Playa Pizza, a New York-style pizza spot with a beachy twist, launched in Windermere Center at Horizon West with a soft opening last week. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant is located at 13211 Reams Road, Suite 108 in Windermere, within eyesight of Cinderella Castle, and across the street from Magic Kingdom Cast Member Parking and Disney University.
“There are few things in life better than pizza and chilling at the beach – so we combined them at Playa Pizza,” said Stephen Facella, owner of Playa Pizza. “Throw in an incredible view of Disney fireworks, Pizza made with the New York WaterMaker, from-scratch pastas, a flavorful – and hilarious – menu unlike any other, and lively night life, and you’ve got yourself a local hangout that can’t be beat.”
With indoor and outdoor seating, Playa Pizza will accommodate 150 guests and will bring more than 45 new jobs to the community. The center point of the restaurant is an award-winning pizza oven, which is the first and only of its in kind in the United States. Playa Pizza features New York-style pizza, with specialty pies like Carnivore’s Cornucopia pizza and vegan pizzas, like Animal Lover, with plant-based pepperoni, Italian sausage and chorizo, for those feeling adventurous.
However, guests can also enjoy a fun twist on Italian and American classics. Items such as the Caribbean Calamari, a crispy calamari appetizer layered over rich and tangy pepperoncini crema; the vegan Chickenless Chicken Parm Sandwich; and Rasta Pasta, a house made rigatoni with jerk chicken, roasted pineapple, blistered tomato and roasted mushrooms, are just some of the creative dishes guests will find on the menu.
Playa Pizza is the brainchild of restaurateur Stephen Facella and his wife Danielle. Facella has competed in the International Pizza Challenge, one of the most prestigious pizza competitions in the world. All of the restaurant’s pizza and pasta dough is made in-house exclusively using the New York Watermaker, a water replication system that mimics the mineral composition of New York City. This technology allows guests to experience true New York City-style pizzas – and even see the dough being freshly made before their eyes in the “on-stage” pasta, dough and bread room.
The best part isn’t just the tasty food or fun atmosphere, but Playa Pizza’s commitment to the community.
“We are homegrown and proud to support the communities in which we operate,” said Facella. “Not only are we giving back to local charities such as the Full Belly Fund, but we have created more than 45 living wage jobs, and will foster a supportive, healthy work environment for our teammates.”
When guests walk through the doors of Playa Pizza, they will not only be greeted by the aroma of great food, but also a vibrant interior. Playa Pizza’s walls feature commissioned art by Daniel “Krave” Fila, internationally renowned, Miami based graffiti artist. The graffiti art paired with the lively colors made by Orlando-based Tonester Paints makes for a summery atmosphere, no matter the season.
Playa Pizza will serve lunch, dinner and late-night bites daily, opening at 11am and closing at 2am. The restaurant also has a full bar, with 16 local craft beers on tap, live music, trivia nights, karaoke and an amazing view of Disney fireworks.
