Authentic Italian Near Universal
Restaurants by Universal Studios Orlando
Family-owned Italian on I-Drive, 12 minutes from Universal. Since 1991.
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Authentic Italian Near Universal
Family-owned Italian on I-Drive, 12 minutes from Universal. Since 1991.
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 restaurants by Universal Studios Orlando? Ciao Italia is a family-owned Italian 12 minutes from Universal on I-Drive. Open 7 nights.
CityWalk is convenient, but the prices are steep and the restaurants are designed for volume. If you want a real dinner by Universal Studios Orlando, drive 12 minutes south on International Drive to Ciao Italia Ristorante.
The Navarra family has been making handmade pasta and sauces at 6149 Westwood Blvd since 1991. It is the kind of Italian restaurant that CityWalk cannot replicate: family-owned, made from scratch, and priced for people who just spent a fortune at the park.
Free parking. Walk-ins welcome. Open every night from 5 to 10 PM.
Twelve minutes. That is all it takes to go from CityWalk crowds to a quiet Italian dinner where the owner greets you at the door. The drive is straight down International Drive, no highways or tolls.
If you are staying at a Universal hotel — Cabana Bay, Aventura, Endless Summer, Helios Grand Hotel, Terra Luna, Stella Nova — the drive to Ciao Italia is 10 minutes or less.
Convention attendees at the OCCC, tourists at SeaWorld, and locals from Dr. Phillips all eat here too. The restaurant serves a wide crowd because the food is universally good.
Universal Studios Orlando sits on the north end of International Drive. CityWalk provides dining within the resort, but guests who want independent, locally-owned options venture down I-Drive to find them.
Ciao Italia sits in the heart of the I-Drive corridor, between Universal and SeaWorld. It is one of the few restaurants in the area that has been independently owned for over three decades.
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 12 minutes south of Universal on I-Drive. Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, open nightly 5-10 PM.
No. International Drive has many independent restaurants. Ciao Italia is one of the most established, open since 1991 with over 4,000 reviews.
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available. No dress code — shorts and flip-flops 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.
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Real Italian food on International Drive. Family-owned since 1991.
