Thanksgiving · International Drive Orlando
Thanksgiving Restaurant Near
Orange County Convention Center
0.9 Miles Away • Nov 26, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
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Thanksgiving · International Drive Orlando
0.9 Miles Away • 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.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Thanksgiving
Finding an established restaurant near the Orange County Convention Center for Thanksgiving can simplify holiday plans for visitors staying in Orlando’s convention district. Ciao Italia Ristorante is situated at 6149 Westwood Boulevard on International Drive, only 0.9 miles from the convention center. The drive takes approximately three minutes, making our restaurant convenient for travelers who want an Italian dinner outside their hotel.
Family-owned since 1991 by the Navarra family, Ciao Italia brings decades of Italian restaurant experience to Orlando’s hospitality community. Our kitchen focuses on scratch-made recipes, fresh ingredients, and traditional preparations rather than mass-produced banquet dining. On Thursday, November 26, 2026, we will be open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, serving Thanksgiving dinner in our regular restaurant setting.
Holiday dining does not have to involve a fixed selection of dishes or an expensive multi-course menu. Ciao Italia will offer its complete regular Italian dinner menu throughout Thanksgiving evening, featuring chicken parmigiana, lasagna bolognese, Australian rack of lamb, and veal piccata. Guests can also enjoy fresh seafood, scratch-made pasta, and risotto, with specials of the day available in addition to our usual dishes.
Our flexible menu is particularly useful when dining with people who have different preferences. Children can order from the $13 kids menu, which includes gelato, while adults can select their preferred entrées and enjoy wine or beer. We are not serving a traditional turkey dinner or requiring a prix fixe Thanksgiving meal. Guests can enjoy a complete Italian restaurant experience with the freedom to order as they please.
Ciao Italia offers practical advantages for guests meeting from different hotels or traveling with family members. Free parking is available on-site, and our restaurant provides a comfortable dining room with upscale character and no dress code. Shorts are welcome, making the restaurant appropriate for both business travelers and families on vacation.
For organized gatherings, our private dining room accommodates up to 60 guests, with larger events of up to 110 guests possible through a full restaurant buyout by advance arrangement. Availability for Thanksgiving must be confirmed directly with our team. Guests seeking regular dinner reservations can use OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-in diners are welcome when tables are available. Our location, just 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando, also makes Ciao Italia accessible for visitors combining convention-area accommodations with Orlando attractions.
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"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 Orlando's top attractions and convention hotels.
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
Whether you're an Orlando local, visiting for the holiday, or simply don't want to cook — we'd love to welcome you. Open November 26 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Free Parking
