Italian Near Dr. Phillips

Authentic Italian 8 minutes from Dr. Phillips Dr. Phillips

When Dr. Phillips residents search for Italian food nearby, they have no shortage of options. Chain restaurants line Restaurant Row, and various Italian-themed spots dot the International Drive corridor. But authentic Italian, the kind that is cooked by an Italian family using traditional techniques, is harder to find than you might think.

Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is the real thing. The Navarra family opened this restaurant in 1991 and has been cooking authentic Italian food from scratch every night since. The pasta is handmade daily. The sauces are built from fresh ingredients. The recipes trace back to Italy. This is not Italian-themed dining. This is Italian dining.

What Authentic Italian Tastes Like

At Ciao Italia, you taste the difference from the first bite. The Bruschetta uses toasted ciabatta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil. The sauteed calamari is tender and perfectly prepared, not battered and deep-fried. The Carpaccio di Manzo features paper-thin raw beef with capers, mushroom, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The pasta courses are where Ciao Italia truly excels. The Pappardelle al Cinghiale with wild boar ragu and pecorino. The Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams. The Tortellini con Brasato with braised beef and truffle cream. These are dishes that respect the Italian tradition while delivering bold, satisfying flavors.

Finding Real Italian Near Dr. Phillips

Dr. Phillips is a residential community in southwest Orlando known for its proximity to Restaurant Row, Bay Hill, and the Orlando attractions corridor. The neighborhood has excellent access to dining options, but finding truly authentic Italian food requires looking beyond the chain restaurants.

Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, approximately 3 miles and 8 minutes from Dr. Phillips. The restaurant sits near SeaWorld and the International Drive area, but it feels nothing like a tourist spot. The dining room is intimate, the service is personal, and the food is the kind of Italian cooking that earns loyal customers.

The Navarra family has earned 4,000+ reviews and 9 awards over 35 years. The menu features handmade pasta, fresh seafood, sauteed calamari, veal, and lamb chops. Beer and wine with dinner. Free parking. Open nightly 5-10 PM.

Directions to Italian Near Dr. Phillips

From Dr. Phillips, take Sand Lake Road east to International Drive. Go south on International Drive and turn right onto Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando FL 32821. Approximately 3 miles and 8 minutes. Free parking available.

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About Dining Near Italian Near Dr Phillips

When you are visiting Italian Near Dr Phillips in Orlando, finding a genuine Italian dinner can feel impossible among the chains and tourist traps. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been the answer since 1991 — a family-owned Italian restaurant on Westwood Boulevard where everything is made from scratch.

The Navarra family runs the kitchen personally. Handmade pasta, fresh sauces, bread baked daily, and housemade desserts. The menu includes classics like lasagna and chicken parmigiana alongside refined dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu and risotto alla pescatora.

With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and over 35 years of service, Ciao Italia is one of the most trusted Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. Italian wine and beer are available with dinner. Kids eat for $13 with gelato. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome nightly 5 to 10 PM.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from Italian Near Dr Phillips

Ciao Italia is about 8 minutes from Italian Near Dr Phillips. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.

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