Top Italian Restaurant in Orlando
Zagat rated. 9 awards. 4,000+ reviews. Family-owned since 1991. Not a chain.
Why Ciao Italia Stands Above the Rest
Orlando has hundreds of Italian restaurants. Most of them are chains with corporate menus designed in test kitchens far from Florida. A few are independents that rely on frozen ingredients and shortcuts. And then there is Ciao Italia Ristorante, a family-owned restaurant that has been doing things the right way since 1991.
The Navarra family opened Ciao Italia with a simple philosophy: cook the food they grew up eating in southern Italy, use the best ingredients available, and never cut corners. Over 35 years later, that commitment has earned 9 awards, a Zagat rating, and more than 3,000 guest reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable. The numbers tell the story, but one dinner confirms it.
Awards, Reviews, and Recognition
Ciao Italia is Zagat rated, a distinction that separates it from the vast majority of Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. The restaurant has collected 9 awards over its history, each one reflecting consistency rather than a single lucky night. With over 4,000 reviews maintaining strong ratings across every major platform, this is not a restaurant riding on reputation alone. It earns its place every evening, one plate at a time.
The menu is the reason. Risotto Pescatore with fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari. Pappardelle with Wild Boar braised for hours. Lobster Ravioli filled by hand. Lamb chops, braised short rib, Chicken Marsala, Veal Piccata. Every dish made from scratch, every day. That is what separates a top restaurant from a popular one.
More Than Just Good Food
What makes a restaurant the top of its class is not just the food. It is the full experience. At Ciao Italia, the dining room is warm and refined without being pretentious. The service is attentive and knowledgeable. The wine list is curated with Italian selections at every price point. And there is no rush. You sit, you eat, you enjoy. That is the Italian way.
The restaurant seats up to 60 for private dining and 110 for a full buyout. It is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, 3 minutes from SeaWorld, the Convention Center, and International Drive. Free self-parking is available. Open seven days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Call (407) 354-0770 for reservations.
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
Why is Ciao Italia considered a top Italian restaurant in Orlando?
Ciao Italia has earned 9 awards, a Zagat rating, and over 3,000 guest reviews since opening in 1991. The Navarra family makes all pasta by hand daily, sources fresh seafood, and uses recipes from southern Italy. It is one of the longest-running family-owned Italian restaurants in Orlando.
What awards has Ciao Italia won?
Ciao Italia has received 9 awards over its 35+ year history, including a Zagat rating. The restaurant is consistently rated among the top Italian restaurants in Orlando on Google, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable.
How long has Ciao Italia been open?
Ciao Italia opened in 1991 and has been family-owned and operated by the Navarra family for over 35 years. It is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the Orlando area.
Does Ciao Italia take reservations?
Yes. Reservations are recommended and can be made online through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Does Ciao Italia make their pasta in-house?
Yes. Pasta, sauces, and bread are all made fresh daily in the Ciao Italia kitchen. This has been the standard since 1991.
More From Ciao Italia
Experience the Best
9 awards. Zagat rated. 4,000+ reviews. Family-owned since 1991.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on Westwood Boulevard since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.