Local Favorite Near Disney
Where Orlando Locals Eat Near Disney
The restaurant Orlando locals choose over Disney Springs. Family-owned since 1991.
The restaurant Orlando locals choose over Disney Springs. Family-owned since 1991.
When the Navarra family opened Ciao Italia on International Drive in 1991, Orlando looked nothing like it does today. But the mission was simple: serve real Italian food, made from scratch, every single night.
35 years later, that mission hasn't changed. The pasta is still handmade. The sauces still simmer for hours. Over 4,000 guests have left reviews. Zagat rated, highly awarded, and the same family still greeting you at the door.
This is not a chain. This is the real thing.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate from scratch
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida (32821). Established in 1991 by the Navarra family. Open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Serves scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and classic Italian dishes. Wine and beer only — no cocktails or full bar. Casual dress welcome — no dress code. 4.6-star average rating with over 4,000 reviews. SeaWorld Orlando is 1.4 miles away, Orange County Convention Center (0.9 miles / 3 minutes), and Epic Universe (10 minutes). Free self-parking. Reservations recommended. Phone: (407) 354-0770.
Orlando locals skip Disney Springs and drive to Ciao Italia on I-Drive. 20 minutes from Disney World. Scratch-made pasta, Italian wine and beer, no dress code. Open nightly 5-10 PM.
Family-owned and operated since 1991. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and Italian classics served nightly. Located on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando — 3 minutes from SeaWorld, 12 minutes from Universal, and 20 minutes from Disney World.
Kids menu with gelato included. Homemade pasta. Free parking. Open every night.
If you ask a Disney cast member, a local realtor, or anyone who has lived in Orlando for more than a few years where to get real Italian food, there is a good chance they will mention Ciao Italia. It is not on Disney property. It is not in Disney Springs. It is not even in the tourist corridor. And that is exactly the point.
Ciao Italia Ristorante sits at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. The Navarra family has been running it since 1991. The pasta is handmade. The sauces are made from scratch. The bread is fresh. And the prices are what Italian food should cost — not what Disney charges for it.
Ciao Italia looks elegant — arched columns, Italian pottery, wine racks. But there's no dress code. Shorts and flip-flops are welcome. Kids are welcome.
$13 kids menu with gelato included. Highchairs available. Walk-ins welcome every night from 5 to 10 PM. Free parking lot right in front.
Reserve a Table
"We host our company dinner here every year during the convention. Private room, great wine, and the lamb chops are always perfect."
"Came here after SeaWorld with the kids. No dress code, free parking, incredible food. My daughter loved the gelato."
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Free self-parking lot right in front. No meters or garages.
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. On International Drive, near SeaWorld and the Convention Center.
Book online via OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770.
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando — across from the DoubleTree by Hilton |
| Aquatica | 0.5 miles |
| OCCC | 0.9 miles / 3 min |
| SeaWorld | 1.4 miles |
| Discovery Cove | 2 miles |
| Hours | Open nightly 5–10 PM |
| Parking | Free on-site |
| Dress Code | Casual — no dress code |
Reservations are recommended on weekends but never required. Walk-ins are welcome every night from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Absolutely. The intimate dining room, Italian wine list, and handmade pasta make it a perfect date night spot away from the tourist crowds.
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 20 minutes away. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, and lamb since 1991. Over 4,000 reviews. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes away and serves authentic Italian food made from scratch. Italian wine and beer with dinner, free parking, kids menu with gelato. Walk-ins welcome.
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a local favorite, 20 minutes from Disney. Family-owned since 1991 with handmade pasta and over 4,000 reviews.
Ciao Italia is a single-location, family-owned restaurant that has been open since 1991. Everything is made from scratch. Many Orlando locals prefer it over the chain and corporate restaurants at Disney Springs.
Ciao Italia is approximately 12 miles and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World via I-4 and International Drive.
No. Ciao Italia is where Orlando locals go for Italian food. The dining room is intimate, the staff knows regulars by name, and the atmosphere is distinctly non-touristy.
No. Pasta dishes start at $19, veal at $28, and the kids menu is $13 with gelato. It is well-priced for the quality, especially compared to Disney area restaurants.
On International Drive, near SeaWorld and the Convention Center. Free parking right in front.
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20 minutes from Disney. Authentic Italian since 1991. Open tonight.