Places to Eat in Lake Buena Vista
Real Italian food on Westwood Blvd near the Disney area
The Lake Buena Vista Restaurant Problem Nobody Talks About
Lake Buena Vista restaurants have one thing in common: they know you are a tourist and they price accordingly. The strip along Hotel Plaza Boulevard, the restaurants attached to the resorts, the places on 535 near the Disney gates. They all charge a premium because they can. You just spent $150 a head on park tickets. What is another $45 for mediocre pasta?
But here is the secret that repeat Disney visitors already know: the best food near Lake Buena Vista is not actually in Lake Buena Vista. It is 10 to 15 minutes east, on a quiet street called Westwood Blvd, inside a family restaurant called Ciao Italia. The Navarra family opened it in 1991. They are still there. Over 4,000 reviews, 9 awards, handmade pasta every day. And the prices are what food should actually cost.
Why Families Love Ciao Italia After a Day at Disney
After a full day of walking through theme parks, standing in lines, and managing kids who are running on sugar and adrenaline, the last thing you want is another loud, overpriced restaurant where you wait 45 minutes for a table. Ciao Italia is the antidote. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and genuinely welcoming. You walk in, you sit down, you eat real food, and you feel like a human being again.
The menu is built for everyone. Handmade fettuccine alfredo, chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, seafood risotto, lamb chops. The kids menu is $13 and comes with gelato, available for ages 10 and under. That alone saves you compared to what a kids meal costs at any Lake Buena Vista restaurant. Multiply that by two or three kids and you are looking at real money.

Easy to Get To, Easy to Park, Easy to Enjoy
From most Lake Buena Vista hotels, Ciao Italia is a 10 to 15 minute drive east on I-4. Take the International Drive exit and you are practically there. The restaurant is on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. There is a free parking lot right out front. No valet fees, no parking garages, no walking half a mile from your car to the front door.
Open Every Night
Ciao Italia is open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including all holidays. That means no matter what day of your Disney trip you want a great Italian dinner, the door is open. Reservations are recommended during peak season, especially weekends and holidays. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online.
Group Dining and Private Events
Traveling with a large group? Ciao Italia offers private dining for up to 60 guests and full restaurant buyouts for up to 110. Family reunions, wedding parties, group vacations. The restaurant handles it all with the same family attention every table gets.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Parking
Free self-parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters or garages.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Near SeaWorld, I-Drive, and the Convention Center.
Reservations
Book online through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins always welcome.
Private Dining
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110. Custom menus available.
About Dining Near Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista
When you are visiting Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista 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 Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
More Questions About Dining Near Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista
What is a good Italian restaurant near Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista?
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 Places To Eat Lake Buena Vista?
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
What are the best places to eat near Lake Buena Vista?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is one of the top-rated restaurants near Lake Buena Vista. Located on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, just 10-15 minutes from the Disney area, it has earned 4,000+ reviews and 9 awards for authentic Italian cuisine since 1991.
How far is Ciao Italia from Lake Buena Vista?
Ciao Italia is approximately 10-15 minutes by car from the Lake Buena Vista and Disney World area. in the heart of the I-Drive corridor east on I-4 to the International Drive corridor.
Does Ciao Italia have a kids menu?
Yes. The kids menu is $13 and includes gelato for dessert, available for children 10 and under. Perfect for families visiting from the Disney area.
Is Ciao Italia better than the chain restaurants near Disney?
Ciao Italia is a family-owned Italian restaurant with handmade pasta, fresh ingredients, and recipes perfected over 35+ years. With 4,000+ reviews and 9 awards, it offers a very different experience than chain restaurants near the Disney area.
Is Ciao Italia expensive?
Ciao Italia is moderately priced ($$). Pasta dishes are $19-$27, entrees $24-$44. The $13 kids menu includes gelato. Most guests find it excellent value for homemade Italian.
Just 8 miles from Disney Springs
15 minutes drive via I-4 East — free parking at the door
Get Directions from Disney SpringsMore From Ciao Italia
Skip the Tourist Traps Tonight
Real Italian food, 10 minutes from Lake Buena Vista
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on International Drive since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.