Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try
The family-owned Italian restaurant Orlando locals recommend to every visitor.
Most Tourists Never Find This Place — And That Is a Shame
Orlando has over 5,000 restaurants. Most tourists end up eating at the same two dozen — the ones in the theme parks, on I-Drive, or in the hotel lobby. They leave Orlando thinking the food scene is all buffets and burger joints. They are wrong.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is on Westwood Boulevard, just off International Drive near SeaWorld. The Navarra family has been cooking here since 1991. They do not advertise on the side of a bus. They do not have a mascot. They have over 4,000 reviews and 9 awards because the food speaks for itself. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, sauteed calamari, veal, and lamb chops — all prepared the traditional Italian way.
What You Will Not Find at a Theme Park Restaurant
At Ciao Italia, you will find Pappardelle al Cinghiale — handmade pasta with wild boar ragu and porcini mushrooms. You will find Risotto alla Pescatora loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari. You will find Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams in white wine garlic sauce. These are not dishes you can get at Olive Garden or a theme park food court.
The wine list is Italian. The bread is fresh. The tiramisu is homemade. The kids menu is $13 with gelato. The parking is free. And the Navarra family treats every table like they are feeding their own relatives. That is the difference between a restaurant and a dining experience.
About Dining in Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks
Orlando's dining scene extends far beyond the theme parks. Some of the best food in the city is found in neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips, Sand Lake Road, and the I-Drive corridor — areas where independent, family-owned restaurants have built loyal followings over decades.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is centrally located on Westwood Boulevard, 3 minutes from SeaWorld, 12 minutes from Universal, and 20 minutes from Disney. The Navarra family has owned and operated this restaurant since 1991.
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and a menu featuring handmade pastas, fresh seafood, Australian lamb chops, and sauteed calamari, Ciao Italia is the kind of restaurant that changes how tourists think about Orlando dining. Beer and wine with dinner. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Find Ciao Italia in Orlando
Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. From International Drive, turn onto Westwood Blvd — the restaurant is on your right with free parking in front. Three minutes from SeaWorld, near the Convention Center.
More Questions About Orlando Dining for Tourists
Should I make a reservation at Ciao Italia?
Reservations are recommended on weekends but not required. Walk-ins are welcome every night from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Can tourists order delivery from Ciao Italia?
Yes. Ciao Italia is available on Uber Eats and DoorDash. You can also call (407) 354-0770 for takeout to your hotel.
About Dining Near Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try
When you are visiting Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try 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 Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try
Ciao Italia is about 5 minutes from Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try. 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 Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try
What is a good Italian restaurant near Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 5 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 Orlando Restaurants Tourists Should Try?
Ciao Italia is about 5 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
What Orlando restaurants should tourists try?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a must-try. Family-owned since 1991, handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and over 4,000 reviews. It is the kind of place locals recommend to visitors.
Is Ciao Italia near the Orlando theme parks?
Yes. Ciao Italia is 3 minutes from SeaWorld, 12 minutes from Universal, and 20 minutes from Disney World. Centrally located on Westwood Blvd near International Drive.
Why do locals recommend Ciao Italia to tourists?
Because it is authentic. The Navarra family has been making pasta by hand since 1991. It is not a chain, not a theme park restaurant, and not a tourist trap. It is the real thing.
Is Ciao Italia expensive?
No. Pasta dishes start at $19, and the kids menu is $13 with gelato included. It is well-priced for the quality, especially compared to theme park and I-Drive restaurants.
Does Ciao Italia have parking?
Yes. Free self-parking is available right in front of the restaurant. No valet fees, no garage, no walking a quarter mile from a parking structure.
More From Ciao Italia
Do Not Leave Orlando Without Trying This
Near SeaWorld and I-Drive. Authentic Italian 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.