Italian Restaurant Near Convention Center Orlando

The Best Italian Near the Orange County Convention Center

If you are in Orlando for a convention, conference, or trade show at the Orange County Convention Center, you already know the dining options in the immediate area lean heavily toward hotel restaurants and chain spots. Ciao Italia Ristorante is a short drive from the OCCC and offers something those places cannot: a Zagat-rated Italian restaurant owned and operated by the same family since 1991.

We are located on Westwood Blvd, just off International Drive, which means you can be at our door in minutes from the Convention Center without fighting traffic or navigating unfamiliar highways. When you arrive, you will find complimentary self-parking waiting for you. No valet fees, no parking structures, no meters.

Built for Business Dinners

Convention weeks in Orlando mean business dinners. You need a restaurant where you can have a real conversation, impress a client, or thank your team after a long day on the exhibit floor. Ciao Italia delivers on all three. The dining room is warm and sophisticated without being loud or distracting. The service is attentive but never intrusive. And the food speaks for itself.

Our menu features handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic Italian preparations that appeal to every palate. Whether your group includes adventurous eaters or people who prefer familiar favorites like chicken parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo, everyone will find something they love.

Private Dining for Corporate Groups

Our private dining room seats up to 60 guests and is the ideal setting for corporate dinners, team celebrations, client entertainment, and post-conference gatherings. For larger events, we offer a full restaurant buyout that accommodates up to 110 guests. Either way, you get dedicated service staff, a customizable menu, and the flexibility to run the evening on your schedule.

We offer group menus that simplify ordering for large parties, along with beer and wine packages that keep the drinks flowing without the hassle of individual tabs. If you need AV accommodations or a specific seating arrangement, let us know when you book and we will make it happen.

Easy to Find, Easy to Park

Getting to Ciao Italia from the Convention Center is straightforward. Head west on International Drive and you are here in minutes. No tolls, no highway merges, no confusing turns. When you pull in, you will find a free parking lot right at the restaurant. For convention attendees who have been dealing with parking garages and rideshare surges all week, that alone is worth the trip.

Open Every Night During Convention Season

We are open seven days a week, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including during every major convention, trade show, and event at the OCCC. We do not close for holidays, and we do not reduce hours during busy weeks. We recommend making a reservation during convention season, especially for groups of six or more. Call us at (407) 354-0770 or visit our reservations page to book online.