Authentic Italian Near Universal
Places to Eat by Universal Studios Orlando
Family-owned Italian on I-Drive. 12 minutes from Universal. Open 7 nights.
Scroll
Authentic Italian Near Universal
Family-owned Italian on I-Drive. 12 minutes from Universal. Open 7 nights.
Our Story
When Josie and Antonio Navarra opened Ciao Italia in 1991, they brought their Southern Italian family recipes and a simple philosophy: make great food from scratch, treat guests like family, and never take shortcuts.
More than 35 years later, we are still here — locally owned, scratch-made, and proudly independent. No chains. No shortcuts. Just real Italian food on International Drive.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida (32821). Established in 1991 by the Navarra family. Open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Serves scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and classic Italian dishes. Wine and beer only — no cocktails or full bar. Casual dress welcome — no dress code. 4.6-star average rating with over 4,000 reviews. SeaWorld Orlando is 1.4 miles away, Orange County Convention Center (0.9 miles / 3 minutes), and Epic Universe (10 minutes). Free self-parking. Reservations recommended. Phone: (407) 354-0770.
Looking for places to eat by Universal Studios Orlando? Ciao Italia is a family-owned Italian restaurant 12 minutes from Universal on International Drive.
CityWalk has restaurants, but they come with CityWalk prices and CityWalk crowds. If you want places to eat by Universal Studios that are not inside the Universal bubble, Ciao Italia Ristorante is where Orlando locals go. A family-owned Italian restaurant at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 12 minutes south on International Drive.
The Navarra family has run this restaurant since 1991. Everything is made fresh daily: the pasta, the bread, the sauces. No corporate kitchen, no frozen entrees, no tourist markup. Just real Italian food from a real Italian family.
The drive from Universal to Ciao Italia is straight down International Drive. Free parking lot right in front. Most nights you can walk in without a wait.
Universal CityWalk restaurants are designed for volume. High prices, crowded dining rooms, and menus built for speed. Ciao Italia is the opposite. A quiet neighborhood restaurant where the owner knows your name by dessert.
The dining room fits families, couples, and groups comfortably. There is no rush to turn your table. The staff treats you like a guest, not a ticket number.
If you are staying at one of the Universal hotels, the drive is even shorter. Cabana Bay, Aventura, Endless Summer, and the new Helios Grand Hotel are all within 10 minutes of Ciao Italia.
Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most visited theme parks in the world. Between Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the new Epic Universe, the resort draws millions of visitors each year. Most of them eat at CityWalk or the hotel restaurants.
But International Drive runs right through the middle of everything. Ciao Italia sits in the heart of I-Drive, between Universal and SeaWorld. It is the kind of restaurant that regulars protect and tourists discover by accident.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate tells a story
Private Dining & Group Events
Celebrate at Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned since 1991 on International Drive in Orlando. From corporate dinners and family celebrations to special occasions, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and flexible spaces tailored to your event.
All food packages include dessert, coffee, and tea.
Your guests deserve more than an ordinary dinner. Let our family welcome yours with delicious Italian food, personalized service, and a memorable atmosphere.
What Guests Say
"We have been coming here for 10 years every time we visit Orlando. The food never changes and that is the highest compliment."
— The Rossi Family — OpenTable"No pretension, no attitude, just amazing food and warm service. The tortellini with truffle cream is outstanding."
— James R. — TripAdvisor"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit. Already planning our next trip back."
— Nicole & Chris W. — Google
On International Drive — minutes from Orlando's top attractions.
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 12 minutes south of Universal on International Drive. Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and Italian classics. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters, no garages.
Absolutely. Kids menu is $13 with gelato included. Highchairs available. Families are always welcome.
Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6+, call ahead at (407) 354-0770.
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food. Wine and beer only — no cocktails.
Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant at 6149 Westwood Blvd.
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. On International Drive, near SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and the Orange County Convention Center. About 15 minutes from MCO airport via FL-528 W.
Explore more dining guides for Orlando visitors
Real Italian food on International Drive. Family-owned since 1991.
