Pasta Restaurant for Families Near International Drive

Handmade Pasta 2 Minutes from I-Drive

The pasta at the chains on International Drive comes from a box. The pasta at Ciao Italia comes from the kitchen — made by hand, every day, since 1991. That difference is obvious from the first bite. The fettuccine has real texture. The sacchetti are folded individually. The ravioli is filled fresh. This is pasta the way Italian families make it.

For families, it means everyone at the table is eating something real. Kids choose from five pasta options on the $13 kids menu. Adults explore 13 handmade pasta dishes. The gelato is included for the kids. The tiramisu is waiting for the parents. And the drive back to your I-Drive hotel is 2 minutes.

Beyond Pasta — A Full Italian Dinner

Pasta is the star, but Ciao Italia has more. Start with bruschetta, garlic bread, or the charcuterie board. Main courses include chicken marsala, chicken parmigiana, veal piccata, fresh salmon, lamb chops, and seafood risotto. Finish with gelato, tiramisu, or cannoli.

Free parking. Highchairs. Wine and beer. Open every night from 5 to 10. The family pasta restaurant near International Drive.

Why Families Choose Ciao Italia

Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family near the Orlando theme parks is harder than it sounds. Most places on International Drive are chains with microwaved food and 45-minute waits. The sit-down spots inside the parks charge resort prices for average quality. What parents actually want is a place where the food is real, the kids are welcome, and the bill does not require a second mortgage.

Ciao Italia has been that place for over 35 years. The Navarra family opened the restaurant in 1991, and they raised their own children here. The kids menu is $13 and includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs are available. There is no dress code. Walk-ins are welcome every night.

The difference is the food. While chain restaurants heat up pre-made pasta and pour sauce from a bag, Ciao Italia makes everything from scratch. The spaghetti and meatballs are handmade. The chicken parmigiana is breaded and fried fresh. The lasagna is layered and baked daily. Parents eat dishes like Risotto alla Pescatora or Pappardelle with Wild Boar while the kids enjoy pasta with marinara and finish with gelato.

Getting to Ciao Italia

Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. The restaurant is on International Drive, 3 minutes from SeaWorld, and 5 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. There is a free parking lot right in front. Open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome. Call (407) 354-0770 for groups of 6 or more.