Italian Restaurant Near Disney World Off Property
Authentic Italian dining off Disney property. Handmade pasta since 1991.
Italian Food the Way It Should Be
Disney World has Italian restaurants. Via Napoli at EPCOT is fine. Trattoria al Forno is decent. But they are operating inside a theme park ecosystem where everything has been designed, tested, and approved by a team of people whose primary concern is not whether the bolognese is authentic. If you want Italian food made by an Italian family, you need to go where the Italian family is.
The Navarra family opened Ciao Italia in 1991. They make their pasta by hand every day. Their sauces are built from scratch using recipes that came from Italy, not from a corporate recipe database. The calamari is sauteed, not fried from a freezer bag. The veal is prepared in the traditional Italian way. This is what Italian food tastes like when it is made by people who grew up eating it.
The Menu Speaks for Itself
Pappardelle al Cinghiale with wild boar ragu, porcini mushrooms, and pecorino. Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams in white wine and garlic. Ravioli di Pesce, seafood ravioli in light tomato cream. Risotto alla Pescatora with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari in Arborio rice. These are dishes that take time, fresh ingredients, and technique.
The secondi are equally serious. Australian lamb chops with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Gulf grouper alla Puttanesca with olives, capers, and tomato. Vitello Piccata with artichokes and lemon butter. And homemade tiramisu to finish. Beer and wine with dinner.
Why Off Property Makes Sense for Italian
On Disney property, you are paying for the location. Off property, you are paying for the food. At Ciao Italia, pasta starts at $19, the kids menu is $13 with gelato, and the parking is free. You get more food, better food, and a more personal experience for less money.
The restaurant is open every night from 5 to 10 PM. Reservations recommended on weekends. Walk-ins welcome. Private dining for up to 60. Call (407) 354-0770.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open nightly 5 PM to 10 PM. Seven days a week.
Parking
Free self-parking right in front of the restaurant.
About Italian Restaurants Near Disney World
The Orlando area surrounding Disney World has a thriving Italian restaurant scene, with family-owned establishments along International Drive, Sand Lake Road, and in nearby neighborhoods. These restaurants often offer more authentic cuisine than on-property options.
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is among Orlando's most established Italian restaurants. The Navarra family has served handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and sauteed calamari here since 1991. Located 20-25 minutes from all Disney parks. 4,000+ reviews. 9 awards. Beer and wine. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Disney World
Take I-4 East from any Disney park to Exit 74A (Sand Lake Road). Go south on International Drive, then right onto Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd. About 20-25 minutes. Free parking.
People Also Ask About Italian Restaurants Off Disney Property
Is there authentic Italian food near Disney World?
Yes. Ciao Italia Ristorante, owned by the Navarra family since 1991, serves handmade pasta and authentic Italian dishes 20-25 minutes from all Disney parks.
How does off-property Italian compare to Disney Italian?
Off-property Italian restaurants like Ciao Italia offer handmade, family-recipe dishes at lower prices without advance reservation requirements or Disney markups.
What Italian dishes should I try off Disney property?
At Ciao Italia, try the Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Risotto alla Pescatora, sauteed calamari, or the Australian lamb chops. All made from scratch daily.
About Dining Near Disney World Off Property
When you are visiting Disney World Off Property 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 Disney World Off Property
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from Disney World Off Property. 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.
More Questions About Dining Near Disney World Off Property
What is a good Italian restaurant near Disney World Off Property?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 20 minutes away. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, and lamb since 1991. Over 4,000 reviews. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Where can I have dinner near Disney World Off Property?
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes away and serves authentic Italian food made from scratch. Italian wine and beer with dinner, free parking, kids menu with gelato. Walk-ins welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia an authentic Italian restaurant?
Yes. The Navarra family has owned and operated Ciao Italia since 1991. All pasta is handmade, sauces are from scratch, and recipes are authentic Italian traditions.
How far is Ciao Italia from EPCOT?
About 12 miles and 20 minutes via I-4. Slightly further from Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom at about 25 minutes.
Does Ciao Italia make fresh pasta?
Yes. All pasta at Ciao Italia is handmade daily. The kitchen prepares everything from scratch, including sauces, bread, and desserts.
Is Ciao Italia better than Disney Italian restaurants?
Ciao Italia offers a different experience: family-owned for 35+ years, handmade everything, no advance reservations needed, lower prices, and 4,000+ reviews backing it up.
Can I get Italian wine at Ciao Italia?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers a curated selection of Italian wines along with beer. No cocktails or curated wine and beer selection.
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Real Italian, Off Disney Property
20-25 minutes from every Disney park. Family-owned since 1991. Open tonight.
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.