Our Story

The Heart Behind
pizza luce

Born from a love of authentic Italian craft, pizza luce has been serving New York with handmade artisan pizzas since 2010. We believe every slice should tell a story — one of fresh ingredients, passion, and the luce (light) of true culinary tradition. Our pizzaluce philosophy puts quality above all else.

pizza luce artisan pizza being crafted in New York kitchen
15+ Years of Craft
15+
Years in Business
50k
Pizzas Served
4.9
Average Rating
12+
Menu Creations

Why We Make pizza lucs

The name pizza lucs reflects our dedication to being a guiding light in New York's pizza scene. Every ingredient we choose, every dough we hand-stretch, is driven by one mission: to bring people together over extraordinary food.

Farm-Fresh Ingredients

We source only the finest local produce, hand-picked mozzarella, and imported Italian tomatoes — every component chosen for superior quality and taste.

Wood-Fired Passion

Our stone-deck oven reaches the perfect temperature to create that crispy-yet-chewy crust that defines a true artisan pizza. No shortcuts, ever.

Community First

We believe food brings people together. Whether it's a family dinner or a quick lunch, Pizza luce is a place where every guest feels at home in New York.

Sustainable Choices

From compostable packaging to partnering with local farms, we make thoughtful choices to minimize our footprint while maximizing the flavor on your plate.

The pizzaluce Journey

The pizzaluce story began with a single oven and an unwavering dream. Here's how we grew from a tiny kitchen to New York's beloved pizza destination.

2010 — The Beginning

A Dream Ignites

Marco Lucetti opens a small takeaway window at 235 E 53rd St with just three pizza recipes, a stone oven, and a passion for authentic Italian craft. The line stretched around the block on day one.

2013 — Growing Family

First Full Dining Room

After years of takeaway success, Pizza luce expands into a full sit-down restaurant. The team grows to 12, and the menu broadens to 18 signature pizzas alongside craft salads and homemade pasta.

2017 — Recognition

New York's Best Pizza Award

Pizza luce is named one of New York's Top 10 Pizza Restaurants by the NYC Food Guide. The Margherita Luce becomes an iconic dish recognised city-wide for its simplicity and depth of flavour.

2021 — Going Digital

Delivery & Online Ordering

We launch our online ordering platform and city-wide delivery, bringing the luce pizza experience to every corner of New York. Same-day delivery and catering services are introduced.

2025 — Today & Beyond

A New Chapter

Over 50,000 pizzas served and counting. Pizza luce continues to innovate with seasonal menus and community events, staying true to the original vision: light, love, and great pizza.

pizzaluce pizza dough being hand-stretched by our chefs

Meet the Faces Behind the Luce

Every great pizza starts with a great team. Our chefs, servers, and makers share one thing in common — an obsession with making your experience extraordinary at luce pizza.

Marco Lucetti, Founder and Head Chef at Pizza luce
Founder & Head Chef

Marco Lucetti

Born in Naples and trained at the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, Marco brought his 20-year mastery of Neapolitan pizza to New York when he founded Pizza luce in 2010.

Sofia Moretti, Executive Pastry Chef at Pizza luce
Executive Chef

Sofia Moretti

Sofia joined Pizza luce in 2013 and elevated our seasonal menus to new heights. Her background in Mediterranean cuisine brings a creative spark to every signature recipe she crafts.

James Rivera, Operations Manager at Pizza luce
Operations Manager

James Rivera

James ensures every order — dine-in or delivery — meets our exacting standards. With a background in hospitality management, he keeps the Pizza luce experience seamlessly smooth.

Anya Patel, Customer Experience Lead at Pizza luce
Customer Experience Lead

Anya Patel

Anya's warmth and dedication to guest satisfaction define the Pizza luce dining experience. She oversees front-of-house training and our community outreach programs across New York.

Interested in joining our passionate team?

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The luce pizza Promise

The luce pizza experience is built on principles we live by every day — from the first ingredient we touch to the last smile we share with our guests.

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners. Every dough ball is hand-stretched, every sauce is made fresh daily, and every topping is selected at peak freshness.

Made with Genuine Care

Our team puts heart into every pizza. We treat our kitchen like our home, and every guest like family — because to us, that's what a great meal means.

Respect for Tradition

We honour authentic Italian techniques while embracing New York's diverse tastes. It's a balance between heritage and innovation that defines who we are.

Giving Back to New York

Pizza luce partners with local shelters and food banks, donating meals and volunteering, because we believe our community deserves nourishment — in every sense.

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Experience Pizza luce Today

Every pizza we craft carries 15 years of passion, tradition, and New York love. Come taste the difference — or let us bring the luce to your door.

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