The Odditorium Ends, Dinner Begins
Ripley's Believe It or Not is one of the most recognizable buildings on International Drive. That tilted structure draws visitors in every evening, and when they come out, the question is always the same: where do we eat? The stretch of I-Drive near Ripley's is packed with options, but most of them are chains serving reheated food at inflated prices.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is about 8 minutes south, and it is the kind of restaurant that Ripley himself might have found unbelievable: a family-owned Italian restaurant that has survived and thrived on the most competitive restaurant corridor in Florida for over 35 years.
What Makes Ciao Italia Different
The Navarra family does not cut corners. Every pasta is handmade. Every sauce is prepared from scratch daily. The seafood arrives fresh. The veal is pounded and breaded to order. In a world where most restaurants near tourist attractions are running food from a freezer to a microwave, Ciao Italia operates the way Italian restaurants are supposed to operate.
That commitment shows in the numbers: more than 3,000 reviews, 9 culinary awards, and a Zagat rating. It shows at the tables too, where you will find a mix of tourists, locals, and repeat guests who have been coming back for decades.
Feeding Families Since 1991
Ripley's attracts a lot of families, and Ciao Italia welcomes them all. The kids menu is $13 for children 10 and under and includes gelato. The dining room is comfortable without being stuffy. You do not need to worry about kids being kids here. The Navarras raised their own family in this restaurant.
