Francesco's Pizza: Classic Italian Cuisine on the Upper West Side

Francesco's Pizza Introduce

For many New Yorkers, a good pizza place is a cornerstone of the neighborhood, and Francesco's Pizza has been serving up authentic Italian comfort food on the Upper West Side for years. Located on the bustling Columbus Avenue, this spot is a true local favorite, known for its classic New York-style pizza and an extensive menu of traditional Italian dishes. It’s a place that perfectly captures the casual, cozy, and welcoming spirit of a true neighborhood pizzeria, making it a go-to spot for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a break from exploring the nearby museums and parks.

Francesco’s is a testament to the idea that great food doesn't need to be complicated. The focus is on quality ingredients and time-honored recipes that have stood the test of time. While the pizza is the star of the show, the menu extends far beyond, offering a full range of Italian specialties that cater to every taste. The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, with a clean and intimate space that makes you feel comfortable whether you're dining alone or with a group. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly and efficient, ensuring you get your food quickly and with a smile.

What makes Francesco’s special is its ability to offer both the quick, on-the-go experience of a slice shop and the more relaxed, full-menu dining of a traditional restaurant. You can grab a huge slice of their classic pepperoni or Margherita pizza, or sit down and enjoy a full pasta dinner like the Linguine Alla Vongole or the Rigatoni Ripieni. This versatility makes it a perfect choice for almost any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a celebratory meal with friends and family.

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Location and Accessibility

Francesco's Pizza is conveniently located at 186 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA. Its prime spot on the Upper West Side places it just a short walk away from major attractions like Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. This makes it an ideal spot for a post-museum lunch or dinner, or a delicious fuel-up before a walk in the park.

The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation. The 81st Street-Museum of Natural History subway station, which services the B and C trains, is just a few blocks away. The 79th Street station for the 1 and 2 trains is also within walking distance. This accessibility makes it a convenient choice for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons. With its bustling location and great food, Francesco’s is a staple of the Upper West Side dining scene.

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Services Offered

Francesco's Pizza offers a variety of services designed to provide a convenient and satisfying dining experience for its customers.

Multiple Service Options: The restaurant offers dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery, including no-contact delivery, catering to a wide range of needs.
Extensive Menu: While the name highlights pizza, the menu is extensive, featuring appetizers, salads, soups, pasta, seafood, poultry, and meat dishes. This makes it a great option for groups with varied tastes.
Meal Services: Francesco’s is open for lunch and dinner, and is a popular spot for both. It also offers catering services for events and parties.
Beverage Options: The restaurant offers a selection of canned and bottled sodas, as well as beer and wine to complement your meal. Coffee is also available.
Payment and Amenities: The restaurant accepts a variety of payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Restrooms are available, and the atmosphere is cozy and casual.

The menu's variety is a key service in itself. The "Pasta Your Way" section allows you to customize your meal with a choice of pasta and sauce, while the "Specialty Pizza Pies" offer creative options like Drunken Grandma Pie and Lasagna Pie. For a quick bite, the giant New York-style slices are a must-try.

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Features / Highlights

What makes Francesco's a favorite among locals is its commitment to quality, value, and a classic New York feel. These highlights truly set it apart.

Authentic New York-Style Pizza: Customers rave about the huge slices with a crisp bottom crust, a hallmark of true New York pizza. The quality and flavor of the pizza are consistently praised, making it a go-to for a classic slice.
Extensive Italian Menu: Beyond the pizza, the restaurant offers a full range of traditional Italian dishes, from classic baked pastas like Lasagna and Baked Ziti to specialty entrees like Chicken Parmigiana and Veal Marsala.
Great Value: The prices are highly reasonable, especially for the generous portion sizes. Customers mention getting a full meal for a very low price, which is a significant highlight in an expensive city.
Fast and Friendly Service: The staff is known for being very nice and providing fast service. This efficiency is perfect for a busy lunch break or a quick meal before a show or museum visit.
Cozy, Local Atmosphere: The restaurant has a casual and intimate feel, and is known for not being a "tourist spot," which is a huge plus for locals. This authenticity adds to its charm and appeal.

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Contact Information

For more information, to place an order, or to inquire about catering, you can contact Francesco's Pizza using the information below.

Address: 186 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 721-0066

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What Is Worth Choosing

For a local New Yorker, Francesco's Pizza is a go-to spot when you want a reliable, delicious, and no-nonsense Italian meal. What's worth choosing here is the genuine New York pizza experience. The large slices with their crisp bottom crust are a quintessential part of the city's food culture, and Francesco's delivers it perfectly. The variety of the menu, from the standout eggplant pizza to the hearty lasagna, means that there's always something new to try, making it a place you can visit again and again.

The value for money is also a major reason to choose this spot. You can get a huge, satisfying meal without spending a fortune, which is a rare find in this part of Manhattan. The fast and friendly service makes it a reliable choice for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you're a student, a local resident, or just someone passing through the neighborhood, Francesco's Pizza provides a taste of authentic New York Italian food in a cozy and welcoming setting that feels like home.

Francesco's Pizza Menu

Core Menu - Appetizers
Garlic Bread $5.00
Eggplant Rollatini $14.00
Mozzarella Sticks $10.00
Grilled Calamari $18.00
Over salad.
Mussels $18.00
In hot marinara or white wine sauce.
Buffalo Wings $15.00
French Fries $6.00
Fried Calamari $18.00
Baked Clams Oreganato $18.00

Core Menu - Desserts
Cheesecake $8.00
Homemade Tiramisu $9.00
Tartufo $8.00
Chocolate Cake $8.00
Made To Order Cannoli $7.50
Cannoli shells and cream imported from Italy.
Carrot Cake $8.00

Core Menu - Beverages
Canned Soda $1.50
Poland Spring Water $1.75
Bottled Soda $2.50
20 oz.
Snapple $2.50

Core Menu - Seafood
Salmone Alla Francesco $31.00
Grilled salmon served over sautéed spinach and capers with fresh tomato sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Gamberi Parmigiana $31.00
Breaded shrimp topped with tomato sauce and melted Mozzarella. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Fillet Of Sole Picata $31.00
Egg-battered filet of tilapia with capers, onions and lemon in a white wine sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).

Core Menu - Francesco's Specialties
Linguine Alla Vongole $29.00
Fresh clams in red or white sauce.
Linguine Alla Ciccio $28.00
Shrimp, pancetta, garlic, fresh tomato, white wine sauce, hot pepper and Parmesan cheese.
Rigatoni Ripieni $26.00
Stuffed with Ricotta cheese, grilled eggplant.
Risotto Pollo Primavera $27.00
Chicken, zucchini, onion, squash, garlic, Parmesan cheese, white wine and a touch of cream.
Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca $25.00
Anchovies, garlic, black olives, capers, and hot peppers in a plum tomato sauce.
Steak Alla Francesco $28.00
16 oz. skirt steak grilled with French fries and sauteed broccoli.
Penne Con Pollo E Broccoli $25.00
Chicken, broccoli, hot pepper, garlic and olive oil.
Lemon Fettuccine $25.00
Grilled chicken breast, artichokes, Parmesan and a light lemon cream sauce.
Spaghetti Mare Monte $28.00
Mushroom, shrimp, calamari and garlic in a plum tomato sauce.
Farfalle Alla Salmone $29.00
Green peas, scallions, Parmesan cheese and lemon white wine sauce.
Cavatelli Con Salsiccia E Broccoli Rabe $26.00
Sausage, broccoli rabe, hot pepper, garlic, and olive oil.
Rigatoni Margherita $25.00
Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and onion in marinara sauce with a touch of cream.
Fettuccine Pesto Chicken $25.00
Grilled chicken breast, plum tomatoes, pesto, and a touch of cream.
Frutti Di Mare Fra Diavolo $32.00
Combination of sautéed shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels in choice of sauce over pasta.
Gnocchi Alla Serafino $25.00
Potato dumplings with melted cheese, roasted pepper and plum tomato.
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara $25.00
Italian bacon, garlic, onion, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
Fusilli Alla Rosario $26.00
Artichoke, fresh basil, asparagus, sun-dried tomato, and garlic in a plum tomato sauce.
Capellini Alla Gamberi $28.00
Shrimp, fresh tomato, asparagus, garlic and olive oil.
Spaghetti Alla Napolitana $26.00
Fresh tomato, basil and Mozzarella topping.
Wild Mushroom Risotto $26.00
Onion, garlic, white wine, Parmesan cheese and light cream.

Core Menu - Calzone & Rolls
Garlic Knots (5) $3.00
Rice Ball $6.00
Spinach Roll $10.00
Chicken Roll $10.00
Cheese Calzone $9.00
Sausage Roll $10.00

Core Menu - Poultry
Chicken Marsala $28.00
Sautéed chicken breasts with onions, mushrooms and Marsala wine sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Chicken Via Veneto $30.00
Sautéed chicken breast topped with prosciutto, eggplant and melted Mozzarella in a light marinara sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Chicken Francese $27.50
Egg-battered chicken breast with onions, lemon and white wine sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Chicken Cacciatore $28.00
Chicken with onion, plum tomatoes and hot peppers. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Chicken Mirabella $29.00
Sautéed chicken breast, artichoke, asparagus, onion and roasted pepper in a light marinara sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Chicken Parmigiana $26.50
Breaded chicken, tomato sauce and melted cheese. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Chicken All'Andrea $29.00
Sautéed chicken breast, roasted pepper, melted cheese, fresh tomato and black olives in a roasted garlic sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).

Core Menu - Pasta
Garlic & Oil Pasta $16.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Tomato Sauce Pasta $16.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Meat Sauce Pasta $20.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Broccoli Pasta $21.00
Classic pasta. Tomato sauce or garlic and oil. Served with choice of pasta.
Spinach Pasta $21.00
Classic pasta. Tomato sauce or garlic and oil. Served with choice of pasta.
Alfredo Sauce Pasta $21.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Bolognese Sauce Pasta $23.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Pesto Sauce Pasta $22.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Mushroom Sauce Pasta $21.00
Classic pasta. Tomato sauce or garlic and oil. Served with choice of pasta.
Vodka Sauce Pasta $21.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Marinara Sauce Pasta $16.00
Classic pasta. Served with choice of pasta.
Primavera Sauce Pasta $23.00
Classic pasta. Tomato sauce or garlic oil. Served with choice of pasta.

Core Menu - Specialty Pizza Pies
Special Pie
Mushroom, pepperoni, sausage, onion and bell pepper.
Hawaiian Pizza
Ham and pineapple.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Lasagna Pie
Vegetable Pie
BBQ Chicken Pie
Red onions and peppers.
White Pie
Mozzarella, Ricotta cheese, no sauce.
Baked Ziti Pie
Drunken Grandma Pie $36.00
Fresh Mozzarella, basil, fresh tomato in vodka sauce.
Francesco Primavera Pie
Chicken, fresh tomato and onion.
I Love Lucy Pie
Goat cheese, fresh Mozzarella and al pesto sauce.
Pizza Margherita
Fresh Mozzarella, basil and fresh tomato.
Grandma Pie $32.00
Sicilian Pie $30.00
Penne Vodka Pizza

Core Menu - Side Orders
Sauteed Spinach $14.00
With garlic oil and hot pepper.
Sausage In Tomato Sauce $11.00
Meatball In Tomato Sauce $11.00
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe $16.00
With garlic oil and hot pepper.
Sauteed Broccoli $14.00
With garlic oil and hot pepper.

Core Menu - Premium Quality Original Pizza Italian
Small Pie $20.00
Fast delivery.
Large Pie $22.00
Fast delivery.
Pizza Slice & 2 Toppings $5.20
Fast delivery.
Sicilian Slice Pizza $3.80
Fast delivery.
Regular Slice Pizza $3.30
Fast delivery.
Personal Pie $16.00
Fast delivery.
Pizza Slice & 1 Topping $4.25
Fast delivery.
X-Large Pie $25.00
Fast delivery.

Core Menu - Soups
Lentil Soup $11.00
Chicken Soup $11.00
Tortellini Soup $11.00
Pasta Fagioli & Spinach Soup $11.00
Minestrone Soup $11.00

Core Menu - Salads
Arugula & Shrimp Salad $19.00
With tomato, onion and Romano cheese.
Portobello & Mozzarella Salad $18.00
Mixed greens, tomato, onions and balsamic reduction.
Mozzarella Caprese Salad $18.00
Chef Salad
Artichokes, olives, red bell peppers, onions, tomato, cucumber, carrots, fresh Mozzarella, over mixed greens.
House Green Salad
Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, carrots, and peppers.
Italian Antipasto Salad $19.00
Ham, Provolone, salami, roasted peppers, artichokes, olives, anchovies, onions, and mixed greens.
Caesar Salad $12.00
Greek Salad $18.00
Pesto Chicken Salad $18.00
Sautéed chicken, onions, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted peanuts over mixed field greens with lemon dressing.

Core Menu - Vegetarian
Grilled Vegetables $28.00
Eggplant, zucchini, artichoke, roasted pepper, portobello mushrooms, tomato, and red onions topped with Gorgonzola cheese and balsamic reduction. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Eggplant Parmigiana $26.00
Breaded eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).

Core Menu - Baked Pasta Dishes
Lasagna $23.00
Ravioli $21.00
Tortellini $21.00
Stuffed Shells $21.00
Baked Ziti $21.00

Core Menu - Heros
Prosciutto, Arugula, & Mozzarella Hero $18.00
Roasted peppers, red onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Veal Parmigiana Hero $18.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Shrimp Parmigiana Hero $17.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Turkey & Provolone Hero $16.00
With lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, olive oil, and vinegar. Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Cheesesteak $18.00
All 3-bellow served w/ lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, olive oil & vinegar. All served with French fries.
Sausage Parmigiana Hero $15.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Sausage & Peppers Hero $16.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Eggplant Parmigiana Hero $16.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Grilled Chicken Hero $16.00
With lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, olive oil, and vinegar. Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Ham, Provolone, & Salami Hero $16.00
With lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, olive oil, and vinegar. Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Meatball Parmigiana Hero $16.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Francesco Burger $18.00
8 oz. ground beef, crispy bacon, cheese, onions, tomato, and greens. Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Chicken Parmigiana Hero $16.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Veal & Peppers Hero $18.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.
Pepper & Egg Hero $16.00
Served on fresh Italian bread and with French fries.

Core Menu - Meat
Veal Marsala $30.00
Veal with fresh mushrooms, onion and Marsala wine sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Veal Cacciatore $30.00
Veal with onion, plum tomato, and hot peppers. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Veal Parmigiana $30.00
Breaded veal, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Veal Fantasia $31.00
Veal with artichoke, fresh mushrooms, and plum tomato in a white wine sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).
Veal Sorrentino $31.00
Veal topped with grilled eggplant, melted Mozzarella in a roasted garlic or marinara sauce. Served with choice of salad or pasta (tomato sauce or marinara or garlic oil).

Francesco's Pizza Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Francesco's Pizza Photos

Francesco's Pizza Location

Francesco's Pizza

New York New York County New York Columbus Avenue

186 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Francesco's Pizza Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 681 user reviews.

areanyc pizzaslicesbreakfastlincoln centerdougheggplantgarlic knotsmoviechicken parm

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Quick service. Good pizza and prices. Staff was very nice!! We got Lasagna, Pepperoni, sausage and Margherita. HUGE New York style slices. Crisp bottom crust.6 slices, 1 water, 2 sodas... under $40Not a tourist spot= A++++++Close to Central Park and Natural History Museum
April 10 · Tiffany Williams
Their eggplant pizza is perfection! I can’t find it anywhere else and it’s my go to spot every time I’m in NYC! Cozy atmosphere and lovely staff. A great lunch spot for museum breaks.
August 11 · J S
Lots of seating. Came here with Bae to snack on something before our movie. Love this part of town. And I love that they have fountain soda. I was craving something like Hawaiian Punch. Pizza was really good. Love the dough. I wish I could've gotten 2 slices to be honest but wanted to leave room for move theater munchies hehe. We'll be back!
November 04 · Tee
UWS customer. Lived here 20 years. First time customer. Delivery was fast. Pizza was lukewarm, not hot. Asked for crispy, got soggy. Threw half away.. Wont' be back. Plenty of better choices around.
July 07 · Zachary Tumin
I just want to say that the cheese pizza was simply superb I really liked it and thank you very much for letting me take a picture of those Dean Martin puppets i uploaded a picture of them hopw you like it.
February 03 · Ariel Peretz