Nearby Attraction Dining
Restaurant Near Universal Studios Orlando
Authentic Italian near Universal Studios. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, 35+ yea
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Nearby Attraction Dining
Authentic Italian near Universal Studios. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, 35+ yea
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.
Italian restaurant near Universal Studios Orlando. Ciao Italia serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and classic dishes since 1991., open 7.
Family-owned and operated since 1991. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and Italian classics served nightly. Located on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando — 3 minutes from SeaWorld, 4 minutes from Aquatica, and 5 minutes from the Convention Center.
Kids menu with gelato included. Homemade pasta. Free parking. Open every night.
Universal Orlando Resort includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the CityWalk entertainment district. Visitors spend entire days immersed in rides, shows, and attractions. When the parks close, the search for dinner begins, and CityWalk can only absorb so much of the crowd.
The hotel restaurants near Universal serve their purpose, but they rarely deliver a memorable dining experience. And the further you get from the resort, the more the options blend into the International Drive chain restaurant landscape.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is worth the 12-minute drive south. Located on Westwood Boulevard near I-Drive, the restaurant has been family-owned since 1991. The Navarra family makes fresh pasta every morning, simmers sauces all day, and bakes bread in-house. The menu covers classic Italian dishes from antipasti through dessert.
After a high-energy day at Universal, the quiet dining room at Ciao Italia is a welcome contrast. Zagat-rated, highly awarded, 4,000+ reviews, and a kids menu that includes gelato for $13. It is the kind of restaurant people come back to year after year.
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 on Westwood Boulevard is about 12 minutes from Universal and worth the short drive. Family-owned since 1991, it serves homemade Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere. Free parking, kids menu with gelato, and no dress code. A nice change from CityWalk dining.
While Ciao Italia Ristorante offers 10% off dinner with SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Epic Universe tickets, the restaurant welcomes all theme park visitors. Located about 12 minutes from Universal at 6149 Westwood Blvd, it is a great post-park dinner option with free parking.
The drive from Universal Studios Orlando to Ciao Italia is typically about 15 minutes heading south on International Drive. Free parking is available at the restaurant.
Ciao Italia offers generous portions of handmade Italian cuisine at fair prices. Many guests find the quality and value significantly better than the theme park dining options.
Yes. We have a private dining room for up to 60 guests and can accommodate full restaurant buyouts for up to 110. Call us at (407) 354-0770 to arrange group dining.
We open at 5 PM and serve until 10 PM. Most park visitors arrive between 7 and 8 PM. Reservations help guarantee your table during busy evenings.
Yes. Ciao Italia is open nightly from 5 to 10 PM. Most Universal guests arrive between 6 and 8 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
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Real Italian food on International Drive. Family-owned since 1991.
