Dinner Near Hard Rock Hotel at Universal
Zagat-rated Italian dining worthy of a premium hotel stay
Dinner Near Hard Rock Hotel at Universal
Dinner near Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando? Ciao Italia Ristorante is 12 minutes away. Zagat-rated Italian, family-owned since 1991. 3,000+ reviews, 9 awards. Open nightly 5-10 PM.
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 the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal?
Ciao Italia is about 10-12 minutes by car from the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. We are at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821.
Is Ciao Italia upscale enough for a special occasion?
Yes. Ciao Italia is Zagat-rated with 9 awards and a polished dining room. Popular for anniversaries, birthdays, and date nights. The atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free self-parking for all guests. No valet fees or resort parking charges.
What are Ciao Italia's hours?
Open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including all holidays. Reservations strongly recommended.
Is Ciao Italia cheaper than CityWalk restaurants?
Ciao Italia offers homemade Italian at neighborhood prices — generally more affordable than Universal CityWalk dining, with larger portions and 35 years of tradition.
More From Ciao Italia
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Family-owned Italian dining since 1991. Open tonight, 5–10 PM.
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.