Nearby Restaurant Dining
Dinner Near Benihana Orlando
Done the hibachi show? Try authentic Italian next.
A Completely Different Evening
Benihana is a classic. The hibachi show, the communal tables, the theatrical cooking. It is a fun experience and there is a reason people love it. But if you have already done the show, or you are looking for something on the opposite end of the dining spectrum, Ciao Italia Ristorante offers a night that is just as memorable in a completely different way.
Where Benihana is performance and energy, Ciao Italia is intimacy and craft. The Navarra family has been making handmade Italian food at this location since 1991. The pasta is rolled fresh daily. The sauces take hours. The dining room is warm and personal. It is the kind of restaurant where the food does the talking and the evening unfolds at your pace.
From Entertainment Dining to Culinary Tradition
Both restaurants have their place in an Orlando trip. Benihana gives you a show. Ciao Italia gives you 35 years of family tradition on a plate. The lobster ravioli alone is worth the short drive. The risotto alla pescatora, packed with fresh mixed seafood and cooked slowly to perfection, is the kind of dish that does not exist in entertainment-focused kitchens. The veal piccata has been on the menu since 1991 because people keep ordering it decade after decade.
If your Orlando dining plan has room for two great dinners out, these two restaurants complement each other perfectly. One night of fire and flair. One night of quiet excellence.
What to Expect at Ciao Italia
The experience begins the moment you walk in. The dining room is elegant but never pretentious. You might meet a member of the Navarra family. Your server will know the menu intimately and can guide you through the specials with genuine enthusiasm. The pace is relaxed. No one rushes you. This is dinner as an event, not a transaction.
The menu spans the range of Italian cooking. Fresh seafood dishes for the adventurous. Classic pastas for the comfort seekers. Veal and lamb for those who want something substantial. A thoughtful wine list that pairs beautifully with every course. And for families, a kids menu at $13 including gelato that makes everyone happy.
Easy to Find, Free Parking
From Benihana on International Drive, Ciao Italia at 6149 Westwood Blvd is approximately 8-10 minutes by car. Free parking for all guests. Open seven nights a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Reservations are recommended. Call (407) 354-0770.
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Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and chicken.
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Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Including all holidays.
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Kids Menu
$13 for children 10 and under. Includes entree and gelato dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ciao Italia from Benihana Orlando?
Ciao Italia is a short drive from Benihana on International Drive, typically under 10 minutes. We are at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821 with free parking.
How is Ciao Italia different from Benihana?
Benihana offers Japanese hibachi-style entertainment dining. Ciao Italia offers intimate, authentic Italian cuisine in a family-owned setting. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, and lamb prepared with 35 years of tradition. Two completely different but excellent dining experiences.
Is Ciao Italia good for groups like Benihana is?
Yes. While the experience is different from communal hibachi seating, Ciao Italia accommodates groups and celebrates special occasions regularly. Reservations are recommended for parties. Call (407) 354-0770.
Does Ciao Italia have a kids menu?
Yes. Children 10 and under enjoy our kids menu for $13, which includes an entree and gelato dessert. Families are always welcome at Ciao Italia.
