Marco Reyes
Head Chef & Co-Founder
With 25+ years behind the stone oven, Marco developed the original pizzaluce dough recipe and still perfects every new pie on the menu.
Our Story
About Pizza luce
From a small Minneapolis kitchen to a beloved pizza luce destination — discover the people, passion, and principles behind every slice.
25+
Years of
pizza luce
pizza luce
How It All Started
The pizza luce Story
Pizza luce was born in 1999 out of a simple belief: that pizza should be an experience, not just a meal. Founded in the heart of Minneapolis, MN, our founders set out to create a space where bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and community could all come together on one crust.
What began as a single location on N 4th St has grown into a beloved local institution — a place where regulars know the staff by name and every new customer is welcomed like family. Our pizzaluce philosophy has always been rooted in craft: hand-stretched doughs, house-made sauces, and toppings sourced from trusted local producers whenever possible.
Over the decades, pizza lucs (as our regulars affectionately call us) has stayed true to its roots while embracing creativity. From classic Margheritas to inventive seasonal specials, we believe every pizza tells a story — and we're proud to keep writing ours.
25+
Years Open
50+
Menu Items
200k+
Happy Guests
4.8★
Avg. Rating
Our Mission
Crafting luce pizza with Purpose & Passion
At Pizza luce, our mission is to serve handcrafted, honest food in a space that feels like home. We believe that great luce pizza starts with great ingredients, inspired by the people who grow them, prepared by cooks who care, and shared with a community that deserves the best. Every order, every slice, every visit matters to us.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These principles guide everything we do — from sourcing ingredients to serving your table.
Fresh Ingredients
We partner with local farms and trusted suppliers to bring you produce and proteins that are as fresh as possible — because quality starts at the source.
Handcrafted with Care
Every pizza at pizzaluce is made by hand. Our doughs are stretched fresh daily, our sauces simmered in-house, and every topping placed with intention.
Community First
Pizza luce is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We support local events, partner with neighborhood organizations, and give back to Minneapolis.
Sustainable Practices
We're committed to reducing our footprint — from compostable packaging to minimizing food waste — because taking care of the planet is part of taking care of each other.
Our Journey
A History of pizzaluce
From humble beginnings to a Minneapolis landmark — here's how pizza lucs became the place we are today.
1999
Doors Open on N 4th St
Pizza luce serves its first pizza from a 40-seat dining room in downtown Minneapolis. The concept is simple: great craft pizza, local ingredients, welcoming atmosphere.
2003
Expanding the Menu
Following overwhelming demand, we expand our menu to include specialty pies, seasonal offerings, and our now-legendary weekend brunch pizza. The pizza lucs community grows fast.
2008
Best Pizza in Minneapolis Award
Pizza luce is recognized as Minneapolis' Best Pizza by City Pages — a milestone that cements our reputation and brings a new wave of loyal guests through our doors.
2014
Sustainability Commitment
We launch our green initiative — switching to compostable packaging, cutting food waste by 30%, and formalizing our partnerships with three local organic farms.
2019
20 Years of pizza luce
We celebrate two decades of craft pizza with a community block party, a special 20th anniversary menu, and a heartfelt thank-you to the Minneapolis neighborhood that made it all possible.
2024
Online Ordering & Delivery Launch
Pizza luce goes digital — launching seamless online ordering and delivery so guests across the city can enjoy our handcrafted pizzas wherever they are. Our story continues.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Passionate, skilled, and dedicated — our team is the heart and soul of Pizza luce.
Diane Kowalski
General Manager
Diane joined pizza luce in 2004 and hasn't looked back. She ensures every guest experience lives up to the warm, welcoming standard the restaurant is known for.
Jordan Lee
Executive Sous Chef
Jordan brings a culinary school background and a love of bold seasonal flavors. He leads our kitchen team and drives the creativity behind our rotating specials.
Priya Sharma
Community & Events Manager
Priya connects Pizza luce with the neighborhoods we serve — organizing local events, community fundraisers, and catering experiences that bring people together.