Fresh Seafood
Italian Seafood in Orlando
Risotto pescatore, calamari, shrimp scampi, grouper. Fresh Italian seafood since 1991.
Seafood the Italian Way
Italian cooking and seafood go hand in hand. Along the coasts of Italy, from Sicily to the Amalfi Coast, seafood is not a special-occasion ingredient. It is everyday food, prepared simply with good olive oil, garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs. At Ciao Italia Ristorante, that coastal Italian tradition has been part of our kitchen since we opened in 1991, right here on Westwood Blvd near SeaWorld.
Orlando is not on the ocean, but our kitchen treats seafood as if it were. Fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, and grouper are prepared with the same respect for the ingredient that you would find in a seaside trattoria. No heavy batters hiding the fish. No cream sauces masking the flavor. The seafood is the star, and the Italian technique brings it to life.
The Seafood Menu at Ciao Italia
Our risotto pescatore is the dish that gets talked about the most. Arborio rice cooked to order with fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a light seafood broth. Guests call it the best in Orlando, and it has been on our menu for decades. But the seafood story at Ciao Italia goes well beyond risotto.
The calamari is lightly fried and served with marinara. The shrimp scampi is sauteed with garlic, butter, and white wine over pasta. The linguine vongole features fresh clams tossed with garlic and olive oil. The grouper puttanesca pairs a beautiful piece of fish with olives, capers, tomatoes, and just enough heat to make it interesting. Each dish reflects the Italian philosophy of letting quality ingredients do the work.
Seafood Near SeaWorld
The irony of being near SeaWorld is that most of the restaurants in the area are chains serving frozen, pre-portioned seafood from a truck. Ciao Italia is the alternative. A family-owned restaurant where the owner knows the guests and the kitchen handles seafood with care. We are just minutes from SeaWorld, Aquatica, and the Orange County Convention Center, surrounded by hotels like the Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites, Renaissance at SeaWorld, and the DoubleTree.
Whether you spent the day at the parks or you are a local looking for a great seafood dinner, Ciao Italia offers something the chains cannot: consistency built over more than 35 years, with over 3,000 reviews and 9 awards to prove it.
Pair Your Seafood with Italian Wine
A great seafood dish deserves a great wine. Our curated list includes crisp Italian whites that pair beautifully with the risotto pescatore, the clams, and the grouper. Ask your server for a recommendation, and they will match the bottle to your order. It is one more detail that separates a real Italian dinner from a chain restaurant experience.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd
Orlando, FL 32821
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Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
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Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Including all holidays.
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Parking
Complimentary self-parking for all guests. No valet fees or surcharges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood dishes does Ciao Italia serve?
Our seafood menu includes risotto pescatore with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari; fried calamari; shrimp scampi; linguine vongole with fresh clams; grouper puttanesca; and other seasonal preparations.
Is the seafood fresh?
Yes. Ciao Italia uses fresh seafood in all of our dishes. Quality ingredients are the foundation of our kitchen, and we do not substitute with frozen seafood.
How close is Ciao Italia to SeaWorld?
Ciao Italia is located on Westwood Blvd, just minutes from SeaWorld and Aquatica. Hotels near SeaWorld like the Renaissance, DoubleTree, and Hilton Orlando are all a short drive away.
Can I book a private seafood dinner at Ciao Italia?
Yes. Our private dining room seats up to 60 guests and a full restaurant buyout accommodates up to 110. Custom seafood-focused menus can be arranged for your event.
Fresh Seafood, Italian Style
Risotto pescatore, calamari, grouper, and more. Open tonight, 5–10 PM.
