Our Story

About Pizza luce

Name: Pizza luce
Address: 235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA, US
Telephone: +1 646-590-2777
Price range: $$

The pizza luce experience is rooted in passion, tradition, and a deep love for great food. Discover the people, values, and journey that make us New York's favorite pizzeria.

Pizza luce kitchen — fresh pizza being prepared by our chefs

2009 Est. New York

How It All Began

The pizza lucs Story — From a Small Kitchen to NYC's Heart

Pizza luce was born in 2009 from a simple dream: to bring the authentic flavors of Italian-inspired pizza to the streets of New York City. Our founder, Marco Deluce, spent years perfecting his dough recipe in a tiny Midtown kitchen before opening our first location at 235 E 53rd St.

What started as a weekend pop-up quickly became a neighborhood institution. Word spread fast — regulars kept coming back for the hand-tossed crusts, the wood-fire char, and the warmth that greeted every guest at the door. The pizza lucs reputation for quality and heart was cemented within our first year.

"We don't just make pizza — we create moments. Every slice carries the same care and craft we put into that very first pie."
— Marco Deluce, Founder

Today, Pizza luce serves hundreds of guests daily, catering to private events, corporate lunches, and families who have made us part of their weekly tradition. Our growth has never come at the cost of quality — every ingredient is still sourced with intention, every pizza made to order.

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Why We Exist

Our Mission at pizzaluce

At pizzaluce, our mission goes beyond great food. We're committed to building community, supporting local suppliers, and delivering an experience that feels genuinely welcoming every single visit.

Fresh, Honest Ingredients

We source seasonal, locally grown produce and import key Italian staples directly. No shortcuts, no compromises — just real flavors you can taste in every bite.

Community First

Pizza luce was built by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers. We partner with local farmers, sponsor neighborhood events, and believe great food is meant to bring people together.

Craft Without Compromise

Every pizza is made fresh to order. From our slow-fermented dough to our house-made sauces, we hold every detail to the highest standard — because you deserve nothing less.

Years in Business

Pizzas Served

Menu Items

Average Rating

What Drives Us

The luce pizza Values

These are the principles that guide every decision we make — from how we source ingredients to how we welcome every guest.

Passion

We pour genuine love into every pizza we make. Food made with care tastes different — and our guests feel it.

Integrity

Honest ingredients, fair pricing, transparent practices. We do right by our team, our guests, and our community.

Sustainability

We minimize waste, choose eco-conscious packaging, and work with suppliers who share our environmental values.

Innovation

We honor tradition while embracing creativity — seasonal specials, new flavor pairings, and fresh ideas keep our menu exciting.

Inclusivity

Great pizza is for everyone. We offer options for all diets, and our doors are open to all — always.

Excellence

From the first slice to the last, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. Good enough is never enough at Pizza luce.

Our Journey

The Pizza luce History

From a single oven in Midtown Manhattan to a beloved New York institution — here's how we grew.

2009

The First Pie

Marco Deluce opens a small pop-up at 235 E 53rd St, testing his signature dough recipe on weekend lunch crowds. The response is overwhelming.

2011

Official Opening

Pizza luce officially launches as a full-service restaurant. Within three months, weekend wait times stretch to 45 minutes — a problem we were proud to have.

2013

Catering Launch

We expand into corporate catering and private events, bringing the pizzaluce experience to offices, weddings, and celebrations across New York City.

2016

Menu Expansion

We introduce our signature pasta dishes, artisan salads, and house-made desserts — growing from a pizzeria into a full Italian-inspired dining destination.

2019

10-Year Anniversary

A decade of pizza luce. We celebrate with a limited-edition menu, a community feast for loyal regulars, and the launch of our online ordering platform.

2024

Renewed & Growing

A complete dining room refresh, new seasonal menu collaborations, and expanded delivery reach keep Pizza luce at the forefront of New York's food scene.

The People Behind the Pizzas

Meet Our Team

Every great pizza starts with passionate people. Our team brings decades of culinary expertise, creativity, and genuine love for food to work every day.

Marco Deluce

Founder & Executive Chef

With 20+ years in Italian kitchens from Naples to New York, Marco's passion for authentic pizza luce flavors is the heartbeat of everything we do.

Sofia Ramos

Head Pizzaiola

Trained in traditional Neapolitan pizza craft, Sofia brings artistry to every toss and the perfect wood-fire char that our regulars crave.

James Carter

Operations Manager

James keeps the pizzaluce machine running smoothly — from supplier relationships to guest experience, his attention to detail ensures every visit feels exceptional.

Lucia Chen

Pastry & Desserts Chef

From tiramisu to cannoli, Lucia's desserts are the perfect finale to any Pizza luce meal — crafted with the same artisan care as our savory dishes.

Passionate about food and hospitality? We'd love to hear from you.

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Ready to Taste the Difference?

Come Experience pizza luce for Yourself

Visit us at 235 E 53rd St, New York, or order online and let us bring the pizza luce experience right to your door. Fresh, fast, and crafted with heart.

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Visit Us

235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Call Us

+1 646-590-2777

Hours

Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm | Sat: 10am–4pm