Top Rated Restaurants International Drive Orlando
Best dining near I-Drive. 3,000+ reviews, 9 awards, Zagat rated. Since 1991.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is consistently rated among the top restaurants near International Drive. With 3,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and a Zagat rating, it stands out from the tourist-area chains.
Ciao Italia is 5 minutes from International Drive, located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Most I-Drive hotels are within 10 minutes.
International Drive is heavily dominated by chain restaurants. Ciao Italia offers a family-owned, authentic Italian alternative that is worth the short drive from the main strip.
Yes. Free self-parking for all guests. A welcome change from the paid parking common in the I-Drive area.
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is consistently rated among the top restaurants near International Drive. With 3,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and a Zagat rating, it stands out from the tourist-area chains.
Ciao Italia is 5 minutes from International Drive, located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Most I-Drive hotels are within 10 minutes.
International Drive is heavily dominated by chain restaurants. Ciao Italia offers a family-owned, authentic Italian alternative that is worth the short drive from the main strip.
Yes. Free self-parking for all guests. A welcome change from the paid parking common in the I-Drive area.
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online through OpenTable.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
About Dining Near I-Drive
International Drive runs through the center of Orlando's tourism district. It connects SeaWorld, Aquatica, ICON Park, the Orange County Convention Center, and dozens of hotels. Every night, thousands of visitors walk the strip looking for dinner.
Most of what they find are chain restaurants with corporate menus and frozen ingredients. The Italian restaurants on I-Drive tend to be the usual suspects: Olive Garden, Carrabba's, Buca di Beppo. They are fine for what they are, but they are not authentic Italian cooking.
Ciao Italia is different. Located on Westwood Boulevard just off International Drive, it is a family-owned restaurant where the Navarra family has been making everything from scratch for over 35 years. The sauteed calamari, the handmade pasta, the Risotto alla Pescatora, the Australian lamb chops — this is real Italian food, not a chain interpretation.
The restaurant is casual and welcoming, perfect for families, couples, and groups. The kids menu is $13 and includes gelato. Beer and wine are available to pair with dinner. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from I-Drive
Getting to Ciao Italia from International Drive could not be simpler. The restaurant sits on Westwood Boulevard, one block off the main I-Drive corridor. Whether you are coming from the north end near ICON Park or the south end near the outlets, you are looking at a 2-minute drive. Free self-parking is available for all guests.
More Questions About Dining Near I-Drive
What kind of Italian food does Ciao Italia serve?
Ciao Italia serves authentic southern Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, sauteed calamari, veal, lamb chops, and braised short rib. Everything is made from scratch daily by the Navarra family, who have owned the restaurant since 1991.
Is Ciao Italia good for date night near International Drive?
Ciao Italia is one of the best date night restaurants near I-Drive. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with an Italian wine list and beer selection. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and candlelit tables make it a popular choice for couples visiting Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ciao Italia accept reservations?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online through OpenTable.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers free self-parking for all guests.
What are the hours?
Open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including all holidays.
Where is Ciao Italia located?
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Near SeaWorld and the Convention Center.
How does Ciao Italia compare to I-Drive chain restaurants?
Unlike chains, Ciao Italia is family-owned with recipes perfected over 35 years. The pasta is handmade, the sauces are fresh daily, and the atmosphere is warm and personal.
More From Ciao Italia
Your Table is Waiting
Family-owned Italian dining since 1991. Open tonight, 5–10 PM.
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.