Lucali, Pizza restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, US
Lucali is a pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, where cooks prepare fresh pies using handmade dough and premium ingredients. The traditional preparation happens at a marble counter that diners can watch while they wait.
Mark Iacono established the restaurant in 2006 inside a former candy shop on Henry Street, choosing to preserve the neighborhood's character. Converting an existing storefront into a pizzeria helped define the local dining scene.
The name combines Louie, the previous candy store owner, and Kalista, the founder's daughter, reflecting deep neighborhood ties. This personal naming choice shows how the place honors its community history.
The place opens Monday and Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5:45 PM, and regular wait times often exceed two hours. Arriving early or being prepared for extended waits is wise, particularly on weekends.
Jay-Z and Beyonce chose to dine here instead of attending the Grammy Awards ceremony, underscoring the place's exceptional draw. This celebrity moment reveals how deeply the pizza exceeds expectations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
