Top Rated Italian Restaurant in Orlando — OpenTable Reviews
Consistently top-rated by real diners. 4,000+ reviews. On International Drive since 1991.
What Makes a Top-Rated Restaurant on OpenTable
OpenTable ratings are driven entirely by verified diners — guests who booked through the platform, showed up, and submitted a review based on their actual experience. There is no way to game the system with anonymous reviews or incentivized feedback. A top rating on OpenTable reflects what real guests actually think, scored across food, service, ambiance, and overall experience, averaged across thousands of visits over time.
Ciao Italia has maintained a 4.6 average rating across more than 4,000 verified reviews. That kind of sustained score is the product of a kitchen and a front-of-house team that execute at a consistently high level, night after night, season after season. It is the restaurant equivalent of batting .300 for 35 straight years.
What Reviewers Praise Most at Ciao Italia
Read through the OpenTable reviews for Ciao Italia and patterns emerge quickly. The food scores are driven by the freshness and quality of the pasta, the seafood, and the sauces. Reviewers note that the food tastes like it was made by someone who cares about the outcome, not assembled from a production line. The Linguine alle Vongole, the Risotto alla Pescatora, and the lamb chops are mentioned repeatedly as exceptional.
The service scores are driven by warmth and attentiveness. The staff at Ciao Italia does not operate on a rush-and-turn model. Dinners here are allowed to breathe. Guests can take their time, and the service adapts to the pace of the table. Reviewers consistently describe the staff as genuinely friendly rather than professionally cordial.
Consistency Over 35 Years
The single most impressive thing about Ciao Italia's OpenTable ratings is not their height but their consistency. A restaurant can score well for a season and then decline as ownership changes, chefs move on, or quality control lapses. Ciao Italia has maintained high scores across more than three decades because the fundamentals have not changed. The Navarra family still runs the restaurant. The kitchen still makes pasta from scratch. The same commitment that opened the doors in 1991 is what keeps the doors open and the ratings high today.
How to Secure Your Table
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive. Reservations are available through OpenTable at ciaoitaliaonline.com/reservations.html or by calling (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins are welcome when seating is available. Free self-parking is provided on-site.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Authentic Southern Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and classic Italian 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. On International Drive near SeaWorld 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
How does Ciao Italia maintain top ratings on OpenTable?
Ciao Italia maintains top ratings through consistent food quality, attentive service, and the standards set by 35 years of family ownership. The pasta is made fresh daily. The sauces are built from scratch. The Navarra family is involved in daily operations, which ensures the kitchen and dining room perform at the same level on a Tuesday night as on a Saturday.
What do reviewers say about the service at Ciao Italia?
OpenTable reviewers consistently praise the service at Ciao Italia as warm, attentive, and unhurried. Many note that the staff treats guests like family rather than table numbers. The pace of service is described as relaxed and appropriate for an Italian dinner, and multiple reviewers mention that the staff goes out of their way to make occasions feel special.
What are the most popular pasta dishes at Ciao Italia?
The most frequently mentioned pasta dishes include the Linguine alle Vongole (linguine with fresh clams in white wine garlic sauce), the Sacchetti di Filetto (truffle sage sacchetti with parmigiano cream and sliced filet), and the Risotto alla Pescatora (arborio rice with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari). The Pappardelle al Cinghiale with wild boar ragu also receives strong praise.
Is Ciao Italia good for a business dinner?
Yes. Ciao Italia is well-suited for business dinners. The atmosphere is warm but not loud, which makes conversation easy. The menu is broad enough to accommodate different preferences. The private dining room seats up to 60 guests for more formal business events. The restaurant's location on International Drive makes it convenient for convention attendees and corporate travelers.
How far in advance should I book at Ciao Italia?
For weeknight dining, same-week reservations are usually available. For Friday and Saturday evenings, especially during peak tourist season, booking 3-7 days in advance through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770 is recommended. Large groups should book at least two weeks ahead.
Does Ciao Italia have outdoor seating?
Ciao Italia is an indoor dining restaurant. The focus is on the warm, intimate interior dining room that seats up to 110 guests. For private events and buyouts, the full space is available. Call (407) 354-0770 to discuss seating arrangements for your visit.
More From Ciao Italia
Reserve Your Table at Orlando's Top Rated Italian Restaurant
Experience the food and service that 4,000+ diners have rated at the top of OpenTable's list.
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.