Restaurants Outside Universal Studios Florida

After Universal Studios, Eat Like You Are in Italy

Universal Studios Florida is one of the most action-packed theme parks in the world. After hours of riding Hagrid, escaping Gringotts, and battling Transformers, your family deserves a real sit-down dinner. The restaurants inside CityWalk are fine, but they are loud, crowded, and designed for volume. If you want something with character — where the pasta is handmade, the sauces are made from scratch, and the owner greets you at the door — you need to step outside the Universal bubble. Ciao Italia is 10 minutes south on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd. The Navarra family has been cooking here since 1991.

• 10 minutes from Universal Studios
• Handmade pasta and fresh sauces daily
• $13 kids menu includes gelato dessert
• Free parking lot right in front
• Walk-ins welcome 7 nights a week
• Family-owned and operated since 1991

Why Universal Guests Choose Ciao Italia

CityWalk has its place, but after a long day in the parks you want a restaurant that does not feel like another attraction. Ciao Italia is a quiet, family-owned Italian restaurant where the food is the reason people come back. The Sacchetti di Filetto is handmade pasta purses with truffle cream and sliced filet mignon. The Pappardelle al Cinghiale is wild boar ragu with porcini mushrooms. The Risotto alla Pescatora is loaded with shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari. Pair it with something from the Italian wine list and you have a dinner that makes the whole Universal trip better. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM. Free parking. Call (407) 354-0770.

About Dining Outside Universal Studios

Universal Studios Florida draws millions of visitors every year. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the new DreamWorks Land, and classic rides like Revenge of the Mummy make it one of Orlando's biggest attractions.

Most guests eat inside CityWalk or grab fast food between rides. But Orlando's best restaurants are off property, where quality and value are both better.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is 10 minutes from Universal Studios on Westwood Boulevard. Family-owned since 1991, the restaurant serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, lamb chops, and a carefully curated Italian wine list. It is the kind of dinner that turns a good vacation into a great one.

Getting to Ciao Italia

From Universal Studios, take I-4 East to the International Drive exit. Head south on I-Drive for about 2 miles, then turn right on Westwood Boulevard. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd with a free parking lot in front. The drive takes about 10 minutes outside of rush hour.