Restaurant Near NAFSA Conference

Name: Ciao Italia Ristorante
Address: 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32821, US
Telephone: (407) 354-0770
Price range: $$

Restaurant Near NAFSA Conference

Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida (32821), directly across from the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort. 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, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Orange County Convention Center (0.9 miles / 3 minutes). Free self-parking. Phone: (407) 354-0770. Italian dining near the NAFSA conference at the OCCC in Orlando. Ciao Italia is 0.9 miles from OCCC with private dining for 10-110 educators. Call (407) 354-0770.

Our Story

The Navarra Family. Since 1991.

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, 0.9 miles from the Orange County Convention Center.

Read Our Full Story

Ciao Italia Ristorante

Why Guests Choose Ciao Italia

Ciao Italia Ristorante has been serving authentic Southern Italian cuisine on International Drive since 1991. The Navarra family makes everything from scratch — handmade pasta, slow-simmered sauces, fresh seafood, and classic Italian dishes.

Located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, directly across from the DoubleTree by Hilton. Wine and beer available. Kids menu. No dress code — upscale vibes, casual comfort. Free parking. Open 7 nights a week, 5 PM to 10 PM.

Over 4,000 guest reviews. 4.6-star average rating. This is not a chain — this is the real thing. Call (407) 354-0770 or reserve online.

The Menu

Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate tells a story

Lasagna

Bolognese

Pollo alla Parmigiana

Chicken Parmigiana

Agnello

Australian Rack of Lamb

Linguine con Scampi

Jumbo Shrimp

Risotto alla Pescatora

Fresh Seafood Risotto

Vitello Piccata

Capers & Artichokes

Pesto e Burrata

Fresh Pesto & Burrata

Tortellini Brasato

Truffle Cream

View Full Dinner Menu

Private group dining at Ciao Italia Ristorante Orlando

Private Dining & Group Events

Your Guests. Your Space. An Italian Experience to Remember.

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.

Three Ways to Celebrate

✦ Semi-Private Dining — Up to 60 guests. Perfect for group dinners, birthdays, business gatherings, and special celebrations.
✦ Full Restaurant Buyout — Up to 110 guests. The entire restaurant exclusively yours, with dedicated service and a personalized dining experience.
✦ Private Luncheons — By special arrangement. Exclusive midday celebrations with customized Italian menus and attentive service.

Group Dining Menus

✦ Plated Dinners — $60–$80 per person. Family-style appetizers, choice of entrée, dessert, and coffee.
✦ Family Style — $50–$70 per person. Generous Italian dishes served to share. Minimum 10 guests.
✦ Buffet Reception — $60 per person. Starters, salad, two pastas, and an entrée. Minimum 20 guests.
✦ Wine & Beer Package — Add $28 per person. Red and white wines, imported and domestic beers.

All food packages include dessert, coffee, and tea.

Make Your Next Gathering Unforgettable

Your guests deserve more than an ordinary dinner. Let our family welcome yours with delicious Italian food, personalized service, and a memorable atmosphere.

Reserve Your Private Dining Experience View Group Menus

What Guests Say

★★★★★ 4.6 from 4,000+ reviews

★★★★★

"We host our company dinner here every year during the convention. Private room, great wine, and the lamb chops are always perfect. Nothing else compares near the OCCC."

— Robert M. — OpenTable

★★★★★

"Home cooked Italian dishes; generous portions; friendly and efficient service. This place is an absolute gem."

— Maria S. — Google

★★★★★

"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

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Ciao Italia from the NAFSA conference?

Just 1 mile and 0.9 miles / 3 minutes from the OCCC where NAFSA holds its annual conference. Ciao Italia at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive is one of the most convenient Italian restaurants for NAFSA attendees.

Can international education groups book group dining?

Yes — we welcome groups of 10 to 110. our private dining room seats up to 60 educators, and a full buyout provides exclusive use of the entire restaurant. AV is available for presentations.

Can you accommodate international dietary requirements?

Yes — our kitchen accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other dietary needs. Include all dietary restrictions in your inquiry and our chef will ensure every guest from every background is taken care of.

What menus work for NAFSA networking dinners?

Family Style ($50-$70/pp) is perfect for networking — shared platters create natural conversation across cultures. Buffet ($60/pp) allows guests to choose dishes that match their preferences.

Is Ciao Italia welcoming for international visitors?

Absolutely — as authentic Italian serving Orlando since 1991, we celebrate international culture through food. Our welcoming, casual atmosphere makes visitors from around the world feel at home. No dress code — come as you are.

How do I book for NAFSA attendees?

Call (407) 354-0770 or submit an inquiry online. Include your conference dates, group size, and any dietary considerations. We respond within 24 hours. $500 deposit secures your reservation.