Our Story

About Pizza luce

Discover the passion behind every slice of authentic pizza luce — handcrafted from the finest ingredients, served with heart in New York City since our very first day.

Pizza luce restaurant interior in New York City

15+ Years of Craft

Our Beginning

The pizza luce Story

Pizza luce was born from a single, unwavering belief: that great food has the power to bring people together. Founded in the heart of New York City, our journey began with a wood-fired oven, a handful of secret family recipes, and a relentless dedication to craft that we call the pizzaluce way.

What started as a neighborhood pizzeria has grown into a beloved New York institution — a place where every pizza is a celebration of authentic luce pizza tradition fused with bold, contemporary flavors. We source only the freshest local ingredients, partner with regional farmers, and hand-stretch every single dough the way it has always been done.

"Food is not just fuel — it is memory, community, and love. Every pizza we craft carries that spirit."
— Marco Luce, Founder

Today, Pizza luce serves thousands of New Yorkers every week, yet our commitment remains unchanged: to deliver an experience that feels personal, warm, and utterly delicious — just like that very first pizza we ever made.

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What We Stand For

Our Core Values

The principles that guide every ingredient we choose, every pizza we bake, and every guest we welcome through our doors.

Crafted with Love

Every pizza is a labor of love. We pour genuine passion into each handcrafted creation, ensuring every bite carries the warmth of home.

Fresh Ingredients

We partner with local farmers and trusted suppliers to source the finest, freshest ingredients — because quality food starts long before the oven.

Community First

Pizza luce is more than a restaurant — it is a neighborhood gathering place. We give back to the communities that have made us who we are.

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners. From the flour in our dough to the final garnish, excellence is our only standard — and it shows in every slice.

Our Mission: pizzaluce for Everyone

The pizzaluce philosophy is simple — make exceptional pizza accessible to every New Yorker. We believe world-class food should not be reserved for special occasions. It should be your Tuesday dinner, your birthday celebration, your lazy Sunday. We are here to make every meal memorable.

50K+

Happy Customers

120+

Menu Items

Years of Excellence

4.9

Average Rating

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How We Got Here

Our Journey Through Time

From a small corner kitchen to a celebrated New York destination — here is how the luce pizza legacy was built, one milestone at a time.

2009 — The Beginning

First Oven, First Slice

Marco Luce lights the first wood-fired oven in a tiny 400 sq ft kitchen on 53rd Street. The neighborhood quickly falls in love with the authentic luce pizza flavors that remind them of something special.

2012 — Recognition

pizza luce Wins Best Pizza NYC

After three years of growing word-of-mouth fame, Pizza luce earns its first "Best Pizza in New York City" award from a leading food publication, putting us firmly on the culinary map.

2015 — Expansion

New Home, Bigger Dreams

We move to our current flagship location at 235 E 53rd St with a full dining room, expanded menu, and the iconic open kitchen where guests can watch every pizza come to life.

2018 — Delivery Launch

pizzaluce Comes to Your Door

We launch our own delivery service, bringing the authentic pizzaluce experience directly to homes and offices across Manhattan and beyond — no compromise on freshness or quality.

2021 — Catering

Corporate & Event Catering

Pizza luce expands into full-scale catering, bringing our handcrafted food to corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings. The luce pizza experience now feeds hundreds at a time.

2024 — Today

Serving 50,000+ Guests

With over 50,000 loyal customers and a team of 40+ passionate professionals, Pizza luce continues to grow while staying true to the values that made us who we are — craft, community, and love.

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet Our Team

Every great pizza luce creation begins with the extraordinary people who pour their talent and heart into making it. Here are the faces behind your favorite flavors.

Founder & Head Chef

Marco Luce

The visionary behind pizza luce, Marco brings 20+ years of Neapolitan culinary tradition to every pizza he creates. His passion for authentic ingredients is legendary.

Executive Pastry Chef

Sofia Reyes

Sofia transforms the finest seasonal ingredients into desserts that perfectly complement the pizzaluce experience. Her creative flair has earned a dedicated fan following.

Operations Manager

James Park

James ensures that every pizza luce order — whether dine-in, delivery, or catering — arrives with the same exceptional quality and warmth our guests have come to expect.

Head of Catering & Events

Aisha Torres

From intimate gatherings to large corporate events, Aisha orchestrates every catering experience with meticulous attention to detail and an infectious enthusiasm for luce pizza.

Ready to experience what our team creates every day?

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