SeaWorld Orlando · International Drive
Restaurants Open Thanksgiving
Near SeaWorld Orlando
1.4 Miles From SeaWorld • Nov 26, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
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SeaWorld Orlando · International Drive
1.4 Miles From SeaWorld • Nov 26, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
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, 1.4 mi from SeaWorld Orlando.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Thanksgiving
Many Orlando restaurants adjust their operating hours for Thanksgiving, making it important to confirm dinner service before arriving. Ciao Italia Ristorante will be open on Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM. The restaurant is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard on International Drive, approximately 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando.
Our kitchen will operate during the evening dinner period, rather than offering an all-day Thanksgiving buffet or lunch service. Guests can plan an afternoon at SeaWorld or other Orlando attractions and make Ciao Italia their dinner destination. The restaurant has been family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991 and specializes in scratch-made Italian cuisine served in a welcoming dining room.
Guests visiting Ciao Italia on Thanksgiving can order from our regular dinner menu, featuring lasagna bolognese, chicken parmigiana, veal piccata, Australian rack of lamb, and fresh seafood. Scratch-made pasta and risotto round out the selection, and our kitchen will prepare specials of the day in addition to its normal offerings. There is no separate Thanksgiving menu, turkey dinner, or prix fixe requirement.
Our family-friendly approach extends to younger guests, with a $13 children’s menu that includes gelato. Wine and beer are available for adults. The restaurant’s combination of substantial Italian entrées and children’s choices makes it practical for families who want to share a holiday meal without preparing food in a vacation rental or returning to their hotel for dinner.
Ciao Italia sits directly across the street from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, approximately half a mile from Aquatica Orlando and 2 miles from Discovery Cove. Guests approaching from the convention district can also find us 0.9 miles from the Orange County Convention Center. Our location offers a convenient alternative to traveling into downtown Orlando for dinner.
There is free on-site parking, no dress code, and shorts are welcome despite the restaurant’s upscale atmosphere. Thanksgiving reservations can be requested through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins are accepted when seating is available, but advance reservations are advisable for guests who need a specific dinner time on the holiday.
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
"Home cooked Italian dishes; generous portions; friendly and efficient service. This place is an absolute gem."
— Maria S. — Google"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"Authentic Italian food right on International Drive. The veal piccata was incredible and the parking is free. We will definitely be back next time we visit Orlando."
— David R. — TripAdvisor
On International Drive, minutes from the places you already visit
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Yes. We are open Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Regular menu, regular hours.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but Thanksgiving is one of our busiest nights. We strongly recommend calling ahead at (407) 354-0770 or booking online to secure your table.
No prix fixe, no special menu. Our full regular dinner menu is available — every pasta, every entrée, every appetizer. Order exactly what you want.
Absolutely. We have a $13 kids menu with gelato, highchairs available, casual atmosphere, and no dress code. Shorts welcome. The whole family is welcome.
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821 — on International Drive near SeaWorld Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. Free parking right out front.
Yes. Our full Italian wine list and beer selection is available all evening. We are wine and beer only — no full bar.
Explore more holiday dining options at Ciao Italia on International Drive
Real Italian food, 1.4 mi from SeaWorld Orlando. Family-owned since 1991.
