Family Restaurants Near Universal Studios Orlando
Homemade Italian just 12 minutes away. Family-owned since 1991. 4,000+ reviews.
Family-Owned Italian — Since 1991 — 6149 Westwood Blvd
Family Restaurants Near Universal Studios Orlando
Skip the Universal CityWalk prices and drive to something real. Ciao Italia has been making everything from scratch since 1991 — homemade pasta, fresh bread, Italian wine. Family-owned, casual, welcoming. 4,000+ reviews. 12 minutes (7 miles) from Universal Studios.
Why Guests Choose Ciao Italia
- 12 minutes (7 miles) from Universal Studios Orlando
- Family-owned and operated since 1991
- Everything made from scratch daily
- Italian wine list and beer selection
- $13 kids menu with gelato included
- Free parking, walk-ins welcome, open nightly 5-10 PM
Better Than Hotel Dining
Hotel restaurants charge hotel prices for food that was prepped hours ago. Ciao Italia charges neighborhood prices for food that was made by hand today. The Fettuccine Alfredo, the Chicken Parmigiana, the Risotto alla Pescatora — everything is cooked to order in a kitchen that has been perfecting these recipes for more than 35 years. 6149 Westwood Blvd. (407) 354-0770.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Parking
Free self-parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters or garages.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Near SeaWorld, I-Drive, and the Convention Center.
Reservations
Book online through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins always welcome.
Private Dining
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110. Custom menus available.
About Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the CityWalk entertainment district. Visitors spend entire days immersed in rides, shows, and attractions. When the parks close, the search for dinner begins, and CityWalk can only absorb so much of the crowd.
The hotel restaurants near Universal serve their purpose, but they rarely deliver a memorable dining experience. And the further you get from the resort, the more the options blend into the International Drive chain restaurant landscape.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is worth the 12-minute drive south. Located on Westwood Boulevard near I-Drive, the restaurant has been family-owned since 1991. The Navarra family makes fresh pasta every morning, simmers sauces all day, and bakes bread in-house. The menu covers classic Italian dishes from antipasti through dessert.
After a high-energy day at Universal, the quiet dining room at Ciao Italia is a welcome contrast. Zagat-rated, 9 awards, 4,000+ reviews, and a kids menu that includes gelato for $13. It is the kind of restaurant people come back to year after year.
Getting to Ciao Italia from Universal Orlando
From Universal Orlando, the drive to Ciao Italia takes about 12 minutes. Head south on International Drive for approximately 7 miles and turn onto Westwood Boulevard near the SeaWorld area. Free self-parking is available at 6149 Westwood Blvd. Rideshare from Universal typically runs $12 to $18 depending on traffic.
More Questions About Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
What restaurants outside Universal Studios are worth visiting?
Ciao Italia Ristorante on Westwood Boulevard is about 12 minutes from Universal and worth the short drive. Family-owned since 1991, it serves homemade Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere. Free parking, kids menu with gelato, and no dress code. A nice change from CityWalk dining.
Can I get a restaurant discount with my Universal Studios ticket?
While Ciao Italia Ristorante offers 10% off dinner with SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Epic Universe tickets, the restaurant welcomes all theme park visitors. Located about 12 minutes from Universal at 6149 Westwood Blvd, it is a great post-park dinner option with free parking.
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 on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6+, call ahead at (407) 354-0770.
Does Ciao Italia have wine?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant.
What are Ciao Italia hours?
Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Just 7 miles from Universal Studios Florida
12 minutes drive via International Drive — free parking at the door
Get Directions from Universal Studios FloridaMore From Ciao Italia
Family Restaurants Near Universal Studios Orlando
Walk-ins welcome. Free parking. Homemade Italian.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on International Drive since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.