Convention Center Dining
Best Italian Restaurant Near Convention Center Orlando
0.9 miles / 3 minutes from the OCCC with free parking and private dining
0.9 miles / 3 minutes from the OCCC with free parking and private dining
When the Navarra family opened Ciao Italia on International Drive in 1991, Orlando looked nothing like it does today. But the mission was simple: serve real Italian food, made from scratch, every single night.
35 years later, that mission hasn't changed. The pasta is still handmade. The sauces still simmer for hours. Over 4,000 guests have left reviews. Zagat rated, highly awarded, and the same family still greeting you at the door.
This is not a chain. This is the real thing.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate from scratch
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida (32821). Established in 1991 by the Navarra family. Open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Serves scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and classic Italian dishes. Wine and beer only — no cocktails or full bar. Casual dress welcome — no dress code. 4.6-star average rating with over 4,000 reviews. SeaWorld Orlando is 1.4 miles away, Orange County Convention Center (0.9 miles / 3 minutes), and Epic Universe (10 minutes). Free self-parking. Reservations recommended. Phone: (407) 354-0770.
5 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. Ciao Italia — Family-owned Italian since 1991. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, wine & beer. 4,000+.
Family-owned and operated since 1991. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and Italian classics served nightly. Located on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando — 3 minutes from SeaWorld, 4 minutes from Aquatica, and 5 minutes from the Convention Center.
Kids menu with gelato included. Homemade pasta. Free parking. Open every night.
The Orange County Convention Center brings millions of visitors to Orlando every year. Trade shows, conferences, expos, corporate summits. And after a full day on the convention floor, those visitors end up eating at the hotel restaurant or grabbing something on International Drive. That is a mistake. Thebest Italian restaurant near the Convention Centeris 5 minutes away on Westwood Boulevard, and it has been there since 1991.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is family-owned by the Navarra family, who brought their recipes from southern Italy and never stopped cooking them. Every pasta is handmade daily. The Risotto alla Pescatora, the Pappardelle with Wild Boar, the Vitello Piccata, and the house-made Tiramisu have earned the restaurant Zagat ratings, highly awarded, and more than 4,000+ reviews from guests who keep coming back convention after convention.
Ciao Italia looks elegant — arched columns, Italian pottery, wine racks. But there's no dress code. Shorts and flip-flops are welcome. Kids are welcome.
$13 kids menu with gelato included. Highchairs available. Walk-ins welcome every night from 5 to 10 PM. Free parking lot right in front.
Reserve a Table
"We host our company dinner here every year during the convention. Private room, great wine, and the lamb chops are always perfect."
"Came here after SeaWorld with the kids. No dress code, free parking, incredible food. My daughter loved the gelato."
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Free self-parking lot right in front. No meters or garages.
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. On International Drive, near SeaWorld and the Convention Center.
Book online via OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770.
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando — across from the DoubleTree by Hilton |
| Aquatica | 0.5 miles |
| OCCC | 0.9 miles / 3 min |
| SeaWorld | 1.4 miles |
| Discovery Cove | 2 miles |
| Hours | Open nightly 5–10 PM |
| Parking | Free on-site |
| Dress Code | Casual — no dress code |
Yes. The private dining room seats up to 60 guests with group menus designed for corporate events. Many convention groups book Ciao Italia for team dinners, client entertaining, and celebratory meals. Call (407) 354-0770 to arrange.
Ciao Italia is open nightly until 10 PM. Most convention schedules end by 6 or 7 PM, giving attendees plenty of time for a relaxed dinner. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended during major shows.
Ciao Italia is approximately 5 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. It is one of the closest authentic Italian restaurants to the OCCC.
Yes. Ciao Italia offers private dining for groups up to 60 guests, or a full restaurant buyout for up to 110 guests. This is ideal for corporate dinners, team dinners, and convention group events. Call (407) 354-0770 to arrange.
Yes. Ciao Italia offers free self-parking for all guests, regardless of convention schedules. No meters, no garages, no fees.
Yes. Ciao Italia is open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM, including during all major conventions and trade shows. Reservations are strongly recommended during large events.
Yes. Ciao Italia has a private dining room for groups up to 60 and offers customizable group menus. Call (407) 354-0770 or visit the Private Events page.
On International Drive, near SeaWorld and the Convention Center. Free parking right in front.
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Authentic Italian 0.9 miles / 3 minutes from the OCCC. Free parking. Private dining available. Open every night.