Our Story

Crafted with Passion,
Rooted in Minneapolis

Since 1992, Pizza Luce has been serving bold, creative, and community-driven artisan pizza to the heart of Minneapolis — one slice at a time.

A Minneapolis
Original Since 1992

Pizza Luce was born in a tiny kitchen on the North Loop of Minneapolis with a single, stubborn belief: pizza could be extraordinary. Our founder, armed with a wood-fired oven, locally sourced produce, and an irreverent spirit, opened the doors to what would become one of Minnesota's most beloved restaurants.

Over three decades, we've grown from a neighborhood gem into a city icon — but our soul hasn't changed. We still hand-stretch every dough, char every crust, and layer every pizza with the same obsessive care we started with.

We believe food is community. Every pizza we make is a conversation, a celebration, and an act of love for Minneapolis and the people who call it home.

32+ Years Open
50+ Menu Items
1M+ Slices Served
4 Locations
Pizza Luce restaurant interior with warm lighting and rustic decor
Artisan pizza being prepared with fresh toppings
Cozy dining area with guests enjoying their meals

Our Mission & Vision

We exist to create bold, memorable food experiences that bring people together — from the first bite to the last.

Bold Flavors

We never settle for ordinary. Every ingredient is chosen for character and every combination is crafted for impact — surprising, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Local Sourcing

We partner with Minnesota farmers and producers to ensure our food is as fresh as possible. Supporting local means better pizza and a stronger community.

Community First

Minneapolis made us. We give back through food drives, local partnerships, and events that keep our neighborhood thriving and connected.

Sustainability

We minimize waste, compost where we can, and choose eco-conscious packaging. Good food should never come at the planet's expense.

32 Years of Pizza History

From a single oven to a Minneapolis institution — here's how we got here.

1992

The First Oven

Pizza Luce opens its doors at 119 N 4th St in Minneapolis with a wood-fired oven, a handful of tables, and a bold menu that challenged everything people thought they knew about pizza.

1997

City's Best Pizza Award

Minneapolis City Pages names Pizza Luce the Best Pizza in the Twin Cities — our first major recognition, validating what our regulars already knew. The line out the door grew noticeably longer.

2003

Second Location Opens

Demand for Luce grew beyond one address. We opened our Uptown location, bringing the same bold flavors and community-centric vibe to a new Minneapolis neighborhood.

2010

Farm-to-Table Commitment

We formalized our relationships with local Minnesota farms, pledging to source over 60% of our fresh produce and dairy within 200 miles of Minneapolis — a commitment we've exceeded every year since.

2016

Online Ordering Launch

We brought Pizza Luce to your doorstep with the launch of our online ordering and delivery system — making it easier than ever to enjoy our artisan pizzas at home.

2024

30+ Years & Thriving

Over three decades in, Pizza Luce remains independently owned, community-rooted, and unapologetically delicious. We're not done growing — the best slices are still ahead.

Meet Our Team

Passionate about food, rooted in Minneapolis, driven by craft. These are the faces behind every perfect crust.

Marcus Johansson

Founder & Executive Chef

The visionary behind Pizza Luce. Marcus's obsession with fermentation, char, and bold toppings set the standard for everything we do. He still oversees every menu change personally.

Layla Okonkwo

Head of Operations

Layla keeps Pizza Luce running with quiet precision. With a decade in hospitality management, she ensures every location delivers the same warmth and consistency our guests expect.

Diego Reyes

Head Pizzaiolo

Trained in Naples and seasoned in Minneapolis, Diego's hands have stretched more dough than anyone at Luce. He guards the fermentation schedule like it's sacred — because it is.

Nora Lindqvist

Community & Sourcing Director

Nora is the bridge between Pizza Luce and the Minnesota farms that fuel us. She also leads our community initiatives, from food drives to local school partnerships.

Want to join our team? We'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch

Our Core Values

These aren't wall decorations — they guide every decision we make, from the kitchen to the community.

Craft & Care

We put our whole selves into every pizza. No shortcuts, no compromises. Every crust is stretched, every sauce is made from scratch, every bite matters.

Integrity

We're honest about our ingredients, our sourcing, and our practices. What you see on the menu is exactly what you get — no hidden extras, no fine print.

Local Roots

Minneapolis is our home, not just our address. We invest in our neighborhood, celebrate local talent, and keep our dollars circulating in the community.

Environmental Respect

From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, we take our environmental responsibility seriously. The planet deserves as much care as our pizza.

Creativity

We push pizza boundaries — embracing unusual combinations, seasonal specials, and bold experiments. Creativity keeps our menu alive and our guests excited.

Joy in Every Bite

Food should make people happy. We never lose sight of that. Every pizza we make is an invitation to gather, celebrate, and enjoy something genuinely delicious.

Pizza Made With Purpose,
Delivered With Pride

Whether you dine in, take out, or order for delivery — the same craft and passion goes into every pizza we make.

Order Now
Added to cart!