Nearby Hotel Dining
Dinner Near The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Zagat-rated Italian cuisine, minutes from the resort
A Different Kind of Fine Dining
Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes know what exceptional dining looks like. The resort itself has outstanding restaurants. But sometimes the best evening is the one spent discovering something unexpected. Ciao Italia Ristorante is that discovery. A Zagat-rated, award-winning Italian restaurant owned by the same family for over 35 years, quietly delivering one of the best dining experiences in Orlando.
The Navarra family opened Ciao Italia in 1991, and the philosophy has never changed: source the finest ingredients, make everything by hand, and treat every guest like they are sitting in your home. The pasta is rolled and cut daily. The seafood is fresh. The sauces are built from recipes that cross generations. It is the kind of authenticity that cannot be manufactured by a corporate kitchen.
Intimate, Personal, Unforgettable
Where resort restaurants offer scale and spectacle, Ciao Italia offers intimacy. The dining room is warm and elegant. The owner may greet you at the door. Your server has likely been here for years and knows the menu the way a sommelier knows wine. The attention to detail is evident in every plate, from the delicate lobster ravioli to the perfectly executed veal piccata.
The wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the Italian menu. The lamb chops are a signature. The risotto pescatore, loaded with fresh seafood, is the kind of dish people come back for year after year. Over 3,000 guests have left reviews, and 9 culinary awards hang on the wall. This is not a hidden gem so much as an open secret among those who know Orlando well.
The Perfect Evening Away from the Resort
After days of resort dining, a short drive to Ciao Italia feels like a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being formal. The service is polished without being stiff. It is the kind of restaurant where celebrations happen naturally, whether it is an anniversary, a birthday, or just a Tuesday night that deserves something special.
A Short Drive, Complimentary Parking
From The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Ciao Italia at 6149 Westwood Blvd is approximately 10 minutes by car. Free parking awaits when you arrive. Open 7 evenings a week, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Reservations are recommended. Call (407) 354-0770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ciao Italia from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes?
Ciao Italia is a short drive from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, typically around 10 minutes. We are at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821.
Is Ciao Italia fine dining quality?
Yes. Ciao Italia is Zagat rated with 9 culinary awards and over 3,000 reviews. The handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and classic Italian preparations rival the quality of resort restaurants at a fraction of the price.
How does Ciao Italia compare to the restaurants at Grande Lakes?
Ciao Italia offers an intimate, family-owned experience that is distinctly different from resort dining. The food is handmade Italian, the atmosphere is warm and personal, and the Navarra family has been perfecting their craft for over 35 years.
Does Ciao Italia accommodate special occasions?
Absolutely. Anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations are a regular occurrence at Ciao Italia. The staff takes great care with special occasions, and private dining arrangements are available with advance notice.
