Christmas Eve · International Drive Orlando
Dine-In Restaurants Open
Christmas Eve International Drive
Full Italian dinner menu • Dec 24, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
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Christmas Eve · International Drive Orlando
Full Italian dinner menu • Dec 24, 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.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is an opportunity to enjoy an evening together rather than spend hours preparing, serving, and cleaning up after a holiday meal. Ciao Italia Ristorante provides a welcoming dine-in experience where guests can gather around the table and enjoy freshly prepared Italian cuisine. Our restaurant on International Drive will be open Thursday, December 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM.
The Navarra family has operated Ciao Italia since 1991, maintaining a tradition of scratch-made cooking and genuine Italian hospitality. Our dining room is designed for guests who appreciate an upscale restaurant atmosphere without the formality of a special holiday banquet. There is no dress code, shorts are welcome, and families can feel comfortable bringing children for a Christmas Eve celebration.
A successful family dinner should give everyone at the table an opportunity to choose food they enjoy. Our regular menu includes chicken parmigiana and lasagna bolognese for guests who love classic Italian dishes, along with veal piccata, fresh seafood, and Australian rack of lamb for those interested in a more elaborate entrée. Scratch-made pasta and risotto provide additional choices for a satisfying Christmas Eve meal.
Our chef will also feature specials of the day throughout the evening, adding variety to the usual menu. There is no separate Christmas Eve menu or fixed-price requirement. Children can order from our $13 kids menu, which includes gelato, and adults can select wine or beer to accompany their entrées. Each family member can enjoy an individual meal while sharing the experience of dining together.
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard, across the street from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. Guests staying in the surrounding hotel district will find us just 0.9 miles from the Orange County Convention Center and 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando. Our location makes it convenient to arrange a Christmas Eve restaurant gathering without traveling far from nearby accommodations.
Free parking is provided on-site, allowing relatives arriving in separate vehicles to meet without coordinating paid parking arrangements. For advance Christmas Eve seating, guests can make reservations through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-in dining is also welcome when tables are available. Larger families should reserve early to improve their chances of being seated together at their preferred time.
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
"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit."
— Nicole & Chris W. — Google"We made Ciao Italia our holiday tradition. Every year the food is perfect, the atmosphere is warm, and the Navarra family makes us feel like we belong."
— Verified Guest — Google"Authentic Italian food right on International Drive. The veal piccata was incredible and the parking is free. We will definitely be back next time we visit Orlando."
— David R. — TripAdvisor
On International Drive, minutes from the places you already visit
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Yes — Ciao Italia Ristorante will be open for dine-in dinner on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Our full regular Italian menu will be available, along with specials of the day. No prix fixe required. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770.
Ciao Italia is located on International Drive, just 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando. After a day at the park, it's a quick drive to enjoy an authentic Italian Christmas Eve dinner. We are also 0.5 miles from Aquatica and 2 miles from Discovery Cove.
We recommend arriving by 6:00–7:00 PM if you want to enjoy a relaxed Christmas Eve dinner. Our kitchen is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. If you have a reservation, aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early. Walk-ins are welcome but waits may be longer on Christmas Eve.
Absolutely — Ciao Italia is a casual Italian restaurant that welcomes families with children on Christmas Eve. There is no dress code. We have a warm, relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a family holiday dinner. Our $13 kids menu includes gelato, and we have high chairs available.
No — Ciao Italia has upscale vibes but is a casual Italian restaurant. There is no dress code — shorts are welcome. We are not a steakhouse, wine bar, or fine dining establishment. We serve authentic, homestyle Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Est. 1991.
Yes — our private dining room accommodates up to 60 guests and is available for Christmas Eve celebrations. You can also book a full restaurant buyout for up to 110 guests for a private holiday party. Contact our events team at (407) 354-0770 for availability.
Explore more holiday dining options at Ciao Italia on International Drive
Whether you're an Orlando local, visiting for the holiday, or simply don't want to cook — we'd love to welcome you. Open December 24 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Free Parking
