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from Wikipedia

Mark Iacono making pizza at Lucali in 2008

Key Information

Exterior of Baby Luc's, opened in 2021

Lucali is a pizzeria founded by Mark Iacono in 2006, located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, New York City. The pizzeria serves brick oven pizza and calzones.[1][2]

History

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Lucali was founded by Mark Iacono in 2006 in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. There was a candy store, Louie's Candy Store, across the street from where his father was born that Iacono, a Carroll Gardens native, frequented in his youth. After Louie died, his wife Rosemary put the place, at 575 Henry Street, up for rent. Iacono decided to lease it to open a pizzeria. The name Lucali comes both from Louie the candy store owner and Iacono's daughter, Kalista.[1]

He had no experience making pizza prior to opening the restaurant. He mainly wanted to avoid a beloved neighborhood space from being snatched up and transformed into something bland.[3] He initially wanted to open a traditional neighborhood New York–style slice shop, but wound up with a sit-down restaurant.[4] He learned from watching other New York pizzaiolos, like the way Dom DeMarco of Di Fara Pizza adds a lot of fresh basil to his pies.[1] After experimenting until he was happy with the results, he opened the doors in 2006.[3]

In 2013, Lucali expanded to Miami Beach in South Florida.[5] In July 2021, Iacono opened a slice shop two blocks away from Lucali, on Court Street, called Baby Luc's.[6][4]

Description

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Lucali is a sit-down brick-oven pizzeria that seats 30 people. New York Times called it "a luxury restaurant disguised as a pizza joint", decorated with "carefully curated oldness".[1] Pizzas are made on a marble counter in front of guests on what New York Magazine called "a workstation that looks like a stage."[3]

The most popular pizza is the plain pie, with tomato sauce, three kinds of cheese, and a lot of fresh basil on a thin, light, chewy crust.[7] While best known for pizza, it also serves calzones.[1]

Unlike many other pizzerias in New York, Lucali does not take reservations on the phone or via the internet, does not deliver, and does not serve slices.

Reception

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Lucali is frequently named as one of the best pizzerias in Brooklyn or New York City.[7][8] In October 2018, Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, in his One Bite reviews gave the pizza a score of 9.3. [9] It has been part of the One Bite Pizza Festival every year since 2023.[10]

The restaurant received entertainment news coverage when Jay-Z and Beyoncé opted for dinner at Lucali over attending the 54th Grammy Awards ceremony.[11] It also receive substantial coverage after Kendrick Lamar mentioned the pizzaria in his diss track "6:16 in LA."[12]

Its method of seating has itself received press coverage. The Infatuation wrote that "going to Lucali is a pain in the ass", worth it only because it has "the best pizza in New York City."[7] Guests are encouraged to arrive early and the restaurant begins creating a list of names at 5:00 p.m. Then they leave and wait until they receive a phone call. There is an assumption that patrons are either locals themselves or would spend time at another local business while they wait. Patrons may often wait up to two hours for a seat at the restaurant.[7]

Lucali's success led several people, including the owner and his family, to discuss the gentrification of the Brooklyn neighborhood. When Iacono grew up in Carroll Gardens, it was a working-class neighborhood struggling with crime. The restaurant has roots in the neighborhood, but is also frequented by the rich and famous.[1]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lucali is a in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens neighborhood, founded in 2006 by Mark Iacono, a local native and former carpenter who opened the restaurant to preserve a childhood store site and pursue his passion for pizza-making inspired by his grandmother. The establishment specializes in Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas and calzones baked in a brick oven using fresh, simple ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, basil, and olive oil, with Iacono personally handling dough preparation daily. Notable for its unpretentious operations—including no reservations, cash-only payments, bring-your-own-beverage policy, and a limited menu without slices—the candlelit dining room attracts a mix of celebrities and neighborhood regulars, often requiring hours-long waits despite opening only five nights a week. While Lucali has garnered a cult following and expanded to a second location in Miami Beach in 2017, it has drawn mixed critiques, with some praising its authenticity and others questioning its hype relative to competitors, as evidenced by its exclusion from certain prominent best-pizza rankings.

Founding and Ownership

Mark Iacono's Background and Motivation

Mark Iacono was born on November 24, 1966, and raised in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up immersed in Italian-American culture. Prior to entering the restaurant business, Iacono worked as a construction specialist in granite and marble fabrication. Iacono had no formal culinary training or professional experience in pizza making before opening Lucali. He taught himself the craft, drawing inspiration from family influences such as his grandmother's guidance in traditional pizza preparation. Iacono's motivation for founding Lucali stemmed from a desire to preserve a piece of his childhood neighborhood, transforming the former site of a local store—where he spent time as a —into a as an act of personal devotion rather than commercial ambition. He personally renovated the derelict space, aiming to recreate an idealized version of the community-oriented life he cherished from his early years in Carroll Gardens. This hands-on approach reflected his lack of prior restaurant experience and emphasis on authenticity over professional precedent.

Establishment and Initial Setup

Lucali opened in mid-October 2006 at 575 Henry Street in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens neighborhood, established by Mark Iacono in a narrow storefront space he rented and renovated. The venture was conceived as a modest neighborhood , drawing on Iacono's local roots without prior professional culinary training or pizza-making experience beyond casual home attempts. Central to the initial setup was the construction of a custom wood-burning oven, which Iacono built by hand over to achieve the high-heat baking essential for its thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas. The interior featured simple, candlelit dining for around 30-40 patrons, emphasizing an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere with white-tiled walls and minimal decor to evoke old-world Italian simplicity. From the outset, Lucali operated on a bring-your-own-beverage (BYOB) basis, accepted only cash payments, and enforced a no-reservations, walk-in policy, with service limited to whole pies and calzones rather than slices to maintain quality control and a communal dining focus. The menu prioritized fresh, high-quality ingredients for customizable pizzas—starting with a basic Margherita-like pie topped with basil—and calzones, prepared fresh without a printed menu, underscoring the hands-on, artisanal approach.

Restaurant Operations

Location and Physical Design

Lucali is located at 575 Henry Street in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of , , a known for its historic brownstones and Italian-American heritage. The site, originally a local candy store from Iacono's youth, was converted into the in to prevent its demolition or repurposing. The modest storefront exterior blends into the streetscape, with long lines often forming outside due to the no-reservations policy, reflecting its status as a walk-in destination. The interior design emphasizes rustic simplicity and functionality, hand-built by owner Mark Iacono without professional contractors. The approximately 50-seat space centers around a large, exposed pizza oven that dominates the room and serves as the primary visual and operational focal point. Wooden tables and benches provide basic seating, arranged to allow views of the preparation, while minimal decor—including some exposed walls—maintains an unpretentious, neighborhood eatery vibe conducive to casual dining. The overall aesthetic avoids ostentation, prioritizing the cooking process over elaborate styling, with dim lighting and a cash-only, bring-your-own-beverage policy reinforcing its low-key ethos. Lucali maintains a minimalist menu centered on thin-crust pizzas and calzones, with no printed menu provided to diners. The core offering is a basic pizza pie priced at $24, available in red (tomato sauce base) or white (no sauce) varieties, topped with fresh mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Additional toppings, such as pepperoni for $5 or garlic and onions for $3 each, can be customized. Calzones, filled similarly to the pizzas, cost $10. Limited sides like salads or occasionally spicy pasta may appear based on availability, but the focus remains on pizza. Pizzas are prepared by owner Mark Iacono using a dough formula of approximately 3.5 pounds , 33.6 ounces , 0.3 ounces , 2 tablespoons each of extra-virgin and salt, mixed and allowed to rise for tenderness. The dough balls are rolled out uniquely with a , starting from the center and working outward to achieve a thin, even crust without a rolling pin. Toppings, including sauce made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes, are applied sparingly; cheeses are grated fresh at the workstation, and basil is torn by hand post-bake to preserve aroma. Baking occurs in a wood-fired reaching temperatures around °F, cooking each in about 3 minutes for a charred, blistered crust characteristic of Neapolitan-influenced style adapted to New York preferences. This high-heat method, combined with the dough's hydration and , yields a light yet chewy texture with minimal sauce to avoid sogginess. Iacono personally oversees preparation, emphasizing simplicity and fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced daily.

Notable Events and Incidents

2010 Stabbing Incident and Aftermath

On April 15, , Mark Iacono, the owner of Lucali in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens neighborhood, was stabbed multiple times during a street altercation with Benny Geritano, a 38-year-old acquaintance described in reports as having associations with the . The incident began around 2 p.m. inside Joe's Superette deli on Smith Street, where Iacono, then 43, had purchased a prosciutto rice ball; an argument escalated and moved outside, leading to a knife fight in broad daylight on a busy commercial block. Iacono sustained serious wounds to his face, head, back, neck, and legs, requiring hospitalization in critical but stable condition; witnesses reported Geritano "violently stabbing" Iacono, who fought back with his own knife. Both men were arrested and charged with , two counts of , and criminal possession of a weapon; prosecutors noted the fight's mutual aggression, with Iacono also injuring Geritano. in media coverage included possible motives such as a dispute over a or an attempted mob shakedown, given Geritano's reputed ties, though Iacono's expressed bafflement at the attack and no extortion demands were confirmed. By June 2011, all charges against both Iacono and Geritano were dropped, with Iacono described as "very happy with the outcome" in subsequent reports; the resolution aligned with claims from Iacono's side, amid the altercation's chaotic nature. Iacono recovered sufficiently to resume operations at Lucali without long-term interruption, later addressing the event in a where he downplayed mob rumors and focused on the restaurant's continuity, noting the as a personal dispute rather than business-related. No further legal actions or expansions tied directly to the incident were reported, though Geritano faced unrelated charges in later years linked to Gambino activities.

Media Mentions and Cultural Impact

Lucali has garnered extensive media coverage since its opening, with features in major publications highlighting its artisanal -making and neighborhood authenticity. The New York Times first reviewed the restaurant positively in , praising its commitment to superior ingredients and techniques as a boon for Carroll Gardens pizza enthusiasts. A 2015 profile described Lucali as uniquely high-end yet unpretentious, emphasizing its candlelit ambiance and appeal to both celebrities and locals. In , the outlet published an interactive piece detailing owner Mark Iacono's precise pizza assembly process, from grating low-moisture cheese to layering toppings. The restaurant's cultural footprint expanded through celebrity endorsements and pop culture references, positioning it as a Brooklyn icon frequented by high-profile figures. Regular patrons have included , , , , and the Beckhams, contributing to its status as a must-visit spot for elites seeking authentic . This allure was amplified in May 2024 when Kendrick Lamar name-dropped Lucali in his diss track "6:16 in LA" amid his feud with Drake, referencing the pizzeria as a favored haunt and sparking a surge in public interest. The mention, building on prior celebrity visits including Drake's, led to an explosion of Yelp reviews and media buzz, with outlets like Eater NY and the New York Post noting the unintended publicity boost for the unassuming Carroll Gardens venue. Lucali's influence extends to broader pizza culture, embodying a no-frills, ethos that contrasts with commercial chains while inspiring acclaim for its simplicity and quality. Coverage in and underscores its in elevating neighborhood pizzerias to national relevance, with Iacono's hands-on approach—rooted in personal history rather than marketing—cementing its legendary reputation. In November 2024, Iacono leveraged the restaurant's Instagram following of over 249,000 to a donor search for Alano, demonstrating its ties beyond culinary fame. Despite this visibility, The New York Times excluded Lucali from its 2025 list of top New York pizza spots, citing inconsistent experiences amid long waits as a factor in the decision.

Reception and Evaluation

Critical Acclaim and Popularity Metrics

Lucali has garnered significant praise from food critics and publications for its thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas, often highlighted for their simplicity, fresh ingredients, and wood-fired preparation. In a 2009 assessment, former New York Times critic Frank Bruni described Lucali's best pizzas on peak nights as "transcendent" and worth seeking out, emphasizing the artisanal quality amid the rise of elevated pizzeria culture. More recently, Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy, in a 2018 review, affirmed that the restaurant lived up to its substantial hype, delivering exceptional pies. The pizzeria has appeared on various "best pizza" compilations, underscoring its reputation. It earned a spot among the world's top pizzerias in the 2025 Best Pizza Awards, as one of six New York City entries recognized by Time Out for global excellence. In The Infatuation's 2023 rankings of top U.S. pizzerias, Lucali received a 9.3 out of 10 score, denoting "best of the best" status. It also ranked 28th in The Pizza Cowboy's 101 Best Pizzas in America list. Popularity metrics reflect Lucali's enduring draw, with consistent high ratings across review platforms. As of October 2025, it holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Yelp from over 2,230 reviews and on Tripadvisor from 231 reviews, ranking 176th out of 3,031 Brooklyn restaurants. Demand manifests in extended wait times, as the restaurant operates without online reservations, requiring in-person sign-ups starting around 3-4 p.m. for evening slots, often resulting in lines down the block and waits exceeding three hours on busy nights. Celebrity visits amplify this, such as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's September 2024 appearance, which spiked TaskRabbit line-waiting requests by 30% at the Carroll Gardens location. Policies like cash-only payments and BYOB further contribute to its exclusive, neighborhood-icon vibe, sustaining crowds into 2025.

Criticisms, Overhype Claims, and Quality Debates

Some patrons and critics have questioned whether Lucali's pizza justifies its elevated reputation, particularly given the operational constraints that amplify perceived hype. omitted Lucali from its May 2025 list of New York City's best pizzas, attributing the decision to excessive wait times—often exceeding two hours without reservations—and an imbalanced "hassle-to-quality ratio," where the food's merits do not sufficiently offset the inconvenience. This exclusion sparked online debates, with some arguing the restaurant's fame, fueled by endorsements from figures like , has outpaced substantive excellence. User-generated reviews frequently cite inconsistencies in execution, such as crust described as excessively chewy with subdued flavor despite fresh ingredients, and occasional burnt edges rendering pies overpriced at around $28 for a large plain pie as of 2024. On Yelp, where Lucali holds a 4.2-star from over 2,200 reviews as of October 2025, detractors have noted issues like sauce overpowering other elements or inadequate balance, contrasting with diners content merely to participate in the ritual. Tripadvisor feedback echoes complaints of hype-driven expectations unmet by the product, with one 2019 review labeling it "burnt and overpriced" amid packed conditions. Service elements exacerbate quality debates, including reports of brusque staff and disorganized hosting that burden customers, such as cash-only policies and no accommodations for delays. Reddit discussions in forums like r/FoodNYC portray it as a "one and done" destination—admirable once but not repeatable to pretentiousness and lines, with users recommending alternatives like L'Industrie or Scarr's for superior without the ordeal. These sentiments underscore a divide: while core attributes like thin crust and simplicity earn praise from enthusiasts, skeptics contend the experience reflects scarcity-driven allure more than unparalleled craftsmanship.

Expansions and Recent Developments

Attempts at New Locations

In 2013, Lucali owner Mark Iacono announced plans to expand the brand to , scouting locations for a venue featuring a on one side and an Italian restaurant on the other. The effort led to the opening of a Lucali outpost that year, which became one of Miami's early transplants of New York-style pizzerias and marked its 10th anniversary in 2023. To facilitate the launch, Iacono temporarily closed the location in late 2012 for renovations that extended longer than anticipated, reopening briefly before prioritizing the new site. Earlier, in a 2012 interview, Iacono indicated broader expansion considerations, including potential product lines like sauces, though physical outposts remained the focus. Subsequent expansion initiatives faced obstacles, notably a 2021 trademark infringement filed by Iacono's relative over the "Lucali" name, which had been informally used since 2006 but became contentious amid plans for further growth two years prior. The dispute highlighted risks in scaling the brand without formalized protections, potentially delaying additional locations. No other full Lucali branches beyond and have materialized as of 2025.

Contemporary Challenges and Events

In October 2024, Lucali owner Mark Iacono leveraged to connect a regular customer, Alano, with a compatible donor after Alano's health deteriorated; a resident named Frank Rastello emerged as a match following Iacono's public appeal on Instagram, leading to successful transplants for both on August 7, 2024. The restaurant's enduring popularity has intensified operational strains, with wait times frequently exceeding two to three hours, prompting customers to hire line-standers; requests for such services at Lucali surged 30% following a September 2024 visit by and , exacerbating access issues for non-celebrity patrons. In May 2025, opted not to include Lucali on its list of New York's best pizzas, citing an unfavorable "hassle-to-quality ratio" due to prolonged queues, inconsistent execution in dough texture and sauce balance, and perceived overhyping from celebrity endorsements that inflate expectations beyond the pie's merits. On October 27, 2024, during the , Iacono rejected a group reservation request from the , citing his to the New York Yankees and unwillingness to accommodate the opposing amid heightened local rivalries. Despite these pressures, Lucali's Brooklyn location earned recognition in the 2025 50 Top Pizza Awards, ranking among global standouts for its wood-fired pies, affirming its technical prowess amid debates over accessibility.

References

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