Italian Food Orlando
Italian Food Near Me in Orlando
Family-owned authentic Italian since 1991
Your Search for Italian Food Near Me Ends Here
You are in Orlando, you are hungry, and you just typed "Italian food near me" into your phone. You are probably standing in a hotel lobby near SeaWorld, or sitting in your car after a long day at the Convention Center, or walking International Drive wondering which restaurant is actually worth your time. The answer is Ciao Italia Ristorante, and it has been the answer since 1991.
Ciao Italia sits at 6149 Westwood Blvd, a quiet street just off the main tourist corridors. It is close to everything — minutes from SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, the Convention Center, and most of the major hotels along I-Drive — but far enough from the noise to feel like a real neighborhood restaurant. Because that is exactly what it is. The Navarra family opened it more than 35 years ago, and they still run it today. Same recipes. Same standards. Same kitchen.
Why This Place and Not the Chains
Orlando has no shortage of Italian restaurants. You could eat at a different one every night for a month and still have options left. But most of them are chains, and the ones that are not chains are often imitating chains. Ciao Italia is neither. It is a family restaurant in the truest sense — owned by a family, run by a family, and cooking food that came from a family kitchen in southern Italy.
The pasta is made by hand. The sauces are built from scratch and simmered for hours. The seafood is fresh, not frozen from a distributor truck. The risotto pescatore alone — loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a light tomato broth over creamy risotto — is worth the drive from anywhere in the city. The pappardelle al cinghiale, a Tuscan wild boar ragu over wide ribbon pasta, is a dish you simply will not find at any chain within 50 miles.
Close to Your Hotel, Close to the Parks
One of the biggest headaches of dining in Orlando is the distance. You find a restaurant that looks great online and then realize it is a 40-minute drive across town. Ciao Italia eliminates that problem for most visitors. If you are staying near SeaWorld, the Convention Center, or anywhere along International Drive, you are likely less than 10 minutes away. The restaurant sits right on Westwood Blvd with free self-parking, so there is no circling for spots or paying for a garage.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM, which covers the dinner window perfectly whether you are coming straight from a theme park or heading out after some downtime at the hotel. Reservations are recommended on weekends and during peak season, but walk-ins are welcome any night.
More Than Pasta — A Complete Italian Menu
The menu at Ciao Italia covers the full range of Italian dining. Start with calamari fritti or a bruschetta that actually tastes like it was made five minutes ago, because it was. Move into handmade pastas, fresh seafood preparations, veal piccata with lemon and capers, Australian lamb chops, or a chicken parmesan that is hand-breaded and pan-fried to order. Finish with a house-made tiramisu that will make you forget every other version you have ever had.
The wine list is curated to match the menu, with Italian and domestic selections available by the glass and bottle. Your server can help pair wines with your meal, and they know the menu well because many of them have been here for years. That kind of continuity is rare in the restaurant business, and it shows in the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find authentic Italian food near me in Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando FL 32821 has been serving authentic Italian food since 1991. Located near SeaWorld, the Convention Center, and International Drive, it is one of the most accessible family-owned Italian restaurants in the area. Open 7 days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM with free parking.
Is Ciao Italia close to Orlando hotels and attractions?
Yes. Ciao Italia is minutes from SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, the Orange County Convention Center, and dozens of hotels along International Drive and Westwood Blvd. Free self-parking is available on-site.
What kind of Italian food does Ciao Italia serve?
Ciao Italia serves authentic southern Italian cuisine including handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, chicken, and classic Italian desserts. Signature dishes include risotto pescatore, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar), veal piccata, and house-made tiramisu.
Does Ciao Italia offer takeout and delivery?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers takeout directly from the restaurant with free parking for pickup, and delivery is available through Uber Eats and DoorDash. The full menu is available for takeout and delivery orders.
