Where Orlando Locals Eat Near Disney
The restaurant Orlando locals choose over Disney Springs. Family-owned since 1991.
Orlando Locals Have a Secret — And It Is 20 Minutes from Disney
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.
Why Locals Skip Disney Springs for This
Disney Springs has some decent restaurants, but locals know the drill: $30 parking, 90-minute waits, and a bill that makes you question your life choices. At Ciao Italia, you pull into a free parking spot, walk in, and sit down. That alone is worth the drive.
But the real reason locals come back is the food. Pappardelle al Cinghiale with wild boar ragu and porcini mushrooms. Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams. Sauteed calamari that is nothing like the rubbery fried version you get at most places. Vitello Piccata with artichokes and capers. These are dishes made by people who care about Italian cooking, not by a corporate kitchen following a manual.
About Local Dining Near Disney World
Walt Disney World is the most visited theme park resort in the world, but the dining options on property tend to be expensive and tourist-focused. Orlando locals who live near Disney — in neighborhoods like Celebration, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, and Kissimmee — often prefer to dine at independent restaurants outside the Disney bubble.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is 20 minutes from Disney World on Westwood Boulevard, near SeaWorld and International Drive. The Navarra family has owned and operated this restaurant since 1991. Everything is made from scratch daily.
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and a menu featuring handmade pastas, fresh seafood, Australian lamb chops, and sauteed calamari, Ciao Italia is the kind of place locals recommend to friends. Beer and wine with dinner. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Disney World
Take I-4 East from Disney to exit 72 (International Drive). Head south on I-Drive past Sand Lake Road, then turn right onto Westwood Blvd. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 20 minutes from Disney with free parking.
More Questions About Local Dining Near Disney
Do I need a reservation at Ciao Italia?
Reservations are recommended on weekends but never required. Walk-ins are welcome every night from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Is Ciao Italia good for a date night away from Disney?
Absolutely. The intimate dining room, Italian wine list, and handmade pasta make it a perfect date night spot away from the tourist crowds.
About Dining Near Where Locals Eat Near Disney
When you are visiting Where Locals Eat Near Disney in Orlando, finding a genuine Italian dinner can feel impossible among the chains and tourist traps. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been the answer since 1991 — a family-owned Italian restaurant on Westwood Boulevard where everything is made from scratch.
The Navarra family runs the kitchen personally. Handmade pasta, fresh sauces, bread baked daily, and housemade desserts. The menu includes classics like lasagna and chicken parmigiana alongside refined dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu and risotto alla pescatora.
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and over 35 years of service, Ciao Italia is one of the most trusted Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. Italian wine and beer are available with dinner. Kids eat for $13 with gelato. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Where Locals Eat Near Disney
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from Where Locals Eat Near Disney. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
More Questions About Dining Near Where Locals Eat Near Disney
What is a good Italian restaurant near Where Locals Eat Near Disney?
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.
Where can I have dinner near Where Locals Eat Near Disney?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do locals eat near Disney World?
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.
Is Ciao Italia better than Disney Springs restaurants?
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.
How far is Ciao Italia from Disney World?
Ciao Italia is approximately 12 miles and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World via I-4 and International Drive.
Does Ciao Italia feel like a tourist restaurant?
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.
Is Ciao Italia expensive?
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.
More From Ciao Italia
Eat Where Orlando Locals Eat
20 minutes from Disney. Authentic Italian since 1991. Open tonight.
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.