Ciao Italia Ristorante
Best Shrimp Scampi in Orlando
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in garlic, butter, and white wine over fresh pasta. A classic since 1991.
Shrimp Scampi That Gets the Garlic Right
A great shrimp scampi is deceptively simple. Garlic, butter, white wine, lemon, and shrimp. Five ingredients. But the difference between a forgettable version and one you will think about for days comes down to execution, and that is where Ciao Italia Ristorante excels. The jumbo shrimp are sauteed just until they curl and turn pink, never a second longer. The garlic is golden, not burnt. The butter and white wine create a sauce that is rich but not heavy, and a squeeze of lemon ties everything together.
The Navarra family has been making their shrimp scampi this way since 1991 at their restaurant on Westwood Blvd. It is served over linguine, and the pasta soaks up every bit of that garlic butter sauce. It is the kind of dish that makes you drag the last piece of bread through the plate to get every drop.
Simple Done Right
The beauty of shrimp scampi is its simplicity, but that also means there is nowhere to hide. If the shrimp is overcooked, you know. If the garlic is burnt, you taste it. If the sauce is too heavy, the dish falls flat. At Ciao Italia, the kitchen has been executing this dish consistently for over 35 years. The shrimp are always plump and tender, the garlic is always fragrant without bitterness, and the sauce has a clean, bright flavor that comes from quality white wine and real butter.
The linguine underneath is cooked al dente and absorbs the sauce beautifully. It is one of those plates where every bite is as good as the first, and the portion is generous enough that you leave satisfied without feeling weighed down.
A Seafood Menu Worth Exploring
If you love shrimp scampi, Ciao Italia's full seafood menu will keep you coming back. The risotto pescatore is the restaurant's signature dish, loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari. The linguine alle vongole is a classic with fresh clams in garlic and white wine. The lobster ravioli is handmade with real lobster meat. And the fresh fish of the day is always prepared simply and beautifully.
Located just minutes from SeaWorld, Aquatica, and the Convention Center. Free self-parking, open seven nights a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. More than 3,000 reviews and 9 awards over 35 years of serving Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best shrimp scampi in Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd serves one of the best shrimp scampi dishes in Orlando. Jumbo shrimp are sauteed in garlic, butter, and white wine, then served over linguine or the pasta of your choice. Family-owned since 1991.
How does Ciao Italia prepare their shrimp scampi?
Ciao Italia's shrimp scampi features jumbo shrimp sauteed in a generous amount of fresh garlic, butter, and white wine. A touch of lemon brightens the sauce, and the dish is served over linguine. The shrimp are cooked just until tender and never overcooked.
What other seafood does Ciao Italia serve?
In addition to shrimp scampi, Ciao Italia serves risotto pescatore, linguine alle vongole, lobster ravioli, calamari fritti, fresh fish of the day, and other Italian seafood preparations. All seafood is prepared fresh to order.
Is Ciao Italia close to SeaWorld and I-Drive?
Yes. Ciao Italia is located on Westwood Blvd, approximately 5 minutes from SeaWorld Orlando and close to International Drive and the Orange County Convention Center. Free self-parking is available. Open 7 days from 5 PM to 10 PM.
