Ripley's Believe It or Not Deserves a Dinner to Match
Ripley's Believe It or Not is one of International Drive's most iconic attractions. The tilted building is impossible to miss, and the oddities inside have been drawing visitors to I-Drive for decades. But when you walk out of Ripley's after exploring shrunken heads, optical illusions, and world record exhibits, the question every visitor faces is the same: where do you eat dinner near Ripley's Orlando?
The stretch of International Drive surrounding Ripley's is packed with chain restaurants and tourist traps. Most of them serve the same reheated food you can get anywhere in the country. Vincenzo Cucina Italiana is the exception. Located at Vue at 360, just a short drive south on I-Drive, Vincenzo has been voted Orlando's number one Italian restaurant every year since 2014. After an evening of the unbelievable at Ripley's, this is where the evening gets genuinely memorable.
Why Visitors Choose Vincenzo After Ripley's
Families, couples, and groups visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not are already on International Drive for the evening. Vincenzo is right on I-Drive at Vue at 360, making it the natural next stop. There is no fighting traffic across town or searching for parking in an unfamiliar neighborhood. You stay on I-Drive and pull up to complimentary valet parking at the door.
The timing works perfectly. Ripley's visitors typically finish their tour in the late afternoon or early evening, right when Vincenzo opens at 5 PM. Walk in fresh from the exhibits and sit down to handmade pasta, USDA Prime steaks, ocean-fresh seafood, and a cocktail or glass of Italian wine. It is the kind of evening that turns a good tourist day into an unforgettable one.
What to Expect at Vincenzo Cucina Italiana
- ✦ Handmade pasta prepared fresh daily — gnocchi, pappardelle, lasagna
- ✦ USDA Prime steaks — filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip
- ✦ Ocean-fresh seafood — branzino, shrimp scampi, calamari
- ✦ Craft cocktails and curated Italian wine list
- ✦ Complimentary valet parking every evening
- ✦ Private Amalfi Room for groups of 15 to 50
- ✦ Open 7 days a week, 5 to 10 PM
- ✦ Monday Happy Hour all night, Wednesday Wine Down
The Perfect Tourist Evening on I-Drive
Orlando visitors often ask how to plan a full evening on International Drive. The answer is simple. Start at Ripley's Believe It or Not for one of I-Drive's most entertaining attractions. Then head to Vincenzo Cucina Italiana for dinner. The two experiences could not be more different, and that is exactly what makes the combination work. Ripley's gives you the wild and the weird. Vincenzo gives you the refined and the authentic.
Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic dinner after a fun afternoon, a family with kids who just spent two hours wide-eyed at Ripley's exhibits, or a group of friends hitting all the I-Drive attractions, Vincenzo fits every occasion. Our menu has something for everyone, from rich handmade pasta dishes to perfectly grilled USDA Prime steaks to lighter seafood options.
Location
Vue at 360, I-Drive
Hours
Open 7 Days, 5 to 10 PM
Parking
Complimentary Valet
Private Dining
Amalfi Room, 15-50 Guests
What Our Guests Say
"Vincenzo is one of those restaurants that keeps me coming back again and again. The food is consistently excellent, full of flavor, and clearly made with care."
— Christian Figueroa
"The food was so delicious and fresh. The pasta was not from a box. I would definitely go back."
— Stephen D
"My wife and I were from out of town celebrating our anniversary and I gambled on this restaurant and finally hit the jackpot."
— Kevin Griffin
Happy Hour and Specials Near Ripley's
If you finish at Ripley's early, take advantage of one of I-Drive's best happy hours. Monday happy hour at Vincenzo runs all night long. Tuesday through Friday, enjoy $4 beers, $7 wines, and $10 craft cocktails from 5 to 7 PM. Wednesday is Wine Down night with half off all wines by the glass. It is the perfect way to transition from the exhibits to the dinner table.
Private Dining for Groups
Visiting Ripley's with a large group? Our Amalfi Room offers private dining for 15 to 50 guests with all-inclusive packages starting at $110 per person. Whether it is a family reunion, a corporate outing, or a birthday celebration that started at Ripley's, the Amalfi Room gives your group a dedicated space with personalized service and a curated menu.
Join the Vincenzo VIP Club
Earn rewards every visit, enjoy exclusive VIP nights, and get a free appetizer on signup.
Join FreeVincenzo Cucina Italiana is a proud member of the International Drive Chamber of Commerce. Over 33 years of serving Orlando visitors and locals with authentic Italian cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Vincenzo from Ripley's Believe It or Not Orlando?
Vincenzo Cucina Italiana is located at Vue at 360 on International Drive, just a short drive from Ripley's Believe It or Not. Both are on I-Drive, so there is no need to leave the main strip. Complimentary valet parking is included every evening.
Is Vincenzo a good restaurant for dinner after Ripley's?
Vincenzo is the ideal dinner after Ripley's. USDA Prime steaks, handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails make it the best sit-down restaurant near Ripley's on International Drive. Open 7 days a week from 5 to 10 PM.
Does Vincenzo have parking near Ripley's Orlando?
Yes. Vincenzo offers complimentary valet parking every evening at Vue at 360. You never have to worry about finding a spot on International Drive.
Can I bring a large group to Vincenzo after visiting Ripley's?
Absolutely. The Amalfi Room accommodates private dining for 15 to 50 guests with all-inclusive packages starting at $110 per person. Reservations are recommended for groups.