Table
The seafood menu at Ciao Italia reads like a tour of Italy's coastline. The linguine alle vongole features tender clams in a garlic and white wine sauce that is light, briny, and addictive. The shrimp scampi arrives in a pool of garlic butter and white wine, served over perfectly cooked pasta. The calamari fritti is crispy, tender, and served with the house marinara. And the fresh fish of the day is prepared simply, grilled or pan-seared, and lets the quality of the fish speak for itself.
Every seafood dish is prepared to order. There is nothing sitting under a heat lamp, nothing pre-made. The kitchen treats seafood with the respect it deserves, and the result is food that tastes as fresh as it should.
Why This Beats the Chain Seafood Restaurants
The International Drive corridor has no shortage of seafood chains, but there is a reason Ciao Italia has been here for over 35 years while others have come and gone. The difference is care. The difference is a family that still runs the kitchen and the dining room, that still uses the same recipes, that still insists on quality over shortcuts. More than 3,000 reviews and 9 awards back that up.
Free self-parking, open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM, and just a short drive from SeaWorld, Aquatica, and the Orange County Convention Center. Whether you are finishing a day at the parks or looking for a special dinner out, Ciao Italia's seafood will not disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood dishes does Ciao Italia serve near SeaWorld?
Ciao Italia serves a wide range of Italian seafood dishes including risotto pescatore, linguine alle vongole, shrimp scampi, fresh fish of the day, calamari fritti, and lobster ravioli. All seafood is prepared using traditional Italian techniques with fresh ingredients.
What is risotto pescatore at Ciao Italia?
Risotto pescatore is one of Ciao Italia's signature dishes. It features creamy Arborio rice cooked with a medley of fresh seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a light tomato and white wine broth. It is one of the most-ordered dishes on the menu.
How close is Ciao Italia to SeaWorld Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, approximately 5 minutes by car from SeaWorld Orlando. Free self-parking is available for all guests.
Does Ciao Italia have fresh fish near SeaWorld?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers a fresh fish of the day that changes based on what is available. The kitchen prepares it grilled, baked, or pan-seared with traditional Italian seasonings. Ask your server about the current selection.
