A Legacy of Excellence — The Christini Story
Welcome to Christini’s Ristorante Italiano — where the heart of Italy beats in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida. Since 1984, we have been crafting an unforgettable dining experience that blends extraordinary culinary excellence with the warmth of Old-World Italian hospitality. For over four decades, Christini’s has stood as Orlando’s most celebrated fine dining destination, earning the loyalty of locals, celebrities, executives, dignitaries, and guests from every corner of the world. We are proud to hold a 92.2% rate of returning guests — a testament not to marketing, but to an experience that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.
The Story of Our Founder, Chris Christini
A Humble Beginning, A Bold Dream The story of Christini’s is inseparable from the story of one extraordinary man. Chris Christini was born in a small European village — a place without electricity or running water. Armed with little more than fifteen dollars and an unshakeable belief in the American Dream, he arrived in North America and began building a life through sheer determination, hard work, and faith. His journey through the hospitality industry was remarkable. Over the course of his career, Chris opened and operated 19 hotels and restaurants, including five original locations of the legendary Alfredo’s of Rome across the United States — the birthplace of the Fettuccini Alfredo that America came to love. His mastery of Italian cuisine and his gift for hospitality eventually brought him to Florida, where he was appointed to oversee the Italian Pavilion at EPCOT. His excellence in that role earned him the distinguished title of Disney’s Director of the Year.
A Leap of Faith
Emboldened by his success, Chris set out on the most personal venture of his career: Christini’s Ristorante Italiano. During the construction of the restaurant, Chris sat on a bench outside the building, filled with nervous anticipation about the road ahead. In that quiet moment, a young priest — a complete stranger — approached him, offering words of reassurance and a comforting presence. Chris took it as a sign. That divine moment of peace strengthened his resolve, and in 1984, Christini’s opened its doors on Orlando’s Restaurant Row. It has never looked back.
Family, Faith, and Purpose
At the heart of Chris Christini’s life was his beloved wife, Helen, whom he met at a church dance — a meeting he always credited to his faith. Together, they raised three daughters and built not just a restaurant, but a legacy rooted in love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.Chris championed education for his children and extended that same spirit of opportunity to the countless chefs, servers, and hospitality professionals who trained and worked at Christini’s over the decades. Many of them have gone on to become celebrated leaders in the restaurant industry — a legacy Chris carried with tremendous pride.
The Bob Hope Moment
That Changed Everything The restaurant’s rise to national prominence was accelerated by one of America’s most beloved entertainers. After dining at Christini’s, Bob Hope appeared on national television and humorously remarked about the extraordinary size of the restaurant’s famous veal chop. The story resonated across the country, and from that moment forward, Christini’s became a mustvisit culinary destination — drawing celebrities, royalty, dignitaries, and discerning food lovers from around the world.
An Enduring Inspiration
Even when faced with serious illness in his later years, Chris Christini’s spirit never wavered. He lived each day with gratitude, faith, and a fierce love for his family and his guests. He passed away in June 2023, leaving behind a restaurant, a philosophy, and a standard of excellence that continues to honor his memory every single evening.
A Final Message from Chris Christini
This was the last message Chris asked us to publish on our website before he passed.
To my loyal customers:
Deep in my heart, I believe we will overcome the situations faced by our world today and rise up stronger than before. When I arrived in America, I ceaselessly pursued the American dream despite the odds. Ultimately, my perseverance paved the way to our success and longevity today. I know that you also possess this same fighting spirit and I am honored and touched by your friendship. I am not only personally grateful for your continued support, but also for the gestures of generosity that you have shown to my staff. Our commitment to culinary excellence and service remains our top priority. As always, our guests will continue to enjoy world class service. Christini’s remains dedicated to fulfill your every wish and surpass your expectations. God bless you and God bless America!” — Chris Christini, Dec 1939 – Jun 2023 (Always in our hearts) “It is my pleasure to present to you the culmination of a lifelong dream.”
— Buon Appetito, Chris Christini
Our Culinary Philosophy
“With more than 45 years of distinctive culinary experience, I am convinced that success comes down to this: One restaurant, in one location, serving the highest quality cuisine, the best service, and a friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy it.” — Chris Christini
At Christini’s, we believe that dining is not merely a meal — it is an experience to be savored, remembered, and returned to. Every detail of your evening is thoughtfully curated: from the handmade pasta to the strolling accordion musician who sets the mood, from the single rose presented to every lady at the end of the evening to the jumbo olives and extra virgin olive oil sourced directly from the Christini family’s own European farms. Our menu is a celebration of authentic Northern Italian cuisine — fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with classical technique and presented with the elegance this restaurant has always demanded. Whether you are enjoying our world-famous veal chop, indulging in our classic Fettuccini Alfredo, or savoring our celebrated Chilean Sea Bass with shrimp risotto, you will taste the passion and expertise that go into every single creation. Our wine program — honored with the Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence — features an extensive cellar curated to complement every dish and every occasion.
Awards & Recognition
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano has earned some of the most prestigious accolades in the American dining industry:
Fine Dining Hall of Fame — one of the most exclusive honors in the restaurant world
Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence — recognizing our extraordinary wine program
Ivy Award — presented to restaurants of the highest distinction Zagat Survey — described as “a treasure among restaurants” 2015 Restaurateur of the Year — honoring Chris Christini’s lifetime of excellence Disney Director of the Year — earned during Chris Christini’s tenure overseeing the EPCOT Italian Pavilion
These are not awards collected over a brief moment of popularity. They represent over 40 years of sustained, unwavering excellence — an achievement virtually unmatched in the Orlando dining landscape.
Who Dines at Christini’s?
Christini’s has long been the restaurant of choice for those who demand the very best. Our guests have included:
- International celebrities — from entertainment, sports, and the arts
- Corporate executives and business leaders attending events at the Orlando Convention Center
- Heads of state, diplomats, and royalty from around the world
- Orlando locals who have made Christini’s their most trusted special occasion destination for generations
- Convention and conference attendees who discover us once and return every time they are in Orlando.
The names on our guest list read like a who’s-who of global celebrity
— Bob Hope, Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Douglas, Brooke Shields, Stan Lee, and countless others who have made Christini’s their table of choice in Orlando.
The Christini’s Experience
What Makes Us Different?
One Restaurant. One Standard. No Compromises. Unlike restaurant groups that expand, franchise, or dilute their brand across multiple locations, Christini’s has always believed in the philosophy of doing one thing — and doing it better than anyone else in the world. We have never opened a second location. We have never compromised on ingredients, service, or standards. Christini’s is not associated with any other restaurant in the United States. Every guest who walks through our doors receives the same extraordinary level of attention, care, and culinary mastery — whether it is their f irst visit or their fiftieth.
The Details That Define Us
🎵Live strolling accordion music setting the mood throughout the evening
🌹A single rose presented to every lady at the conclusion of dinner farms
🫒Olive oil and olives from the Christini family’s own European
🍝Handmade pasta crafted with classical Italian technique
🥩World-famous veal chops — made legendary by Bob Hope himself
🍷An award-winning wine cellar curated for the most discerning palates
👔Impeccable service from a team trained in the finest European hospitality tradition
A Destination for Every Occasion
Nestled in the heart of Orlando’s Restaurant Row at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips — just minutes from Universal Studios, Disney Springs, and the Orange County Convention Center —
Christini’s is the ideal setting for:
- Romantic dinners and anniversaries
- Marriage proposals and engagement celebrations
- Birthday and milestone celebrations
- Corporate dinners and executive entertaining
- Private dining events and group gatherings
- Convention and conference dining
- Out-of-town guests seeking Orlando’s finest table
Frequently Asked Questions About Christini’s
What type of cuisine does Christini’s serve?
Christini’s serves authentic Northern Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pastas, premium meats and seafood, and classical Italian preparations made with the finest imported and locally sourced ingredients.
Where is Christini’s located?
We are located at 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Suite 84, Orlando, FL 32819 — in The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips on Orlando’s famous Restaurant Row, convenient to the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World.
What is Christini’s most famous dish?
Christini’s is world-famous for its veal chop — a dish made legendary when Bob Hope discussed it on national television. Our handmade Fettuccini Alfredo and Chilean Sea Bass with shrimp risotto are equally celebrated.
Is Christini’s good for a business dinner or corporate entertaining?
Absolutely. Christini’s is Orlando’s premier destination for executive dining and corporate entertaining. We offer private dining options, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of sophistication that reflects well on any host.
Has Christini’s won any awards?
Yes — Christini’s has earned some of the most prestigious awards in American dining, including induction into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, the Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence, the Ivy Award, and the 2015 Restaurateur of the Year award.
Is Christini’s family-owned?
Yes. Christini’s was founded by Chris Christini in 1984 and remains a family-owned and operated restaurant dedicated to the philosophy and standards he established over his lifetime.
What is the dress code at Christini’s?
Christini’s is a fine dining establishment and requests that guests dress in business casual or better attire to honor the ambiance and experience of the restaurant.
Do celebrities dine at Christini’s?
Christini’s has welcomed some of the world’s most famous celebrities, dignitaries, and public figures over the decades, including Bob Hope, Mick Jagger, Shaquille O’Neal, Janet Jackson, Brooke Shields, Michael Douglas, and many others.
How do I make a reservation at Christini’s?
Reservations are strongly recommended. Please call (407) 345-8770.
Our office opens to take reservations Monday–Saturday at 12:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM.
Reserve Your Table
We invite you to experience the legacy Chris Christini built — and the extraordinary cuisine that continues to honor his memory every evening.
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Suite 84 Orlando, FL 32819 📞 (407) 345-8770 Reservations recommended. Dinner served nightly.
Buon Appetito.
