Restaurants Near Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area
The best restaurant near Tru is a short walk away. Handmade Italian, not reheated chains. 10% off with park ticket.
Family-Owned Italian — Since 1991 — 6149 Westwood Blvd
The Best Option Is a Short Walk Away
You are staying at the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area. You pull up Google and search for restaurants. The results are a wall of chains — the same franchises you have at home, the same reheated food, the same corporate menu you could order in any city in America. You did not fly to Orlando for that.
A short walk from your hotel, there is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been on International Drive since 1991. The Navarra family opened Ciao Italia at 6149 Westwood Blvd and never left. They make everything from scratch — the pasta, the sauces, the desserts. They have over 4,000 reviews, 9 culinary awards, and a Zagat rating. And they are under 5 minutes on foot from your hotel.
The chains are everywhere. Ciao Italia is the one you will remember.
Chains vs. Family-Owned
Here is the difference, and it matters.
- Chain pasta: Shipped frozen from a commissary, boiled, and covered in sauce from a bag. Ciao Italia pasta: Made from scratch in the kitchen that morning. Rolled, cut, and cooked to order.
- Chain calamari: Breaded rings from a freezer bag, deep-fried. Ciao Italia Calamari Saltati: Sautéed in white wine lemon butter sauce. Not fried.
- Chain recipes: Designed by a corporate test kitchen to be replicable across 800 locations. Ciao Italia recipes: Brought from Southern Italy by the Navarra family and unchanged for 35 years.
- Chain reviews: "It was fine." Ciao Italia reviews: Over 4,000 — one of the most-reviewed Italian restaurants in Orlando.
- Chain history: Opened when the franchise fee cleared. Ciao Italia history: Same family, same kitchen, same recipes since 1991.
You can eat at a chain anywhere. You can only eat at Ciao Italia here. And you can walk there from the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area.
What 4,000 Reviewers Already Know
More than 4,000 people have reviewed Ciao Italia. That is not a number you manufacture with marketing — that is a number you earn by being consistently excellent for 35 years. The Navarra family has been feeding Orlando visitors and locals since 1991, and the reviews tell the story better than any advertisement could.
Nine culinary awards. A Zagat rating. Families who come back every vacation. Convention attendees who eat here every night of their conference. Hotel guests from every property on International Drive who walk in once and never go back to the chains.
The food speaks for itself. The Lasagna, the Tortellini Brasato e Tartufo, the Risotto alla Pescatora, the Agnello — these are the dishes that earned those reviews. Upscale vibes, casual comfort. No dress code. Shorts welcome. Just great food.
Convention Center Dining Alternative
If you are in town for a convention at the Orange County Convention Center, you already know the food options inside the venue are overpriced and underwhelming. The hotel restaurant is no better. And the chains along International Drive are the same ones you have at home.
Walk to Ciao Italia instead. After a long day of sessions and exhibit halls, sit down to handmade pasta and a glass of Italian wine. The private dining room seats up to 60 for team dinners or client entertaining. Full venue buyout holds up to 110. Custom menus available for groups of any size.
Skip the convention food. Walk to real food. Call (407) 354-0770 to reserve.
SeaWorld Ticket = 10% Off
Spent the day at SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Discovery Cove? Show your ticket at dinner and save 10% on your entire check. Walk over from the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area, skip the chains, and enjoy handmade Italian at a discount. The savings apply from antipasti through dessert.
How to Walk Over
Exit the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area and head toward International Drive. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd — under 5 minutes on foot. No car needed, no Uber needed. Free parking lot right in front if you do bring the car. Walk-ins welcome every night from 5 to 10 PM, or call (407) 354-0770 to reserve a table.
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. On International Drive, walking distance from Tru by Hilton.
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.
More Questions About Restaurants Near Tru by Hilton
What are the best restaurants near Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area?
The best restaurant near Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area is Ciao Italia Ristorante — a family-owned Italian restaurant a short walk away at 6149 Westwood Blvd. The Navarra family has been serving handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and authentic Southern Italian cuisine since 1991. Over 4,000 reviews, Zagat rated, 9 awards. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Are there non-chain restaurants near Tru by Hilton Orlando?
Yes. Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned Italian restaurant within walking distance of the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area. Owned by the Navarra family since 1991, everything is made from scratch — handmade pasta, fresh sauces, house-made desserts. Not a chain. Not a franchise. A real family restaurant with 35 years of history.
Does Ciao Italia offer a SeaWorld discount?
Yes. Show your SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Discovery Cove ticket and save 10% on dinner. The discount applies to your entire check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk to Ciao Italia from Tru by Hilton?
Yes. Ciao Italia is under 5 minutes on foot from the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area. No car or Uber needed.
Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available. No dress code — shorts and flip-flops welcome.
Does Ciao Italia have wine?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food. Wine and beer only — no cocktails.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant.
What are Ciao Italia hours?
Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Walking Distance from Tru by Hilton
Under 5 minutes on foot — no car needed
Get Walking Directions from Tru by HiltonMore From Ciao Italia
Skip the Chains
Walk to real Italian. 10% off with SeaWorld ticket.
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.