Italian Restaurant Near the Orlando Convention Center — Book on OpenTable

The Go-To Dinner Spot for Convention Attendees

Every year, thousands of convention attendees descend on the Orange County Convention Center for trade shows, medical conferences, industry expos, and corporate events. After long days on the show floor, they need a restaurant that is close, reliable, and worth the trip. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been that restaurant for convention groups for over three decades.

We are 5 minutes up International Drive from the OCCC. The free parking lot is right in front. The dining room is large enough for groups but warm enough to feel like a real dinner rather than a banquet hall. And the food — authentic Southern Italian, made fresh daily — has earned over 4,000 reviews on OpenTable, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.

Why Ciao Italia Works for Convention Groups

Convention dining has a specific set of needs. You need a restaurant that can handle groups of 20, 40, or more without the service falling apart. You need menus that are easy to navigate after a long day. You need a room where conversation is actually possible. And you need a location that does not add 30 minutes to an already exhausting day.

Ciao Italia checks every box. Our private dining room seats up to 60 guests, and full venue buyouts accommodate up to 110. We offer pre-set group menus designed to move efficiently for large parties. Our staff is experienced with convention groups. And our location on Westwood Blvd puts us within a 5-minute drive of every OCCC entrance.

Pre-Set Menus for Large Parties

For convention groups of 10 or more, we recommend our pre-set menu options. These allow your entire group to be served simultaneously, eliminating the wait that comes with individual ordering. Choose from Italian classics — handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and our signature antipasto spreads. Wine and beer are available at the table. Contact us at (407) 354-0770 or visit ciaoitaliaonline.com/group-menus.html to plan your convention dinner.

Logistics That Make Sense After a Long Show Day

From the OCCC, take International Drive north approximately 1.5 miles to Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is on the right at 6149 Westwood Blvd. The entire drive takes about 5 minutes. Free self-parking is available directly in front of the restaurant — no meters, no garages, no fees. Rideshare drop-off is convenient at the main entrance. We are open every night from 5 PM to 10 PM, 7 days a week.

Book Before You Arrive in Orlando

Convention season in Orlando means the best restaurants fill up fast. If your event is bringing a large group, reach out before you arrive. We can hold a reserved section or the private dining room, arrange pre-set menus, and coordinate timing with your conference schedule. Call (407) 354-0770 or book through OpenTable for smaller groups. For groups of 20 or more, our group event inquiry form is the fastest way to confirm your reservation.