Near Universal & Epic Universe
Restaurants Near Universal Studios Orlando
After the rides, sit down for real Italian. No CityWalk prices. No crowds.
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Near Universal & Epic Universe
After the rides, sit down for real Italian. No CityWalk prices. No crowds.
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.
Best restaurants near Universal Studios Orlando. Ciao Italia serves handmade Italian food just 15 minutes from Universal and Epic Universe.
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.
After a full day atUniversal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or the newEpic Universe, you are exhausted and starving. CityWalk has restaurants, sure. But they are packed, overpriced, and most of them are the same chains you can eat at back home. You did not come to Orlando to pay theme park prices for chain restaurant food.
Ciao Italia Ristoranteis about 15 minutes south of Universal on Westwood Blvd. The Navarra family has been making handmade Italian food here since 1991. Real pasta, real sauces, real Italian cooking. Over 4,000 reviews from guests who discovered that the best dinner near Universal is not actually at Universal. And parking is free.
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.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is one of the best restaurants near Universal Studios Orlando. About 15 minutes south on I-Drive, it serves handmade Italian food with over 4,000 reviews. More affordable and authentic than CityWalk restaurants.
Ciao Italia is approximately 15 minutes from Universal Studios Orlando and Universal's Epic Universe. Located on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd near the south end of International Drive.
Many guests prefer Ciao Italia over CityWalk restaurants because the food is handmade from scratch, prices are lower without the theme park markup, parking is free, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. It is a family-owned restaurant, not a corporate chain.
Absolutely. Ciao Italia is very family friendly with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato. The restaurant is open 5 PM to 10 PM every day, perfect timing for dinner after a day at the parks. Free self-parking available.
Contact Ciao Italia directly at (407) 354-0770 for current promotions. The restaurant offers its own specials for park visitors.
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Real Italian food on International Drive. Family-owned since 1991.
