Nebu in Oklahoma City: Coal-Fired Neapolitan Pizza on High Avenue
Nebu is a coal-fired pizzeria in midtown Oklahoma City that specializes in Neapolitan-style pies with a locally focused ingredient list. The restaurant operates at a moderate scale, seating around 50 people across a compact dining room, and sources many components from Oklahoma producers and regional suppliers.
What Nebu actually is
Nebu fires pizzas in a coal-burning oven imported from Italy, which reaches temperatures around 900 degrees and cooks each pie in roughly 90 seconds. The menu centers on Neapolitan fundamentals: hand-stretched dough fermented for 48 to 72 hours, San Marzano tomatoes, imported and domestic cheeses, and toppings selected for balance rather than excess. The kitchen does not attempt to replicate New York or Detroit tavern styles, nor does it drift into fusion territory. Instead, it commits to the Neapolitan formula while building the menu around Oklahoma beef, pork, and produce when available.
The space itself reflects this philosophy: exposed brick, visible oven, minimal decoration. Tables are close together; privacy and lingering over multiple courses are not the experience here.
Menu and pricing
Signature pies range from $17 to $24 depending on toppings. The Margherita (mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce) sits at the lower end; builds with cured meats, multiple cheeses, or seasonal vegetables cost more. A pie feeds one or two people comfortably; sharing across a table of three or four requires ordering more than one.
The restaurant also offers appetizers (burrata, marinated vegetables, cured meats) priced $8 to $14, and a short dessert menu. Beverages include Italian wines, beer, and non-alcoholic options; wine by the glass runs $8 to $12. There is no liquor license beyond beer and wine. Confirm current pricing before visiting, as ingredient costs fluctuate seasonally.
How Nebu compares to other Oklahoma City pizza
Oklahoma City has several pizza-focused restaurants, each targeting different styles. Ted's Cafe Escondido and Hideaway Pizza both serve New York and Detroit-influenced pies at lower price points ($12 to $16 for most builds), appeal to families and casual diners, and prioritize speed and volume. Ted's and Hideaway occupy more space and accommodate larger groups without reservation pressure.
Nebu occupies a different niche: it prioritizes ingredient quality, fermentation time, and coal-fire precision over turnover. Its price tier reflects this. For a diner seeking authentic Neapolitan technique and willing to accept a smaller, louder dining room and higher cost, Nebu is the Oklahoma City choice. For families seeking a quick, affordable pie with familiar topping combinations, Hideaway or Ted's serves the purpose better.
Who suits Nebu and who does not
Nebu works well for small groups (two to four people) who enjoy minimalist pizza, are comfortable in close quarters, and value ingredient sourcing and technique. It also appeals to diners interested in Italian wine pairings and willing to spend $30 to $50 per person including beverages and appetizers.
It is less suitable for large parties (a 10-person birthday group will feel cramped and strain kitchen timing), those expecting a broad menu with pasta, sandwiches, or other anchors, or diners on a tight budget seeking maximum volume for the dollar.
What a first visit involves
Arrive without reservation understanding that seating is first-come, first-served, and that wait times during dinner service (typically 6 to 9 p.m.) can reach 30 to 45 minutes. The menu is short and requires minimal deliberation; order at the counter or from a server. Pies arrive quickly. The noise level is high, especially when the coal oven is firing constantly. A typical visit for two people lasts 45 minutes to an hour, including wait.
Parking is street parking along High Avenue; there is no dedicated lot.
Hours and logistics
Nebu is open Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed Mondays. Verify these hours before planning a visit, as service hours can shift seasonally. The restaurant is located on High Avenue in midtown, within walking distance of Automobile Alley and the Paseo Arts District.
Nebu fills a specific niche in Oklahoma City's pizza landscape by committing to Neapolitan technique and local sourcing rather than competing on price or menu breadth.
