Where Orlando Locals Eat Near Universal
The restaurant Orlando locals choose over CityWalk. Family-owned since 1991.
Locals Do Not Eat at CityWalk — They Come Here
Ask anyone who lives in the Universal area — Millenia, MetroWest, Rosemont, or even downtown Orlando — where they go for Italian food. It is not CityWalk. CityWalk is for tourists. Locals go where the food is real, the parking is free, and they do not have to wait behind 200 people who just got off the Hogwarts Express.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is 12 minutes south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard. The Navarra family has been here since 1991, which in Orlando restaurant years is basically forever. They have outlasted every Italian chain, every concept restaurant, and every celebrity chef pop-up that has come and gone in this town.
The Kind of Italian Food That Earns 4,000 Reviews
You do not accumulate 4,000+ reviews by being average. Ciao Italia earns its reputation one plate at a time. The pasta is handmade daily — not pulled from a Sysco box. The sauces are built from scratch each afternoon. The bread comes out warm. The calamari is sauteed, not battered and deep-fried.
Locals come for the Pappardelle al Cinghiale, the Linguine alle Vongole, the Vitello Piccata, and the lamb chops. They bring their families for the $13 kids menu with gelato. They book the private dining room for birthdays and celebrations. This is their restaurant, and they treat it that way.
About Local Dining Near Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort draws tens of millions of visitors annually, but the locals who live nearby have their own dining circuit that rarely overlaps with the tourist trail. Independent, family-owned restaurants with proven track records are what locals seek out.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is 12 minutes from Universal 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 Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Risotto alla Pescatora, Australian lamb chops, and sauteed calamari, Ciao Italia is where Orlando locals go. Beer and wine with dinner. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Universal Orlando
Head south on International Drive from Universal. Continue past Sand Lake Road and turn right onto Westwood Blvd. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 12 minutes away with free parking.
More Questions About Local Dining Near Universal
Is Ciao Italia crowded on weekends?
It can be busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Weeknights are typically more relaxed.
Do Universal employees eat at Ciao Italia?
Many Universal team members and nearby hospitality workers are regulars at Ciao Italia. The restaurant's consistency and fair prices make it a go-to spot for industry locals.
About Dining Near Where Locals Eat Near Universal
When you are visiting Where Locals Eat Near Universal 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 Universal
Ciao Italia is about 12 minutes from Where Locals Eat Near Universal. 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 Universal
What is a good Italian restaurant near Where Locals Eat Near Universal?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 12 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 Universal?
Ciao Italia is about 12 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 Universal Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a local favorite, 12 minutes from Universal. Family-owned since 1991 with handmade pasta and over 4,000 reviews.
Is Ciao Italia better than CityWalk restaurants?
Many Orlando locals think so. Ciao Italia is a single-location, family-owned restaurant where everything is made from scratch. No theme park crowds, no inflated prices, no two-hour waits.
How far is Ciao Italia from Universal Studios?
Ciao Italia is approximately 7 miles and 12 minutes from Universal Studios via International Drive.
What makes Ciao Italia a local favorite?
Consistency. The Navarra family has been running Ciao Italia since 1991. The recipes have not changed, the quality has not dropped, and the prices remain fair. That is why locals keep coming back.
Does Ciao Italia take reservations?
Yes. Reservations are recommended on weekends but walk-ins are welcome every night from 5 PM to 10 PM.
More From Ciao Italia
Eat Where Orlando Locals Eat
12 minutes from Universal. 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.