Where to Eat After Universal Orlando
Authentic Italian dining 12 minutes from Universal. Open nightly since 1991.
You Just Survived Universal — Now Eat Something Real
After a day of Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure, Velocicoaster, and walking what feels like ten miles through the Wizarding World, the last thing your family needs is another overpriced theme park meal. You need real food, somewhere you can actually sit down and breathe.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is 12 minutes south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard. The Navarra family has been cooking here since 1991. The pasta is handmade daily. The seafood is fresh. The veal and lamb chops are prepared the traditional Italian way. And instead of a two-hour wait with a buzzer, you walk in, sit down, and start your meal.
A Real Dinner to End a Big Day
What separates Ciao Italia from the tourist restaurants closer to Universal is the quality of every plate. Pappardelle al Cinghiale — handmade pasta with wild boar ragu and porcini mushrooms. Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams in white wine garlic sauce. Risotto alla Pescatora loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari. These are not reheated chain dishes.
The kids menu is $13 and includes gelato. Adults can enjoy beer and wine with dinner. The dining room is casual and comfortable, the parking is free, and the prices are genuinely reasonable for the quality you get. With over 4,000 reviews and 9 awards, this is where Orlando locals go when they want Italian food done right.
About Dining After Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the upcoming Epic Universe. After a full day at the parks, visitors face a choice: eat at CityWalk with the crowds, or drive a few minutes to find something better.
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 — the pasta, the sauces, the bread, the desserts.
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and a menu featuring handmade pastas, fresh seafood, Australian lamb chops, and sauteed calamari, Ciao Italia is a genuine alternative to theme park dining. Beer and wine available. 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 Eating After Universal
What time should I leave Universal to make dinner at Ciao Italia?
Ciao Italia is open until 10 PM nightly. Leave Universal by 9 PM and you will arrive with time to spare. The drive is about 12 minutes.
Is Ciao Italia less expensive than CityWalk restaurants?
Generally yes. Pasta dishes start at $19, and there is no parking fee. The kids menu at $13 with gelato is an especially good value for families.
About Dining Near Universal
When you are visiting 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 Universal
Ciao Italia is about 12 minutes from 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 Universal
What is a good Italian restaurant 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 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 should I eat after Universal Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is 12 minutes from Universal at 6149 Westwood Blvd. Family-owned since 1991 with handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and over 4,000 reviews.
How far is Ciao Italia from Universal Studios Orlando?
Ciao Italia is approximately 7 miles and 12 minutes from Universal Studios via International Drive, with free parking available.
Is Ciao Italia open late enough for after Universal?
Yes. Ciao Italia is open until 10 PM nightly, which gives Universal visitors plenty of time to get there after the parks close.
Does Ciao Italia have a kids menu?
Yes. The kids menu is $13 and includes an entree plus gelato for dessert. Perfect for families after a day at Universal.
What type of food does Ciao Italia serve?
Ciao Italia serves authentic Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, lamb chops, and homemade desserts like tiramisu and gelato.
More From Ciao Italia
Your Post-Universal Italian Dinner Awaits
12 minutes from Universal Orlando. 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.