Since 1992, Pizza Luce has been St. Paul's beloved home for creative, handcrafted artisan pizza using the finest local ingredients.
Pizza Luce was born in 1992 from a simple dream: to create a gathering place where great food meets genuine community. Our founder, inspired by travels through Italy and a deep love for local Minnesota culture, opened our first location on Selby Ave in St. Paul with just four tables and a wood-fired oven.
What began as a neighborhood pizza joint quickly became a beloved institution. We pioneered adventurous, artisan pizza in the Twin Cities long before it was trendy — layering bold flavors, seasonal vegetables, and carefully sourced proteins on our signature slow-fermented dough.
Today, over three decades later, we remain fiercely independent and community-rooted. Every slice we serve carries the same passion, creativity, and respect for our neighbors that defined us from day one.
To craft exceptional artisan pizzas using honest, local ingredients — served in a space where every guest feels like a neighbor and every visit feels like coming home.
To be the most loved community pizza restaurant in the Twin Cities — known not just for extraordinary food, but for the connections and memories we help create every single day.
Every pizza we make is crafted with intention and care. We promise fresh ingredients, bold creativity, and an experience that keeps you coming back slice after slice.
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, from the farmers we partner with to the way we train our team.
We partner with local Minnesota farms, reduce waste, and make eco-conscious choices at every step of our process — because great pizza starts with a healthy planet.
We refuse to be ordinary. From our seasonal specials to our signature combinations, we're always exploring new flavor frontiers while honoring timeless techniques.
Pizza Luce is a gathering place for everyone. We celebrate diversity, support local causes, and work hard to make every person who walks through our door feel truly welcome.
We never cut corners. From our slow-fermented dough to our hand-stretched mozzarella, quality is our non-negotiable foundation for everything we create.
Behind every great pizza is a passionate person. These are the heart and hands of Pizza Luce.
Trained in Naples and driven by a love for St. Paul, Marcus brought Italian artisan techniques to the heart of Minnesota. His slow-fermented dough recipe remains unchanged since 1992.
With a James Beard nomination and a passion for bold, seasonal flavors, Sofia leads our creative kitchen. She crafts every new menu item with deep attention to local ingredients and global inspiration.
James keeps our kitchen running like a dream. With 15 years in restaurant operations and a genuine love for hospitality, he ensures every guest experience is seamless and memorable.
Amara is the heartbeat of our community programs. She orchestrates our neighborhood events, charity partnerships, and the vibrant culture that makes Pizza Luce more than a restaurant.
Want to be part of our incredible team?
View Open PositionsFrom a single wood-fired oven to a St. Paul institution — here's how Pizza Luce grew one slice at a time.
Marcus Rivera opens Pizza Luce at 1183 Selby Ave with a single wood-fired oven, four tables, and an unyielding belief in great pizza made with local love.
City Pages names Pizza Luce the "Best Pizza in the Twin Cities" — our first of many accolades that affirm what our neighborhood already knows.
We expand our kitchen and seating, adding a full bar program and launching our legendary late-night menu that becomes a post-concert staple in St. Paul.
Pizza Luce launches its sustainability initiative, partnering with 12 local Minnesota farms and implementing zero-waste kitchen practices ahead of industry standards.
Sofia Chen joins as Executive Chef, bringing James Beard-recognized talent and a bold new creative vision that expands our menu to 50+ signature creations.
We launch our digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever for the community to enjoy Pizza Luce at home. Delivery orders jump 300% in the first year.
Pizza Luce celebrates over 30 years of community, creativity, and craft. We've served more than 200,000 customers and remain proudly independent — still on Selby Ave, still made with love.