Marco Deluca
Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
Trained in Naples, Italy, Marco brings 20+ years of authentic Neapolitan craft to every pie. His obsession with dough fermentation and fire is what makes Punch Pizza legendary.
15+
Years in Business
200K+
Pizzas Crafted
50+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
How It Started
View Menu
A Pizza Dream Born in Minnesota
Punch Pizza was founded in 2009 by lifelong food enthusiast Marco Deluca, who spent years traveling through Naples, Italy studying the art of traditional Neapolitan pizza-making. Inspired by the simplicity and depth of flavors he discovered there, he returned to Eagan, MN with a singular mission: to bring an authentic, wood-fired pizza experience to the heart of Minnesota.
What started as a small 20-seat restaurant on Central Park Village Drive has grown into one of the most beloved pizzerias in the Twin Cities metro area. We use San Marzano tomatoes imported directly from Italy, fresh-milled "00" flour for our signature dough, and locally sourced toppings from Minnesota farms we trust and support.
Every pizza is fired at 900°F in our authentic Neapolitan wood-burning oven — the centerpiece of our kitchen and the soul of every bite. Our commitment to the craft hasn't changed since day one, and it never will.
#1
Pizza in Eagan
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they guide every decision we make, from sourcing ingredients to serving our guests.
Fresh & Local
We source vegetables, herbs, and meats from Minnesota farms we know personally. Seasonal, fresh, and full of flavor — always.
Authentic Craft
We follow traditional Neapolitan methods — 72-hour dough fermentation, hand-stretched bases, and wood-fired perfection at 900°F.
Community First
We're proud to be part of Eagan's community. We give back through local events, school fundraisers, and partnerships with neighbors.
Uncompromising Quality
From our imported San Marzano tomatoes to our hand-crafted mozzarella, we never cut corners. Quality is our signature.
Our Journey
Milestones That Shaped Us
From a dream sparked in Naples to a beloved Eagan institution — here's how we got here.
2009
The First Slice
Marco Deluca opens Punch Pizza at 3345 Central Park Village Dr, Eagan, with just 20 seats, one wood-burning oven, and an unshakeable passion for Neapolitan craft.
2011
Best New Restaurant Award
Twin Cities Food Magazine names Punch Pizza "Best New Restaurant" of 2011, putting us on the map and doubling our weekend wait times overnight.
2014
Menu Expansion
We expand our menu beyond pizza to include housemade pastas, fresh salads, artisan bread, and our signature wood-fired wings — a fan favorite from day one.
2017
Catering Launch
After countless requests, we officially launch our catering service for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings across the Twin Cities metro.
2020
Community Resilience
During challenging times, we pivoted to contactless delivery and family meal kits — donating over 2,000 meals to frontline healthcare workers across Eagan and Burnsville.
2023
Online Ordering & Expansion
We launch our full online ordering platform and expand our dining room to 60 seats, adding a private event space and an outdoor patio for summer gatherings.
2025
15 Years & Going Strong
We celebrate 15 incredible years serving Eagan and beyond, with over 200,000 pizzas crafted, a 4.9-star rating, and a community that continues to inspire us daily.
The People Behind the Pie
Meet Our Team
Our team of passionate craftspeople is the reason every visit to Punch Pizza feels like coming home.
Sofia Reyes
Executive Chef
A culinary school graduate with a love for Italian traditions, Sofia oversees our full menu including pastas, salads, and seasonal specials crafted from the freshest local produce.
James Thornton
Operations Manager
James keeps Punch Pizza running like a well-oiled machine. With a background in hospitality management, he ensures every guest experience is seamless, warm, and memorable.
Aisha Patel
Catering & Events Director
Aisha transforms any occasion into a wood-fired celebration. From intimate gatherings to 500-person corporate events, she brings Punch Pizza's magic to every table she sets.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Come Taste What Passion Looks Like
Whether you're dining in, ordering delivery, or planning your next event — Punch Pizza is ready to impress. Join the thousands of guests who've made us part of their story.