Marco Luce
Co-Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
Trained in Naples and New Haven, Marco brings 20+ years of pizza artistry to every pie. His grandfather's dough recipe is still our secret weapon.
Our Story
We Are Pizza luce
Born from a passion for authentic flavors and community connection, we've been crafting unforgettable pizza experiences in Middletown, CT since 2008.
15+
Years of
Craft
Craft
How It All Began
A Slice of Passion,
A Lifetime of Flavor
Pizza luce was founded in 2008 by Marco and Elena Luce, two Italian-American food lovers who grew up watching their grandmothers craft pizza from scratch in a tiny kitchen in New Haven. They dreamed of bringing that same warmth, authenticity, and love to the heart of Middletown, Connecticut.
What started as a 10-table neighborhood spot on Washington Street has grown into a beloved community landmark — a place where families celebrate milestones, friends gather on Friday nights, and first dates become love stories over a shared pie.
Every dough is hand-stretched. Every sauce is slow-cooked. Every topping is sourced from regional farms and trusted artisan producers. We don't cut corners, because the people who walk through our door deserve the real thing.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Wood-Fired Stone Oven
Family Owned & Operated
Award-Winning Recipes
Purpose Driven
Our Mission & Vision
Everything we do is rooted in a simple belief: great food, made with care, brings people together. That's the soul of Pizza luce.
Our Mission
To serve handcrafted, soul-satisfying pizza that connects people to the table and to each other — one slice at a time.
Our Vision
To be Connecticut's most loved pizzeria — known not just for our food, but for the community and culture we build around it.
Sustainability
We partner with local farms, minimize food waste, and use eco-friendly packaging because we care about Middletown's future.
Community
From youth sports sponsorships to local charity dinners, we invest in the neighborhoods that made us who we are.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, from recipe development to how we treat our team.
01
Authenticity First
We stay true to time-honored Italian techniques. No shortcuts, no artificial flavors — just honest food made the right way.
02
Quality Without Compromise
Every ingredient is chosen with intention. If it doesn't meet our standard, it doesn't make it onto your plate.
03
Radical Hospitality
When you walk in, you're not a customer — you're a guest. We treat every person with warmth, respect, and genuine care.
04
Continuous Improvement
We never stop learning. Our team attends culinary workshops, experiments with new recipes, and listens to your feedback.
Our Journey
A History of Delicious Milestones
From a dream to a destination — here's how Pizza luce has grown over the years.
2008
The Doors Open
Marco and Elena Luce open Pizza luce at 98 Washington St with 10 tables, a hand-built stone oven, and a menu of 8 classic pies. The line stretches out the door on opening night.
2011
CT Magazine's Best Pizza
Just three years in, Connecticut Magazine names Pizza luce the "Best Pizza in the Connecticut River Valley." The recognition puts us on the map statewide.
2014
Full Kitchen Expansion
We double our kitchen capacity, add a dedicated pasta station, and expand our dining room to 40 seats. The second wood-fired oven makes its debut, cutting wait times in half.
2017
Farm-to-Table Commitment
We formalize partnerships with three local Connecticut farms — sourcing all our tomatoes, basil, and seasonal vegetables within 50 miles of our kitchen.
2020
Community Through Crisis
During the toughest year for restaurants, we pivot to family meal kits and feed over 2,000 frontline workers through a community fundraising campaign. We emerge stronger than ever.
2024
Online Ordering Launch
Pizza luce goes digital with a full online ordering system, making it easier than ever to get our handcrafted pies delivered straight to your door anywhere in Middlesex County.
The People Behind the Pies
Meet Our Team
Every great pizza starts with great people. We're proud to introduce the passionate individuals who make Pizza luce what it is every single day.
Elena Luce
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Elena runs the heart of the house — from sourcing the finest local ingredients to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile. Her warmth defines our culture.
Jordan Rivera
Executive Chef
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Jordan leads our kitchen with creativity and precision, developing seasonal specials that keep our menu exciting.
Priya Sharma
Guest Experience Manager
Priya ensures every visit is memorable — from the moment you walk in to the last bite. She leads our front-of-house team with energy and grace.
Passionate about food and hospitality? We're always looking for great people to join our team.
View Open Positions