Lucia Pizza Opened New Upper West Side Shop

The veteran pizza operators have brought their backyard-born brand to a permanent storefront in Manhattan.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Italian Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pepperoni pizza on a marble counter, evoking a new neighborhood restaurant opening. — Lucia Pizza has opened a new storefront in New York City's Upper West Side, marking a return to the industry for its long-time veteran operators. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Lucia Pizza has launched a new physical slice shop in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City. The expansion follows the owners' decision to move their post-retirement backyard project into a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Why it matters

The opening marks a new chapter for the owners, who previously managed pizzerias for 47 years before stepping away from the industry in 2017.

The menu features specialized slices like the Caramella Picante with hot honey and the Sausicha, which includes ricotta and Calabrian chilies. The business logo is derived from a 1970s Papa Leone t-shirt design.

The players

Lucia Pizza

A pizzeria brand that originated in a backyard after the owners retired from a long career in the industry.

The details

The new shop serves a variety of pies including mushroom, pepperoni, and a specialty spinach slice made with a cream of spinach base. The business draws on the owners' deep experience from their tenure at former establishments in Gravesend, Park Slope, and Manhattan Beach.

1970s: The era when the Papa Leone t-shirt design originated.
2017: The year the owners retired from their previous pizzerias.
October 2026: The month the new shop opened to the public.

Culture Shift

This opening follows the post-retirement hobby business expansion trend where veteran operators leverage personal brand equity to return to the market in a new neighborhood. It signals a shift toward boutique, owner-operated establishments gaining prominence in competitive urban food scenes.

Upper West Side residents now have access to the menu, which includes rotating specialty options like the Caramella Picante and spinach slices. The shop provides a new casual dining alternative for those seeking traditional pie styles within the neighborhood.

The takeaway

The return of these seasoned operators highlights the enduring appeal of traditional pizza craftsmanship in New York City. Neighborhood diners can expect a menu that balances classic options with unique flavor profiles like hot honey and Calabrian chilies.