Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney & Universal
A family-owned Italian restaurant between Disney and Universal since 1991.
One Family. One Restaurant. 35 Years.
In a city dominated by chains, corporate dining groups, and celebrity chef concepts, Ciao Italia Ristorante is something rare: a single-location Italian restaurant that has been owned and operated by the same family since 1991. The Navarra family did not franchise. They did not sell out. They kept cooking.
Located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Ciao Italia sits between Disney World and Universal Orlando — 20 minutes from Disney, 12 minutes from Universal. It is the kind of restaurant that tourists discover by accident and then tell everyone about when they get home. Over 4,000 reviews and 9 awards confirm what locals have known for three decades.
What You Get When You Support Local
When you eat at Ciao Italia instead of a chain, here is what you get: pasta that was handmade that morning, not shipped frozen from a warehouse. Sauces built from scratch by cooks who have been in this kitchen for years. Bread that comes out warm because someone baked it, not unwrapped it. Calamari that is sauteed in the Italian tradition, not battered and deep-fried.
You also get a dining experience that feels personal. The staff knows the regulars. The Navarra family is often on site. The private dining room seats up to 60 for celebrations. And the prices are fair — pasta from $19, kids menu $13 with gelato, free parking. Your money goes to a real family, not a corporate headquarters in another state.
About Locally Owned Dining Near Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando is home to some of the world's biggest theme parks, but the best dining is often found at independent, locally owned restaurants between the parks. These are the places where the food is made with care, the recipes have been perfected over decades, and the owners treat every guest like family.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is located on Westwood Boulevard between Disney World and Universal Orlando. The Navarra family has owned and operated this restaurant since 1991. Everything is made from scratch daily — the pasta, the sauces, the bread, the desserts.
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and a menu featuring handmade Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Risotto alla Pescatora, Australian lamb chops, and sauteed calamari, Ciao Italia represents the best of Orlando's independent restaurant scene. Beer and wine with dinner. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia
Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. From Disney: Take I-4 East to exit 72, head south on I-Drive, turn right on Westwood. From Universal: Head south on I-Drive, turn right on Westwood. Free parking in front.
More Questions About Local Restaurants Near the Parks
How do I find locally owned restaurants in Orlando?
Look for restaurants with long histories, single locations, and owner involvement. Ciao Italia has been at the same address since 1991 with the same family running it every night.
Are locally owned restaurants more expensive than chains?
Not necessarily. Ciao Italia's prices are comparable to or less than many chains, with significantly higher quality. Pasta from $19, kids menu $13 with gelato.
About Dining Near Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal
When you are visiting Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal 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 Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal. 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 Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal
What is a good Italian restaurant near Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal?
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 Locally Owned Restaurants Near Disney Universal?
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
Are there locally owned restaurants near Disney and Universal?
Yes. Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd has been family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991. It is 20 minutes from Disney and 12 minutes from Universal.
Why should I eat at a locally owned restaurant in Orlando?
Locally owned restaurants offer authentic food, personal service, and a dining experience you cannot get at a chain. Your money stays in the community and supports a real family.
Is Ciao Italia a chain restaurant?
No. Ciao Italia is a single-location, family-owned restaurant. There is only one, and the Navarra family has been running it since 1991.
What kind of food does Ciao Italia serve?
Authentic Italian cuisine with handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, lamb chops, and homemade desserts like tiramisu and gelato. Beer and wine with dinner.
Is Ciao Italia between Disney and Universal?
Yes. Ciao Italia is on Westwood Blvd near SeaWorld, approximately 20 minutes from Disney World and 12 minutes from Universal Orlando.
More From Ciao Italia
Support Local — Eat at Ciao Italia Tonight
Family-owned since 1991. Between Disney and Universal. Authentic Italian. 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.