What style of food does Ciao Italia serve?
Scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine — handmade pastas, slow-braised meats, fresh seafood from Florida waters, and imported Italian ingredients. Every dish is prepared from scratch in our kitchen. We are not a chain, not a banquet hall, and not a steakhouse. We are a real Italian restaurant that has been cooking this way since 1991. Casual dress welcome — no dress code.
Can guests choose their own entrée at a private event?
Yes. With our plated dinner menus ($60, $70, or $80 per person), each guest selects their own entrée from a curated list of three options. Starters are served family style to the table, and every guest receives their individually chosen main course. This gives your group variety while keeping service elegant and personal.
Does Ciao Italia accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Our kitchen prepares everything from scratch, which means we can accommodate most dietary needs including gluten-free, vegetarian, and common food allergies. Let our events team know about any dietary restrictions when planning your menu, and our chef will ensure every guest is taken care of.
What is included in the bar package?
Our $28 per person bar package includes sommelier-selected Italian and domestic wines plus imported and domestic beer, served throughout your event. Ciao Italia is a wine and beer restaurant — we do not serve cocktails or spirits. Our curated wine selection is chosen specifically to complement Southern Italian cuisine.
What is semi-private dining?
Semi-private dining is a more intimate option for groups of 20 to 50 guests. Your party is seated in a designated semi-private area of the restaurant with attentive service and a food & beverage minimum that varies by season. It is perfect for business dinners, family celebrations, and friend gatherings where you want a bit of privacy and a great Italian meal.
Can we order from the regular menu for a semi-private dinner?
Yes. Semi-private dining groups can order from Ciao Italia's full regular dinner menu — each guest chooses their own dish. If you prefer a set group menu for easier planning, you can also choose one of our plated dinner packages or family-style options. A food & beverage minimum applies and varies by season.
What dessert is served at private events?
All private dining menus include assorted mixed Italian pastries served family style, plus freshly brewed coffee and tea. The pastry selection features traditional Italian desserts — a sweet finish to your evening that guests can linger over with a final glass of wine.
Does Ciao Italia offer private luncheons?
Yes, by special arrangement. Ciao Italia is not open to the public for lunch, but we offer private luncheons for groups of 15 or more. Your group gets the entire restaurant during hours we are normally closed — the same scratch-made kitchen, the same menus, the same dedicated service, just during the day. All three group menu packages are available (Plated $60–$80, Family Style $50–$70, Buffet $60), and we can set up AV screens for presentations. We are located 1 mile from the Orange County Convention Center, making us ideal for convention breakout meals, corporate luncheons, award ceremonies, bridal showers, and retirement celebrations. A $500 deposit secures your date, and we ask for at least 2–3 weeks notice.
