Marco Rossi
Co-Founder & Head ChefBorn in Naples, Marco brings 25+ years of Neapolitan pizza mastery. His wood-fired technique and passion for authentic flavors started it all.
Our Story
Crafted With Passion,
Served With Love
Since 2004, Pizza Luce has been bringing the finest handcrafted pizzas to Middletown, CT — using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
20+
Years of Excellence
50K+
Happy Customers
30+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
20+
Yrs Experience
Our Story
From a Small Kitchen to Middletown's Favorite Pizza
Pizza Luce was born out of a simple dream: to create a place where every slice tells a story. Founded in 2004 by Marco and Elena Rossi, our restaurant started as a tiny 10-table spot on Washington Street with a wood-fired oven and a passion for authentic Italian flavors.
Marco grew up in Naples, where pizza isn't just food — it's a way of life. He spent years perfecting his dough recipe, sourcing the finest San Marzano tomatoes, and learning the art of the perfect bake from his grandmother, Nonna Lucia. When he met Elena, a Connecticut native with a talent for creating welcoming spaces, they knew they had something special.
Over two decades later, Pizza Luce has grown into one of Middletown's most beloved dining destinations. We've expanded our menu, grown our team, and welcomed thousands of loyal customers — but our commitment to handcrafted quality and genuine hospitality has never wavered.
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Locally Sourced Ingredients We partner with Connecticut farms for the freshest produce every day.
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Wood-Fired Tradition Our original stone oven delivers the authentic crispy crust every time.
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Community Focused Proud to support local events and feed the Middletown community since 2004.
Our Mission & Values
What Drives Everything We Do
Our values aren't just words on a wall — they guide every decision we make, from the ingredients we choose to the way we greet each guest.
Our Mission
To bring people together through the timeless joy of exceptional pizza — made with integrity, served with warmth, and crafted to create memories that last a lifetime.
Fresh Quality
We never compromise on ingredients. Every topping, every sauce, every dough ball is prepared fresh daily with no shortcuts.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest is treated like family. We believe great food tastes even better when it's served with a warm smile and genuine care.
Community First
Middletown is our home. We invest in our neighborhood, support local suppliers, and give back through community programs.
Constant Excellence
We never stop improving. Our team continually refines recipes, techniques, and service to deliver the best possible experience.
Meet The Team
The People Behind Every Slice
Our team is our greatest ingredient. Each member brings passion, skill, and dedication to making your Pizza Luce experience unforgettable.
Elena Rossi
Co-Founder & Operations DirectorElena's warmth and organizational genius created the welcoming atmosphere Pizza Luce is known for. Every guest feels at home because of her.
James Carter
Executive Sous ChefA culinary school graduate with a flair for bold flavor combinations, James crafts our seasonal specials and oversees kitchen consistency every service.
Sofia Chen
Guest Experience ManagerSofia ensures every visit exceeds expectations. With a background in hospitality management, she leads our front-of-house team with grace and energy.
Interested in joining our passionate team?
View Open Positions
Our Journey
Two Decades of Pizza Perfection
From a humble first slice to feeding thousands — here's how Pizza Luce grew into the restaurant you love today.
2004
The First Slice
Marco and Elena Rossi open Pizza Luce on Washington Street with a 10-table dining room, a wood-fired stone oven, and an unwavering belief in honest, handcrafted pizza.
2007
Community Recognition
Pizza Luce wins "Best Pizza in Middletown" at the Hartford Magazine Food Awards for the first time — an honor we've proudly received six times since.
2010
Expansion & New Menu
We doubled our dining capacity, added a full catering menu, and introduced our famous Truffle & Arugula and Spicy Calabrese signature pizzas that are still bestsellers today.
2014
Farm-to-Table Commitment
We formalized partnerships with five local Connecticut farms, ensuring the freshest seasonal produce reaches our kitchen within 24 hours of harvest — a commitment we maintain to this day.
2018
Online Ordering Launch
Pizza Luce goes digital, launching online ordering and delivery. Within the first year, we fulfilled over 15,000 delivery orders, bringing our handcrafted pizza directly to your door.
2022
50,000 Happy Guests
We proudly celebrate serving our 50,000th unique guest — a milestone we marked with a community pizza party on Washington Street and a thank-you to every loyal customer.
2024
20 Years & Beyond
Celebrating two decades of passion, flavor, and community. We renovated our dining room, launched a new seasonal menu, and remain committed to making every guest's visit our best one yet.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Come Experience Pizza Luce Today
Join our family of pizza lovers. Whether you dine in, take out, or order for delivery — every bite is made with the same love and craftsmanship that started it all in 2004.
Order Now98 Washington St, Middletown, CT 06457 | Mon–Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM