Founder & Head Chef
Marco Russo
With over 20 years of culinary mastery, Marco founded Pizza luce to share his family's authentic Neapolitan pizza luce recipes with the Duluth community.
Our Story
The Heart Behind Pizza luce
Since 2008, pizza luce has been Duluth's most-loved destination for authentic, hand-crafted pizza. From our humble beginning on Superior Street to becoming a beloved community staple, every slice we serve carries the passion, warmth, and dedication that defines who we are. Discover the pizzaluce story — built on community, quality, and love.
15+
Years in Duluth
50K+
Happy Customers
80+
Menu Items
4.9★
Average Rating
Our Story
From a Single Oven to Duluth's Favorite pizzaluce
It all started with a simple dream: to bring the authentic flavors of wood-fired pizza luce to the heart of Duluth, Minnesota. In 2008, founders Marco and Elena Russo opened our doors with just one stone oven, a handful of cherished family recipes, and an unshakable belief in the power of good food to bring people together.
What began as a neighborhood gem quickly grew into a community cornerstone. Word spread about our commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, hand-stretched dough made daily, and that unmistakable luce pizza flavor that keeps guests coming back again and again.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
We partner with Minnesota farms to bring you the freshest toppings every day.
Stone-Fired Tradition
Every pizza is baked in our signature stone oven for that perfect crispy crust.
Community First
We give back to Duluth through local events, sponsorships, and charitable initiatives.
Mission & Vision
What Drives Us Every Day
Our mission is rooted in our love for authentic pizza lucs craft — delivering not just pizza, but an experience that nourishes body and community alike.
Our Mission
To craft exceptional pizza luce that brings people together, using time-honored recipes and the finest local ingredients, served with genuine hospitality.
Our Vision
To be Duluth's most trusted neighborhood pizzeria — a place where every guest feels at home and every meal is a celebration of great food and community.
Our Promise
We promise fresh ingredients, no shortcuts, and a dining experience that respects your time, your taste, and your trust in our luce pizza tradition.
Our Community
We believe great food is at its best when shared. That's why we invest in local partnerships, schools, and events that strengthen the Duluth community.
Our Journey
A Legacy Built One Slice at a Time
Every great story has milestones worth celebrating. Here's how pizza luce grew from a small family kitchen into Duluth's most beloved pizzeria — one year, one pizza, one smile at a time.
2008
The Grand Opening
Marco and Elena Russo open Pizza luce at 11 E Superior St, Duluth. The community lines up around the block on opening day for a taste of authentic pizza luce.
2011
Community Recognition
Named "Best Pizza in Duluth" by the Duluth News Tribune. We celebrate by offering free slices to the entire neighborhood — a tradition we still uphold every anniversary.
2015
Menu Expansion
We launch our signature luce pizza range — including gluten-free, vegan, and seasonal specialty pies — welcoming every guest to the table regardless of dietary needs.
2019
Catering & Events
Pizza luce launches its full catering service, bringing our pizzaluce experience to weddings, corporate events, and community festivals across the region.
2023
Online Ordering Launch
We make it easier than ever to enjoy pizza luce at home with our new online ordering system — delivering the same great taste straight to your door.
Today
Still Going Strong
Over 50,000 happy customers and counting. We remain committed to our roots — hand-crafted pizza, local ingredients, and a community we're proud to call home.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Every Perfect Slice
Our talented team is the soul of Pizza luce. Each member brings passion, skill, and a deep love for authentic pizza luce craftsmanship.
Co-Founder & Operations
Elena Russo
Elena keeps the heart of Pizza luce beating — managing operations, community partnerships, and the warm, welcoming experience every guest deserves.
Sous Chef
James Kowalski
A Duluth native and culinary school graduate, James brings creative flair to our seasonal specials while honoring the classic pizzaluce traditions Marco built.
Guest Experience Manager
Sofia Mendez
Sofia ensures every visit to Pizza luce is unforgettable — from your first hello to your last bite of luce pizza, she's here to make it perfect.
Interested in joining our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
View Open Positions
Our Values
The Principles That Guide Everything We Do
At Pizza luce, our values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every decision, every recipe, and every interaction we have with our community.
Uncompromising Quality
We source only the finest ingredients and never take shortcuts. Every pizza that leaves our kitchen reflects our commitment to the highest standards of luce pizza craftsmanship.
Genuine Hospitality
We treat every guest like family. The warmth and welcome you feel when you step into Pizza luce is intentional — because food tastes better when it's shared with people who care.
Sustainability
We're committed to eco-conscious practices — from compostable packaging to reducing food waste — because protecting Duluth's natural beauty is as important as feeding its people.
Creativity & Innovation
While we honor classic pizza luce traditions, we embrace creativity in our seasonal menus and special offerings — always surprising and delighting our loyal guests.
Community Love
Duluth is our home. We invest in local schools, sponsor community events, and partner with neighborhood organizations because great communities deserve great pizza.
Integrity Always
We're transparent about our ingredients, our sourcing, and our practices. What you see on our menu is exactly what you get — honest food made with honest hands.
Taste the Story
Ready to Experience Pizza luce?
Join over 50,000 satisfied guests who call Pizza luce their go-to spot for authentic, hand-crafted pizza in Duluth. Your next great meal is just a click away.
Find Us
11 E Superior St,
Duluth, MN 55802
Duluth, MN 55802
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm
Sat: 10am–4pm
Sat: 10am–4pm