Crafted with Passion,
Served with Pride
From a small kitchen dream to Eden Prairie's favorite pizza destination — discover the heart, history, and people behind every slice.
Flavor
Where Every Pizza Tells a Story
Pizza Luce was born in 2009 from a simple but powerful idea: that pizza could be more than fast food. Founders Marco and Elena Castellano, Italian-American immigrants with deep roots in Neapolitan cuisine, opened a small, 12-seat pizzeria on Viking Drive with nothing but a wood-fired oven, a bag of premium flour, and a relentless commitment to quality.
Word spread fast. Within six months, lines stretched around the block. Within two years, Pizza Luce had become a staple of Eden Prairie's dining scene — not just for its exceptional pies, but for the warm, welcoming community atmosphere that Marco and Elena fought to preserve as the restaurant grew.
Today, Pizza Luce serves hundreds of guests daily, yet every pizza is still made by hand, every sauce still simmers from scratch, and every guest is still treated like family. That original spirit — passion, precision, and genuine hospitality — is baked into everything we do.
Wood-Fired Tradition
Our original wood-fired oven still operates at 900°F, producing that authentic char and crisp only fire can create.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
We partner with over a dozen Minnesota farms to bring you the freshest seasonal produce on every pie.
Community First
From school fundraisers to local events, Pizza Luce gives back to the Eden Prairie community that built us.
What Drives Us Every Day
Three core commitments that guide every decision we make, from sourcing ingredients to hiring our team.
Uncompromising Quality
We believe great pizza starts with great ingredients. Every tomato, every cheese, every herb is chosen with care. We never cut corners — not on flavor, not on freshness, not on you.
Genuine Hospitality
A great meal is about more than food — it's about how you feel. We train every team member to make guests feel seen, welcomed, and valued from the moment they walk in or place an order.
Sustainable Practices
We're committed to reducing our footprint. From compostable packaging to energy-efficient ovens and zero-waste kitchen practices, sustainability isn't a trend here — it's a responsibility.
The Principles We Live By
Our values aren't plaques on the wall — they're practiced daily in our kitchen, at our counter, and in our community.
Integrity in Every Ingredient
We're transparent about what goes into our food. No artificial preservatives, no hidden additives — just honest, real food you can trust.
Respect for Our Team
Our staff are paid fairly, treated with dignity, and given room to grow. A happy team makes better pizza — and we believe it wholeheartedly.
Creative Courage
We honor tradition but embrace innovation. Our seasonal specials and rotating menu keep things exciting while our classics stay timeless.
Community Ownership
We see ourselves as stewards of this neighborhood. Supporting local, giving back, and showing up for Eden Prairie isn't optional — it's our purpose.
Daily
A Journey Built One Slice at a Time
From a single oven to a beloved Eden Prairie institution — here's how Pizza Luce grew.
The First Slice
Marco and Elena Castellano open Pizza Luce in a cozy 12-seat space on Viking Drive, armed with a wood-fired oven imported from Naples and family recipes passed down for three generations.
Voted Eden Prairie's Best Pizza
Just two years in, Pizza Luce earns the title of "Best Pizza in Eden Prairie" by the local City Pages readers' poll — a recognition that puts the restaurant on the regional culinary map.
Expansion & New Kitchen
Rising demand leads to a full dining room expansion, doubling capacity to 60 seats. A second state-of-the-art oven is added, and the first dedicated catering operation launches.
Farm-to-Table Partnership
Pizza Luce formalizes partnerships with eight local Minnesota farms, launching the "Local Harvest" seasonal menu series. The initiative earns recognition from the Minnesota Restaurant Association.
Pivoting with Purpose
During the pandemic, Pizza Luce launches a contactless delivery program and community meal initiative, donating over 3,000 meals to healthcare workers and food-insecure families across Eden Prairie.
Digital Ordering & Franchise Launch
Pizza Luce launches its new online ordering platform and announces its first franchise opportunity, bringing the Pizza Luce experience to communities beyond Eden Prairie.
Celebrating 15+ Years of Flavor
Pizza Luce marks over 15 years of serving the Eden Prairie community. With a refreshed brand identity, new menu innovations, and a growing franchise network, the best is still ahead.
The People Behind Every Slice
Passionate, skilled, and dedicated — our team is what makes Pizza Luce more than just a restaurant.
Marco Castellano
Born in Naples, trained at the Academy of Pizza Arts in Rome. Marco's wood-fired techniques and obsessive attention to dough fermentation are the soul of every Pizza Luce pie.
Elena Castellano
The strategic mind behind Pizza Luce's growth, Elena oversees operations, community partnerships, and the guest experience. Her warmth sets the tone for our entire culture.
James Okafor
With 10 years in fine dining and a passion for fusion flavors, James leads our seasonal specials program, blending classic Italian techniques with bold, unexpected ingredients.
Sofia Reyes
Sofia ensures every visit and every order exceeds expectations. She leads front-of-house training and spearheads customer feedback initiatives that keep Pizza Luce improving every day.
Love what we do? Come join our growing team.
Get in Touch