Dinner Near Universal's Aventura Hotel
Authentic Italian 12 minutes from Universal Orlando
Escape the Theme Park Prices
Universal's Aventura Hotel is sleek, modern, and perfectly positioned for the parks. But when dinner rolls around and you see what CityWalk charges for a plate of pasta, the math stops making sense. Ciao Italia Ristorante is 5 minutes from the Aventura Hotel, and you will eat better Italian food for less money than anything on the resort property.
Since 1991, the Navarra family has cooked real Italian food on Westwood Boulevard. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and chicken prepared the way it has been done in Italian kitchens for generations. No shortcuts, no microwaves, no corporate recipes. Just a family that has spent 35 years perfecting the craft.
Real Italian, Not Theme Park Italian
There is a difference between Italian food made by a family from Italy and Italian food made by a corporate kitchen designed to serve thousands of tourists a day. Ciao Italia is the former. The pasta is made fresh. The sauces simmer for hours. The seafood comes in daily. Whether you order the linguine alle vongole, the veal piccata, or the chicken marsala, you are eating something that was made with care by people who take this personally.
The kids menu is $13 and includes gelato, so the whole family eats well without the theme park markup. Children 10 and under can choose from classic Italian dishes sized just right.
12 Minutes, A Different World
Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 10-12 minutes from Universal's Aventura Hotel. Free parking is included. No valet fees, no parking garages, no $30 theme park parking charges. You drive up, park, and walk in. The Navarra family has been welcoming guests this way for over three decades.
After a Long Day in the Parks
You spent the day on roller coasters and walking miles through Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The last thing you want is to fight the CityWalk crowds for an overpriced dinner. Ciao Italia is the antidote. A quiet, comfortable dining room. Attentive service. A glass of wine. Food that actually tastes like someone cared about it. This is how you end a theme park day right.
Open Every Night
Ciao Italia is open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including all holidays. Reservations are recommended during peak Universal season. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Authentic Italian. Handmade pastas, seafood, veal, lamb, chicken, and classic desserts.
About Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most visited theme parks in the world. The rides are intense, the shows are entertaining, and by 6 or 7 PM, most visitors are exhausted and starving. The question is always: where do we eat?
CityWalk is the obvious answer, but it is often just as crowded as the parks. Hotel dining is convenient but uninspired. And the restaurants along International Drive near Universal are heavily skewed toward chains and tourist traps.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a different kind of experience. Located about 12 minutes south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard, it is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been in business since 1991. The Navarra family runs the kitchen, makes the pasta fresh daily, and treats every guest like a neighbor.
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. You can come in park clothes, order homemade lasagna or lamb chops, and enjoy a glass of Italian wine without any pretension. Free parking, walk-ins welcome, and a kids menu with gelato. It is the dinner people wish they had known about sooner.
Directions from Universal Studios to Ciao Italia
Ciao Italia is located about 7 miles south of Universal Studios Orlando on Westwood Boulevard, just off International Drive. The drive takes roughly 12 minutes along I-Drive. The restaurant has a free parking lot right in front. It is an easy, straight route with no complicated turns or highway merges.
More Questions About Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
Where do locals eat near Universal Studios Orlando?
Locals often recommend Ciao Italia Ristorante on Westwood Boulevard, about 12 minutes south of Universal. It is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been open since 1991. Homemade pasta, fresh bread, casual atmosphere, and fair prices. A genuine alternative to CityWalk and hotel dining.
Is there a family-friendly restaurant near Universal with free parking?
Ciao Italia Ristorante has free self-parking and is very family-friendly. The kids menu is $13 with gelato included, there is no dress code, and walk-ins are welcome every night. It is about 12 minutes south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard near International Drive.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Universal Studios Orlando
The drive from Universal Studios Orlando to Ciao Italia takes about 12 minutes. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ciao Italia from Universal's Aventura Hotel?
Ciao Italia is about 10-12 minutes by car from Universal's Aventura Hotel. We are at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, an easy drive down International Drive.
Is Ciao Italia better than CityWalk restaurants?
If you want authentic, family-owned Italian food instead of chain restaurant dining, yes. Ciao Italia has been here since 1991, earned 9 awards, and serves handmade pasta and fresh seafood nightly.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free self-parking for all guests. No theme park parking fees, no garage charges.
What are Ciao Italia's hours?
Open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including all holidays. Reservations recommended during peak Universal season.
Does Ciao Italia take Universal annual pass for discounts?
Contact Ciao Italia directly at (407) 354-0770 for current promotions. The restaurant offers its own specials for park visitors.
More From Ciao Italia
Escape the Theme Park Prices
Authentic Italian 12 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on Westwood Boulevard since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.