Restaurants in Orlando
Orlando has thousands of restaurants. This one is owned by a family that actually cooks.
Orlando Has a Lot of Restaurants. Most of Them Are Chains.
Let us be honest. When you search for restaurants in Orlando, you get pages of results. Olive Garden, Carrabba's, Maggiano's, Bonefish Grill. They are everywhere. They serve the same menu in Orlando that they serve in Ohio. And there is nothing wrong with that if you want consistency. But if you came to Orlando and want to eat something that was actually made today, by people who care about what they put on your plate, you need a different kind of restaurant.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is that restaurant. The Navarra family has been running this place since 1991. Every pasta is handmade. Every sauce is made from scratch. The menu reflects what Italian cooking actually is, not what a corporate kitchen decided it should be. Over 4,000 people have left reviews, and the reason is simple: this place is real.
The Restaurant Orlando Locals Keep Coming Back To
Here is the thing about the best restaurants in any city. Locals eat there. Not just tourists on vacation looking for whatever pops up on their phone. Ciao Italia has regulars who have been coming for decades. People who had their first date here, then their anniversary dinner, then brought their kids. That does not happen at chain restaurants.
The menu covers everything from classic Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo to dishes you will not find at your local Italian chain. Pappardelle with Wild Boar. Risotto Pescatore loaded with seafood. Brasato, slow-braised beef that falls apart. The wine list is entirely Italian. And the kids menu is $13 with gelato, so your little ones eat well too.
Where to Find Us in Orlando
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. That puts us 3 minutes from SeaWorld, International Drive, and the Orange County Convention Center. Whether you are visiting Orlando or you live here, we are easy to get to and even easier to park at. Free self-parking, no garages, no valet fees.
We are open seven days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended on weekends but walk-ins are always welcome. Private dining is available for groups up to 60, and full restaurant buyouts for up to 110 guests. Call us at (407) 354-0770 or book online.
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. Near SeaWorld, I-Drive, and the Convention Center.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is one of Orlando's best restaurants with over 4,000 reviews. Family-owned since 1991, it serves handmade Italian food made from scratch daily. Located near SeaWorld and I-Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd.
What makes Ciao Italia different from chain restaurants in Orlando?
Ciao Italia is independently owned by the Navarra family since 1991. All pasta is handmade, sauces are made from scratch, and the menu reflects authentic Italian cooking. It is not a franchise with corporate recipes and frozen food shipped from a warehouse.
Is Ciao Italia expensive?
Ciao Italia is moderately priced in the $$-$$$ range. Pasta dishes are around $18-25, and there is a $13 kids menu that includes gelato. It is comparable to many Orlando chain restaurants while serving significantly better food.
Do I need a reservation at Ciao Italia?
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, but walk-ins are welcome. Ciao Italia is open 7 days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online.
Does Ciao Italia accept reservations?
Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6 or more, call ahead at (407) 354-0770. Online reservations are also available.
More From Ciao Italia
Skip the Chain. Eat the Real Thing.
Handmade Italian food. Family-owned since 1991. Open 7 nights a week.
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.