Marco Ricci
Head Chef & Founder
With over 20 years in the kitchen, Marco brought authentic Neapolitan techniques to Charlotte and built pizza luce from the ground up.
Our Story
About Pizza luce
Charlotte's Home
of Handcrafted Pizza
Welcome to pizza luce — where every slice tells a story of passion, fresh ingredients, and a deep love for the craft of pizza-making right in the heart of Charlotte, United States. Discover the pizzaluce difference.
15+
Years of Craft
Our Story
Born from a Passion
for Authentic Pizza
Pizza luce was founded with a single belief: that great pizza starts with great ingredients and even greater care. Located in the heart of Charlotte at Truist Center, our pizza luce restaurant has been serving the community handcrafted pies that celebrate bold flavors and time-honored traditions.
What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria has grown into a beloved Charlotte institution. Our kitchen team crafts every dough by hand daily, sources locally whenever possible, and layers flavors with the kind of intention you can taste in every single bite.
"We don't just make pizza — we make moments. Every pie that leaves our kitchen carries the warmth of the hands that made it and the love of the community that inspires us."
From our signature luce pizza creations to our crowd-favorite classics, every item on our menu reflects our commitment to quality, creativity, and the joy of sharing a great meal with great people. We are proud to be Charlotte's home of pizzaluce.
15+
Years in Business
50K+
Pizzas Served
30+
Menu Items
4.9★
Customer Rating
Our Mission & Values
What Drives Pizza lucs
At pizza lucs, our core values shape everything — from how we source ingredients to how we treat every guest who walks through our doors.
Fresh Ingredients
We source the freshest produce, finest cheeses, and highest-quality meats — locally whenever possible — so every bite reflects our commitment to real food.
Handcrafted Daily
Our dough is made by hand every single day. No shortcuts, no frozen bases. The craft of pizza-making is something we take seriously and love sharing with you.
Community First
We are proud to be part of the Charlotte community. From supporting local farmers to hosting neighborhood events, we give back to the city that built us.
Bold Flavors
We believe pizza should be an experience. We push creative boundaries with unique flavor combinations while never losing sight of the classics you love.
Meet the Team
The Faces Behind Every Slice
Our team is the heart and soul of Pizza luce. Each member brings passion, skill, and creativity to your table every day.
Sofia Delgado
Sous Chef & Dough Specialist
Sofia is the master behind our hand-tossed dough recipes. Her daily commitment to craft ensures every crust is perfectly light and crispy.
James Carter
General Manager
James keeps the pizza luce experience running smoothly. His focus on hospitality means every guest leaves happier than they arrived.
Priya Mehta
Menu Developer & Flavour Artist
Priya is the creative force behind our seasonal specials and innovative luce pizza flavors that keep our regulars excited to return.
Love what we do? Come be part of the pizza luce family.
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Our Journey
The luce pizza Story Through the Years
From a single oven dream to Charlotte's most beloved luce pizza destination — here's how we got here.
2009
Where It All Began
Marco Ricci opens the first Pizza luce location in a cozy 800 sq ft space in Charlotte, driven by a vision of bringing authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to North Carolina.
2012
Best Pizza in Charlotte Award
Just three years after opening, pizza luce wins its first "Best Pizza in Charlotte" award from Charlotte Magazine — a recognition that put us on the city's culinary map.
2015
New Home at Truist Center
Growing popularity leads to a move into our current home at Truist Center on 214 N Tryon St, giving us a bigger kitchen and a prime downtown Charlotte location.
2018
Catering & Events Launch
The pizzaluce catering program launches, bringing our handcrafted pies to weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings across the Charlotte metro area.
2021
50,000 Pizzas Served Milestone
We celebrate a massive milestone — 50,000 handcrafted pizzas served to our incredible Charlotte community. We commemorated it with a neighborhood block party.
2024
Online Ordering & Delivery
Pizza luce launches online ordering and delivery services, making it easier than ever for Charlotte customers to enjoy fresh, handcrafted pizza at home.
2026
Still Going Strong
Today, pizza luce continues to grow, innovate, and serve Charlotte with the same love and commitment that started it all. The best is yet to come.