SeaWorld Orlando · International Drive
Restaurants Open Christmas Day
Near SeaWorld Orlando
1.4 Miles From SeaWorld • Dec 25, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
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SeaWorld Orlando · International Drive
1.4 Miles From SeaWorld • Dec 25, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
Our Story
When Josie and Antonio Navarra opened Ciao Italia in 1991, they brought their Southern Italian family recipes and a simple philosophy: make great food from scratch, treat guests like family, and never take shortcuts.
More than 35 years later, we are still here — locally owned, scratch-made, and proudly independent. No chains. No shortcuts. Just real Italian food on International Drive, 1.4 mi from SeaWorld Orlando.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Holiday Dining
Visitors searching for restaurants open on Christmas Day near SeaWorld Orlando can plan dinner at Ciao Italia Ristorante. Our restaurant will be open Friday, December 25, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM, serving guests who want an evening meal close to the attraction district. We are located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard on International Drive, approximately 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando.
Ciao Italia follows its regular dinner schedule on Christmas Day rather than offering lunch or brunch. Family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991, the restaurant serves scratch-made Italian cuisine in a relaxed dining environment. Guests do not need formal attire; there is no dress code, and shorts are welcome. Free parking is provided on-site for those arriving by car.
Our regular Italian dinner menu will be available throughout the evening, providing a variety of entrées instead of a limited Christmas selection. Guests can order chicken parmigiana, lasagna bolognese, veal piccata, fresh seafood, or Australian rack of lamb. Scratch-made pasta and risotto offer additional choices, and our kitchen will also feature specials of the day.
There is no separate Christmas Day menu or mandatory prix fixe package. Parents can select their preferred Italian dishes while children enjoy the $13 kids menu, including gelato. Adults can order wine or beer with their meals. Guests can choose individual entrées rather than being required to purchase a predetermined holiday dinner.
Ciao Italia is directly across the street from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, just 0.5 miles from Aquatica Orlando and approximately 2 miles from Discovery Cove. The Orange County Convention Center is also nearby, approximately three minutes away by car. These landmarks make our location easy to identify for visitors staying in the southern International Drive area.
Guests planning Christmas dinner can reserve through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins are welcome when tables are available, but advance reservations are advisable for anyone who needs a specific dinner time. Free on-site parking and our relaxed dress policy help simplify the evening for families visiting Orlando's attractions on Christmas Day.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate tells a story
Private Dining & Group Events
Celebrate at Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned since 1991 on International Drive in Orlando. From corporate dinners and family celebrations to special occasions, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and flexible spaces tailored to your event.
All food packages include dessert, coffee, and tea.
Your guests deserve more than an ordinary dinner. Let our family welcome yours with delicious Italian food, personalized service, and a memorable atmosphere.
What Guests Say
"Home cooked Italian dishes; generous portions; friendly and efficient service. This place is an absolute gem."
— Maria S. — Google"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit. Already planning our next trip back."
— Nicole & Chris W. — Google"Went after a long day at the park and it was the perfect ending. Pasta was incredible, wine list was great, and the atmosphere was exactly what we needed."
— David R. — TripAdvisor
Convenient to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and the southern I-Drive hotel district
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Yes — for large parties, we offer a private dining room (up to 60 guests) and full restaurant buyouts (up to 110 guests). For Christmas Day group dining, contact our events team early at (407) 354-0770, as holiday dates book quickly.
Ciao Italia is on International Drive, just minutes from SeaWorld Orlando. It's the perfect stop for authentic Italian after a day at SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Discovery Cove on Christmas Day.
There is no dress code at Ciao Italia. We are a casual Italian restaurant — shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are all welcome. Come as you are and enjoy authentic Italian food in a warm, relaxed setting on Christmas Day.
Yes — Ciao Italia is a family-friendly casual Italian restaurant. We welcome families with kids of all ages. Our warm atmosphere, homestyle Italian cooking, and relaxed vibe make us a great choice for a Christmas Day family dinner. High chairs are available.
Yes — Ciao Italia has kid-friendly options on our regular menu. Children love our pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna, and Spaghetti con Polpette. Our casual, family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for Christmas Day with the whole family.
Yes — Ciao Italia is located on International Drive, surrounded by dozens of hotels. We are directly across from the DoubleTree by Hilton. Many I-Drive hotels including Rosen, Hyatt Regency, Hilton, and Marriott properties are within a short drive or walk.
Explore more holiday dining options at Ciao Italia on International Drive
Open December 25 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Free Parking
