Kennebunk, Maine — Italian chef Luca Pizzuti has opened a new pizza shop, Pinsa Kennebunk, along the quaint streets of Kennebunk, Maine, bringing with him the rich culinary traditions inherited from his grandmother’s kitchen in Rome. The new establishment, which began welcoming customers on the Fourth of July, reflects Pizzuti’s lifelong passion for pizza-making—a craft he decided to pursue after being inspired by the flavors and stories cooked up in his familial home.
At a young age, Pizzuti was deeply influenced by his grandmother, who not only introduced him to the art of Italian cooking but also entrusted him with the secret of her special sauce. These early culinary adventures sparked his commitment to delivering authentic Italian pizza to a broader audience.
Before venturing into his latest endeavor, Pizzuti was no stranger to the business landscape of Maine. He previously owned and operated Roma’s Pizza, which had locations in Old Orchard Beach, Portland, and Kennebunkport. Despite shifting his focus to a pizza shop in New York City from 2019 to 2024, Pizzuti has now returned to the Kennebunks, drawn back by the supportive community and the charm of the town.
Pinsa Kennebunk offers a variety of pizzas that cater to diverse tastes, featuring both classic recipes and inventive creations. Highlighted on the menu is the Carpaccio pizza, topped with mozzarella, spicy capicola, arugula, celery shaved asiago, lemon juice, and olive oil, which Pizzuti describes as “summery” and “refreshing.” Another customer favorite is the Blueberry pizza, a delightful blend of mozzarella, prosciutto, goat cheese, honey drizzle, olive oil, and blueberries that delivers a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
For traditionalists, Pinsa Kennebunk serves up staple flavors like pepperoni and margherita. Meanwhile, the Barbara pizza offers a nod to simplicity and quality, named affectionately after former First Lady Barbara Bush. This pie consists of sauce, sliced tomatoes, shaved asiago, and olive oil. Inside the shop, patrons can spot a framed photo of Pizzuti with former President George W. Bush, celebrating the connection.
The restaurant itself is named after a Roman style of pizza that utilizes a blend of three flours, including two gluten-free options—rice and double-zero flour—creating a crust that is both light and crispy. Pizzuti enthusiastically describes the texture as akin to “biting into a cloud with a crunch.”
Pinsa Kennebunk is not just a business for Pizzuti; it’s a reflection of his journey from Rome to Maine and his embodiment of the American Dream. Having moved to the United States 22 years ago, Pizzuti feels a deep gratitude towards the opportunities he’s found. “America is a land of opportunity—you just have to go get it,” he expresses with conviction.
The shop, which is primarily takeout, is complemented by an outdoor seating area with picnic tables and umbrellas, creating an inviting space for customers. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m., it can be reached for orders at (207) 204-0466.
For Pizzuti, the launch of Pinsa Kennebunk on Independence Day was symbolic—a celebration not only of America’s freedoms but also of his personal milestones as an immigrant and entrepreneur making his mark in the culinary world.