By: Amanda Reseburg

Miami’s Great Pizza Is Headed to Orlando

In the restaurant world, there are your typical pizza places, where perhaps you can snag a slice with a free can of soda and a few breadsticks, and then there are extraordinary pizza places—restaurants that offer something special that makes them stand out. It is rare for a pizza place to receive accolades like the praise given to Mister O1 Pizza.

The Michelin-rated restaurant, hailed as the “Premier Pizza in Florida” by Food and Wine Magazine, has expanded organically since its founding and now boasts locations not only in Miami but also throughout Southern and Central Florida, as well as two planned locations coming soon to Sandy Springs and Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia. With its expansion into /Orlando, Mis/ter O1 Pizza is bringing its signature pizzas to an area that is rapidly growing and looking for new, exciting dining options to thrill its eclectic communities.

Attention to Detail and the High-Quality Ingredients 

Mister O1 Pizza was born from the idea that using excellent tools and ingredients contributes to exceptional food. Founder and Master Pizza Chef Renato Viola has over two decades of experience in crafting artisanal pizzas. Raised in Southern Italy, his passion for cooking began early.

“I began to apprentice with master chefs by the time I was 11,” Viola recalls. “It allowed me to refine my skills in Italian cuisine.”

Under the prestigious O1 Visa category — reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities —  Viola immigrated to Miami and founded Mister O1 Pizza in 2014, eager to showcase the “extraordinary” abilities that gained him his initial entrance to the United States. 

Since its founding, Mister O1 Pizza has built a reputation for high quality and consistency. Using the high-quality ingredients, Viola and his team have created pizzas with signature delicate crusts made with a light dough that is prepared and allowed to rest for 72 hours for natural levitation before serving. Viola takes great care to craft his pizzas without added sugars or preservatives, allowing the natural flavors to take center stage. 

Growing Organically 

Since its beginning, Mister O1 Pizza has remained family-owned and deeply committed to intentional growth. The pizza restaurant space can be incredibly competitive, and Viola knew that if he was going to grow Mister O1, he had to offer something unique.

Each Mister O1 Pizza expansion has been done with purpose, as each restaurant has the same high standards of quality, service, and operations. Through its close-knit, dedicated team, the restaurant has been able to show communities that surround each carefully chosen location what “extraordinary” pizza should be. Viola and his team have sought family-friendly and diverse areas in which to establish their restaurants, weaving themselves into the community seamlessly and becoming a sought-after part of the cities where they land. 

With its move into Orlando, the restaurant will offer its signature 13-inch traditional and specialty pizzas, along with calzones, salads, and an antipasto and burrata bar. Mister O1’s popular offerings are their “Extraordinary Pizzas,” each with standout flavors. Viola’s unique “Star Luca” pizza won two Pizza World Championships. The star-shaped pizza is laden with ricotta cheese, salami calabrese, mozzarella, and authentic Italian tomato sauce. Other signature pizzas, such as the Marco and the Elisa, are created to appeal to a wide range of palates, including one topped with coffee for the adventurous diner! They also offer vegan and gluten-free crust options for their patrons. 

In a Class All Its Own 

Viola emphasizes that Mister O1’s artisanal focus and use of premium, often imported Italian ingredients help set it apart. “Our focus on quality and creating a memorable dining experience in a community-driven atmosphere makes us unique,” says Viola.

As they celebrate the opening of their Orlando location, Viola and his team are proud of the growth their restaurant has experienced. For Viola, the recipient of a visa reserved for only the “extraordinary” people, it’s the realization of the ultimate American dream. 

Mister O1 brings a legacy of excellence and unique offerings to the Central Florida area. Its continued expansion represents a reason to celebrate with each new location they open. Having already made its mark in Southern Florida, Texas, Georgia, and even overseas, its move into the Orlando area represents a bit of a homecoming for Viola, an immigrant who has brought his extraordinary abilities to the Sunshine State. 

The Mister O1 philosophy of community connectedness, intentional, authentic growth, and a family-friendly atmosphere blends with their artisanal offerings to bring something truly distinctive to the restaurant scene. What Viola and his tight-knit team have created has elevated the idea of the pizza parlor and made it truly extraordinary. As they expand, their premium ingredients, unique tastes, and commitment to excellence will position them to be just as popular in Orlando as they are in every other location. 

Published by Stephanie M.