Italian Restaurant Near Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area
Real Italian food a short walk from your hotel. Family recipes since 1991. 10% off with SeaWorld ticket.
Family-Owned Italian — Since 1991 — 6149 Westwood Blvd
The Real Italian Restaurant Within Walking Distance
You are staying at the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area. You are hungry. The chain restaurants on International Drive are not going to cut it — not when there is a family-owned Italian restaurant a short walk away that has been doing this for 35 years.
Ciao Italia Ristorante sits at 6149 Westwood Blvd, on International Drive. The Navarra family opened the doors in 1991 and never left. They brought recipes from Southern Italy — not from a corporate playbook. The pasta is made from scratch every day. The sauces simmer all afternoon. The bread comes out of the oven warm. This is not a chain. This is the real thing, and it is under 5 minutes on foot from your hotel.
Walk over. Sit down. Taste the difference between a family restaurant that has earned its reputation and a franchise that bought its name.
35 Years of Family Recipes
The Navarra family did not open Ciao Italia to follow a trend. They opened it because they grew up cooking this food, and they believed Orlando deserved better Italian than what the chains were serving. That was 1991. They are still here, and the food has not changed — because it did not need to.
Over 4,000 reviews tell the story. Nine culinary awards, a Zagat rating, and three decades of repeat customers from every hotel within walking distance. Families come back every year on vacation. Convention attendees make it their dinner spot for the week. Locals drive past a dozen chain restaurants to eat here instead.
- Family-owned and operated by the Navarra family since 1991
- Over 4,000 reviews — one of Orlando's most-reviewed Italian restaurants
- Zagat rated with 9 culinary awards
- Every pasta made from scratch daily
- Southern Italian recipes from the family, not a corporate kitchen
- Open 7 nights a week, 5 PM to 10 PM
Southern Italian, Made the Right Way
There is a difference between Italian food and real Italian food. The chains give you frozen pasta reheated in a microwave, drowned in sauce from a bag, and served by someone who has never been to Italy. Ciao Italia gives you Pappardelle al Cinghiale — wide-cut pasta with slow-braised wild boar ragu and porcini mushrooms. That is a dish with a story behind it, not a SKU number.
The Tortellini Brasato e Tartufo comes filled with braised beef in truffle cream sauce. The Linguine alle Vongole has fresh clams in white wine garlic sauce — not canned clams from a warehouse. The Risotto alla Pescatora is loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and sautéed calamari in a proper seafood broth.
This is Southern Italian cooking the way it is supposed to be done. The Navarra family did not water it down for tourists. They brought Italy to International Drive and kept it honest for 35 years. That is what separates Ciao Italia from every Olive Garden and chain on the strip.
Convention Dinner? Walk to Ciao Italia
The Orange County Convention Center is right down the road. If you are staying at the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area for a conference, trade show, or convention, you already know the food situation — overpriced sandwiches, lukewarm buffets, and hotel restaurants that charge $30 for a forgettable entree.
Skip all of it. Walk to Ciao Italia after your sessions end and sit down to real food. The private dining room seats up to 60 guests for team dinners, client entertainment, or group celebrations. The full venue holds up to 110 for buyouts. Custom menus are available for groups, and the wine and beer list pairs perfectly with Italian cuisine.
After a long day of convention halls and fluorescent lighting, you deserve a proper dinner. Ciao Italia is a short walk away. No car needed.
Bring Your Park Ticket
Spent the day at SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Discovery Cove? Show your ticket at dinner and save 10% on your entire check — antipasti through dessert. The discount is simple: show the ticket, get the savings. No app to download, no coupon to print. Just real food at a real discount for theme park guests staying at the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area.
How to Walk Over
Exit the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area and head toward International Drive. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd — under 5 minutes on foot. No car needed, no Uber needed. Free parking lot right in front if you do decide to bring the car. Walk-ins welcome every night from 5 to 10 PM, or call (407) 354-0770 to reserve a table.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Parking
Free self-parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters or garages.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. On International Drive, walking distance from Tru by Hilton.
Reservations
Book online through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins always welcome.
Private Dining
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110. Custom menus available.
More Questions About Italian Dining Near Tru by Hilton
Is there an authentic Italian restaurant near Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area?
Yes. Ciao Italia Ristorante is a short walk from the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area. Family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991, they serve handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and authentic Southern Italian cuisine every night from 5 to 10 PM. Over 4,000 reviews and 9 culinary awards. 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando.
What makes Ciao Italia different from chain restaurants?
Ciao Italia is a family-owned restaurant run by the Navarra family since 1991. Every pasta is made from scratch. Every sauce simmers all afternoon. The recipes come from Southern Italy, not a corporate test kitchen. Over 4,000 reviews and 9 awards earned over 35 years — not a franchise with a microwave.
Does Ciao Italia offer a SeaWorld discount?
Yes. Show your SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Discovery Cove ticket and save 10% on dinner. The discount applies to your entire check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk to Ciao Italia from Tru by Hilton?
Yes. Ciao Italia is within walking distance — under 5 minutes on foot. No car or Uber needed. Head to 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive.
Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available. No dress code — shorts and flip-flops welcome.
Does Ciao Italia have wine?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food. Wine and beer only — no cocktails.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant.
What are Ciao Italia hours?
Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Walking Distance from Tru by Hilton
Under 5 minutes on foot — no car needed
Get Walking Directions from Tru by HiltonMore From Ciao Italia
Authentic Italian, Walking Distance
Family recipes since 1991. Bring your ticket for 10% off.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on International Drive since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.