Fine Dining 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
Fine Dining 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
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
Address
6149 Westwood Blvd
Orlando, FL 32821
Hours & Phone
Open Nightly 5–10 PM
(407) 354-0770
Parking
Free parking lot
right in front
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
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.
More From Ciao Italia
Fine Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
Walk-ins welcome. Free parking. Homemade Italian.
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.