Red Oven Pizza Bakery: What to Order (and What to Skip) at CityWalk
There are two kinds of CityWalk meals: the “we need something fast before we collapse” kind… and the “wait, why is this actually giving Italy?” kind.
Red Oven Pizza Bakery is that second one.
It’s my go-to when I want real-deal, Neapolitan-style pizza without committing to a full sit-down dinner.
And the best part?
It still feels like a little moment, like you’re treating yourself because you can literally watch your pie (from the window) get fired in a 900° stone-lined oven and come out looking like it belongs in a food commercial.
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What to Expect at the Red Oven Pizza Bakery Restaurant
Think “quick-service with standards.”
You order at the counter (or use mobile ordering), get your buzzer/table number situation handled, then snag a seat outside while the kitchen does its thing.
The whole vibe is: simple, efficient, and surprisingly elevated for a theme park dinner plan.
Also, this isn’t a “grab a slice” spot. You’re getting a whole personal-ish pie, which is perfect for solo travelers (leftovers for that late-night snack) or splitting with someone who swears they “won’t be hungry” and then steals your last piece.
And if you’re in a hurry?
There’s a take-out window option, which is a lifesaver when you’re speed-walking to a movie or heading back to your hotel like a tired champion.
Hours:
- Open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
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Atmosphere
Red Oven is casually cute, modern, bright, and breezy with lots of covered outdoor seating.
It’s not overly themed, but it’s got little details that make it feel intentional: clean lines, a peek into the pizza action, and a surprisingly relaxing patio for the middle of CityWalk chaos.
And yes, there’s a red scooter out front that basically screams “take my photo, I’m having my main character moment.” I don’t make the rules.
I love sitting here and people watching while enjoying my pizza and a glass of wine on my solo trips to Universal Orlando.
Menu Highlights
This menu is sneaky-good because it’s not trying to be a hundred things.
It’s pizza (the star), plus a few salads and drinks that actually make sense.
Here are the heavy hitters I’d put on your “don’t overthink it” order list:
- Margherita (Pizza Rossa): Classic for a reason. Fresh mozzarella + basil + tomato sauce simplicity, but done right. It’s the kind of pizza that tastes like it’s been perfected by people who would judge you (lovingly) for dipping it in ranch.
- Big Eye Pepperoni: If you like pepperoni that shows up loud and proud (not those sad little dots), this one has the big, larger-than-usual pepperoni rings and always hits.
- Mushroom (Vegetarian): This is the “I want something a little fancy” choice—mushroom medley, onions, cheese, and that extra pop that makes you feel like you made an adult decision.
- Prosciutto & Arugula (Pizza Bianca): No tomato sauce, just vibes. Salty prosciutto + peppery arugula + cheese = a light-but-still-satisfying pie that tastes like a rooftop dinner somewhere expensive. It’s my favorite pizza here.
- Salads if you need “balance”: The Caprese is a solid “fresh and bright” option (and honestly, it pairs beautifully with any pizza situation). All of the salads are good here, especially the Arugula option.
And a fun little flex: the pizzas are cooked in a super-hot oven and can bake fast.
Dining Tips and Details
- Mobile ordering can save your sanity. Universal’s app lets you order ahead, then you hit “Prepare My Order” when you’re nearby/ready to eat. This is clutch during peak dinner time when CityWalk feels like everyone had the same hunger schedule.
- No reservations. It’s designed for quick service, so plan to be flexible and grab a table when you see one.
- Gluten-free crust is available upon request. Always confirm with a team member if you have allergies/sensitivities, but it’s nice knowing you have the option.
- It’s a great “pizza + movie” pairing. Red Oven sits right in that sweet spot where you can eat, wander, and keep the night going without feeling rushed.
- Coke Freestyle cup people: If you’re using a Freestyle souvenir cup, refills are spaced out (think one pour every 10 minutes) and sharing isn’t permitted.
- Order your food at least 1 to 2 hours BEFORE Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure closes if you want to avoid the massive crowd and long wait times.
My Review of the Food
Here’s my honest take: Red Oven is one of those places that holds you over after a long day at the parks.
Here, the crust is the star for me. It’s airy, chewy, with those crispy little blistered spots that tell you it was kissed by serious heat.
The sauce tastes bright (not sugary), and the cheese-to-sauce ratio is balanced in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down after two slices.
When I’m in a classic mood, I go Margherita because it’s simple and satisfying (like comfort food that still feels a little elevated).
But if I want that “treat yourself” bite, I’m grabbing Prosciutto & Arugula because the salty prosciutto is bold and the whole pie eats like a reward.
I also have to add a glass of wine and an Arugula or Caesar Salad to my order for the perfect lunch/dinner combination.
And I love that it works for a solo day.
I can sit outside, people-watch, listen to the CityWalk energy, and have a little calm moment before diving back into the fun.
It’s one of those underrated theme park skills, honestly: knowing where to go when you need a tasty reset.
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Final Thoughts
If you want quick, craveable, quality pizza at Universal Orlando CityWalk, Red Oven Pizza Bakery is an easy yes.
It’s beloved because it delivers: fast service, legit oven-fired pies, a relaxed patio, and enough menu variety to keep everyone happy without turning ordering into a complicated decision tree.
Add in the mobile order option and that “I just found my favorite casual spot” feeling, and you’ve got a CityWalk staple that earns its hype.
Final Score and Review for Red Oven Pizza Bakery at Universal CityWalk:
- Ambiance: 8
- Food: 8
- Prices: 7
- Drinks: 8
- Service: 9
I give this restaurant a 8 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and I know you will definitely enjoy it too!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
