Italian Restaurants Near Helios Universal
Homemade Italian just 12 minutes away. Family-owned since 1991. 4,000+ reviews.
Family-Owned Italian — Since 1991 — 6149 Westwood Blvd
Italian Restaurants Near Helios Universal
Staying at Helios Grand Hotel near Universal? Ciao Italia is 12 minutes away — family-owned Italian making everything from scratch since 1991. Homemade pasta, fresh bread, Italian wine. Not a chain. 4,000+ reviews. Free parking.
What to Expect
- 12 minutes from Helios Grand Hotel
- Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, bread daily
- Family-owned since 1991 — 4,000+ reviews
- Italian wine list and beer selection
- $13 kids menu with gelato included
- Free parking, walk-ins welcome
Better Than Hotel Dining
Hotel restaurants charge hotel prices for food that was prepped hours ago. Ciao Italia charges neighborhood prices for food that was made by hand today. The Fettuccine Alfredo, the Chicken Parmigiana, the Risotto alla Pescatora — everything is cooked to order in a kitchen that has been perfecting these recipes for more than 35 years. 6149 Westwood Blvd. (407) 354-0770.
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. Near SeaWorld, I-Drive, and the Convention Center.
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.
About Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure draw millions of visitors every year. Between the two parks and CityWalk, there is no shortage of things to do. But by the end of the day, most visitors want to eat somewhere that is not inside a theme park.
CityWalk has its own dining options, but they tend to be loud, crowded, and priced for the tourist market. The hotels around Universal have restaurants too, but they are often generic and overpriced. For visitors willing to drive a few minutes, much better options exist.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 12 minutes south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard, near International Drive. The Navarra family has been serving homemade Italian food here since 1991. Everything is made from scratch, from the pasta to the bread to the desserts.
The restaurant is casual and welcoming. Families, couples, and groups of all sizes come in after park days. There is no dress code, parking is free, and walk-ins are welcome every night from 5 to 10 PM. With 4,000+ reviews and 9 awards, it is one of the most trusted Italian restaurants in the Orlando tourist corridor.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Universal Studios
Ciao Italia is about 12 minutes from Universal Studios Orlando, roughly 7 miles south via International Drive. Head south on I-Drive past the convention center area toward SeaWorld, then turn onto Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd with free parking. The drive is straightforward and avoids I-4 during peak hours.
More Questions About Dining Near Universal Studios Orlando
Where should I eat after Universal Studios Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is about 12 minutes south of Universal Studios on Westwood Boulevard. It is a family-owned Italian restaurant with homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and classics like chicken parmigiana and lamb chops. Free parking, walk-ins welcome, open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Is there good Italian food near Universal Orlando?
Yes. Ciao Italia Ristorante is about 7 miles south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard. The Navarra family has been making fresh pasta and Italian dishes since 1991. The restaurant has 9 awards, over 4,000 reviews, and Zagat recognition. It is a genuine Italian restaurant, not a theme park dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6+, call ahead at (407) 354-0770.
Does Ciao Italia have wine?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food.
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.
Just 7 miles from Universal Studios Florida
12 minutes drive via International Drive — free parking at the door
Get Directions from Universal Studios FloridaMore From Ciao Italia
Italian Restaurants Near Helios Universal
Walk-ins welcome. Free parking. Homemade Italian.
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.