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Francesco
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
186 Columbus Ave(between 68th St & 69th St)
New York, NY 10023
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 721-0066
- Nearest Transit:
-
66 St - Lincoln Center (1, 2)
72 St (A, B, C)
72 St (1, 2, 3)
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 10 am - 12 am
Tue-Thu 10 am - 2 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
At Via Della Pace we specialize in meals typical of central and north Italy using fresh, flavorful ingredients. We have the classics such Carbonara,… read more »
48 reviews for Francesco
Review Highlights
"...cheese slice to a baked ziti slice to the unbelievable..."
(in 6 reviews)
"PATSY's is our favorite for thin crust."
(in 17 reviews)
"actually has the best pasta on the UWS as well."
(in 5 reviews)
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Rick L.
Woodinville, WA
1/23/2012
My favorite pizza on the UWS and my wife swears by the eggplant parm. Make sure to try the Margherita pizza, the fresh mozz is unreal!
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Review from Steve M.
1/18/2012
This place is your average, everyday Italian style UWS pizza place. It's not really worth seeking out, but man, do I love them for being there, especially for being open when you need a serviceable calzone or slice or two after the clock has struck twelve - or even one!
The slices are about as good as you'll get in this 'hood, save for La Traviata: http://www.yelp.com/bi.... or maybe Rigoletto: http://www.yelp.com/bi....
These three places are pretty similar with Traviata and Rigoletto vying for first place and Francesco running a distant third. What grants Francesco a rating though is their hours. These guys are open late and will always be there ready for you with an admirable slice or calzone when the other two have been long closed. The staff are always friendly and hospitable no matter what the time (or your condition!) too.
The slices are pretty decent, standard $2.85 Lincoln Center Area ones with tasty and cooked enough dough, tangy not overdone sauce and cheese that compliments, if not overwhelms the pizza. Still the cheese bomb that is sometimes Francesco doesn't overdo it as much as do most of the places in this 'hood.
The calzones are standardly good and did I mention they are open late? Like past 1 AM late? God help me that I would ever have thought I'd be praising a place in NYC mostly for being open past 1 AM, but this is the sad state our fair city has descended into.
I should probably upgrade them to 3.5 stars due mainly to their rice balls ($4). They make a big ball of rice, similar to a Japanese onigiri, stuff it with Italian spiced meat and veggies, then fry it. In this case though, they break it open afterwards, put shredded mozzarella on top, throw it in the oven until it's hot & crispy, then give it to you to douse with tomato sauce and eat up. Delicious! Wonderful alternative to a slice. 3.5 stars for the rice ball. Bigger than your fist!
Try Francesco when your liver is drowning in alcohol on the UWS and needs to be thrown an Italian life ring. A great place to actually sit down and eat something good in an altogether late-night gastronomically inhospitable neighborhood, or to get some friendly take out too.Listed in: Pizza: Avoid the Noid!
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Review from Allison C.
New York, NY
Decent little find on the UWS, indeed!
Coerced (but not my much) to go here with a co-worker after work while on my way to do a bit of Christmas shopping in the neighborhood, I had imagined a place more like Patsy's on the UWS: dark, warm, and rich wood all around. I arrived in a florescent-lit cafeteria-feeling eating area. Still, the long line of pizzas stretching across the long display case whet my appetite.
The menu had me gasp a bit: what high prices for such a basic-seeming restaurant! An eggplant parm hero with fries for $10.50? Pastas dishes ranging from $11 - $20? I know I live in NYC, but prices like that from a seemingly-no frills establishment as this did take me aback a tad. Still, I went for the aforementioned eggplant parm hero and fries. The fries were oh-so-good! They seemed freshly cut and fried perfectly, still dripping with hot grease and salt. The hero was large; I enjoy ones large enough to provide me with lunch for the next day. It was tasty, yet I would have liked a bit more mozzarella on it. My co-worker's linguine with meatballs was...well, linguine with meatballs. I snagged a few bites to quell my pasta craving and was happy enough.
Seemed like a lot of locals in here: charming elderly couples sharing a bowl of spaghetti and young mothers joined with other young mothers and their multiple sons, slinging back slices of pepperoni pizza like it's their job. The service was friendly and relatively quick; props to the one waitress there. You earned your tip.
Cute, local place, indeed. That's all she wrote. -
Review from Deborah D.
Manhattan, NY
12/26/2011
Ordered chicken Parmesan. It took 1 hour & 25 minutes to deliver 8 blocks away. The food was mediocre, at best. The cheese was very gummy, with no taste--not like any mozzarella I've ever tasted. Yes, the portions are huge, but who cares since the food is not worth eating; it tastes like school cafeteria food.
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Review from Wendy L.
New York, NY
12/2/2011
Had pasta from Francesco's at Winter's Eve (outside festival in Lincoln Center), it was yum-yum delicious! As a result, decided to try it further and order in pizza. Went with a basic large, cheese pizza, and I was not disappointed. The crust is chewy and soft, and there was a great ratio of cheese to sauce. This is A-OK, I would absolutely order again.
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Review from Justin Y.
Manhattan, NY
7/28/2011
Francesco's a bit different from other pizza joints, both in a good and bad way.
Pros:
The crust is made differently, I believe its similar to the bagel crust?
Generally good service, delivery-wise, never had any bad experiences...
Cons:
The cheese is of poor quality, and thus the pizza isn't as good as it could be.
The pizza's more oily than most other places.
Verdict: I would rather try other pizza places. -
Review from Joey L.
New York, NY
11/13/2011
Can't believe these reviews...I have only ordered in and tried the pasta bolognese and veal parm. They don't skimp on their portions they are huge and fresh. The veal was really delicious. I will try their pizza soon and update.
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Review from Jasper S.
New York, NY
3/23/2011
I completely agree with Diana - this place is not nearly as bad as everyone's made it out to be. Or maybe it got better... Wish I could give it 3.5 stars
Very unpretentious surroundings, and we were served immediately on the first warm night in the city where every other restaurant had a 1-2 hour wait. The wait staff is friendly and there seem to be quite a few locals who frequent the place.
I've never tried anything but the Cheese Pizza, but have been satisfied every time. The crust is really light and airy, and has a hint of olive oil. Might be a tad too sweet. They don't overdo it on the sauce or cheese either, so it is a very solid slice in an area that can sometimes have very bad pizza. Will definitely be back. -
Review from Diana T.
Westminster, CA
1/18/2011
I was surprised to come here and realize that it was not as bad as the reviewers made it out to be! My bf came in late night for some pizza since it was about 4 blocks down from our hotel at around 3 in the morning. The guys there were definitely friendly and very welcoming and quite lively for 3 in the morning, despite us being the only customers at the time.
The pizza was ranked my third favorite of all the places we tried so overall I felt it was good. The crust was a little bland but the cheese was just right for me, which is always the important part!
If we're back in the neighborhood next time I'll come back maybe once or twice. -
Review from Jami C.
Manhattan, NY
2/23/2011
Terrible, absolutely terrible. I went back twice just in case the first time was an off night. Pizza is not very tasty and their baked ziti... well the dish that took 20 minutes to make was a tin filled with pasta covered in melted mozzarella cheese.
There are so many other great places for pizza in the hood, don't waste your money here. -
Review from Elias B.
Manhattan, NY
12/3/2011
I've been to this restaurant many times and each time I am happy to go back. Everything on the menu is spectacular. The have amazing pastas and their pizza is the best in town. I would recommend it to everybody. No matter if you are near or far you must come because this restaurant is sensational.
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Review from Elizabeth L.
New York, NY
6/15/2010
I do not understand why this place is so popular with my colleagues, especially when a WAY better pizzeria is just down the street (Rigoletto's).
Francesco's pizza slices are greasy and floppy. I was intrigued by the ziti pizza as a doe-eyed new UWSer, but it was carb overload. From me, that's saying A LOT.
The slices are large, but never taste fresh to me, despite their being reheated in the oven. Tastes microwaved.
I'd rather have Costco pizza. -
Review from LG S.
New York, NY
12/4/2010
Living on the UWS, we know finding a good NY slice can seem impossible. And yet, this is one place that won't disappoint.
If you understand ingredients, you'll appreciate FRANCESCO. The crust is memorable. Very flavorful to the last bite. Soft without being pasty. Tastes even better the next day when you warm it up in the toaster oven. Doesn't turn into cardboard when it gets cold.
Unlike your USUAL floppy or overly oily ones. The sauce is sweet. Fresh-tasting. Didn't feel like mass-produced bucket sauce. And the cheese is just enough. Overall it is a bit on the SWEET side but it is fresh and good.
Service is prompt both in-person and for delivery. If you order thru their website, the pie will arrive in about 30-45min. Plus at the price of $18 for an 18" extra large pie, it's a great pie. We usually tip $4 or $5 -- so for less than $25, you're all-set. We haven't tried their other foods but have heard great things.
PATSY's is our favorite for thin crust. In the area for a NYC good, fresh, affordable slice, try FRANCESCO's. And tell us what YOU think. Other options we like are MARIELLA'S, LA TRAVIATA and RIGOLETTO. Stick with FRANCESCO's and enjoy. Cheers. -
Review from Kyle L.
New York, NY
6/2/2011
Pretty good pies. Better than rigoletto imo.
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Review from Jeff M.
Glendale, CA
7/28/2011
The pizza was really good. The crust had a crunchy crispiness that is so good. I preferred the thin crust, but the Sicilian was also very good. Fresh toppings. Some of the best pizza we had during the week of vacation.
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Review from Scott R.
1/12/2008
Neighborhood UWS by-the-slice pizzeria that also has a full Italian menu. More seating than La Traviata and Cafe Rigoletto which seems to endear them more to parents w/ young kids. Also open later than the other nearby pizza places to woo in the adults sans progeny, w/ babysitter or w/ questionable child-rearing skills.
I've tried the standard cheese slices on two occasions and it's doubtful there will be a third. The crisp, thick crust and sweet sauce were fine - but the cheese. If its flavor was any more neutral, I'd swear it was Swiss.
Haven't tried the other options but, if I find myself there again, I'll try one of those before eating another cheese slice....Listed in: Scott R's NY Pizza by the…
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Review from hal f.
Manhattan, NY
12/25/2011
mediocre at best . simple spaghetti with tomato sauce was excellent. portions are generous size. however, on other points quality leaves a lot to be desired. the $19 pasta with tuna dish had good pasta and sauce but the tuna was rubberlike and they shouldnt have served it. . calzone and salad mediocre. considering the great places in new york i would not return there quickly.
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Review from o o.
Ann Arbor, MI
11/22/2007
Yummy slices.
Order a slice or a pie. Many different options for toppings that are fresh.
The salad was surprisingly good, in fact, gourmet with nice ingredients and large slices of cheese. Someone in my party took a risk and got the seafood soup which payed off.
Not the best slices in NYC but a good place to grab a slice and salad.Listed in: a Yelp New York
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Review from Letty N.
New York, NY
1/1/2007
My favorite local UWS pizza. The hours are great, they consistently have white pizza my favorite. The people there are nice, efficient... a bit pricey for pizza but it is the UWS. the decor is crap but that's not what you go for ;-) I prefer them to Rigolletto's.
they also have a full menu of italian dishes for in or out, never tried but smells good.
Free delivery in the neighborhood but I always walk over even if it to bring it home!Listed in: My (sigh) old Neighborhood
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Review from Jenn E.
New York, NY
12/18/2008
I always forget about this plae but recently got pizza delivered and man, that crust is tasty! It's almost sweet in a weird way but the texture is perfect and it's very delicious!
I really wanted a damn rice ball but they were out and gave me a potato ball instead which was bland, and not very good at all. -
Review from Lauren C.
New York, NY
2/16/2009
Eggplant pizza was fantastic. However, it's usually a zoo of feisty, obnoxious children since it is bigger than the rest of the nearby neighborhood pizza places. So maybe I'd stick with delivery if I were you. And by that I mean if you are me and like to enjoy your meals without small children slamming into the back of your chair, screaming for the sake of screaming and singing nursery rhymes. Nooooo thanks.
I prefer Rigoletto. Found everything other than the eggplant pizza to be pretty bland and unexciting. Less interesting and creative options also.
Not bad in a pinch. Delivery is almost too quick. -
Review from Angela M.
Manhattan, NY
8/21/2011
Good pizza. Surprisingly good pasta. Try the Rigatoni Margarita or Angel Hair with Shrimp. Chicken soup is also very good.
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Review from Robert D.
5/27/2009
Francesco's had a very delicious pizza for me to eat all to myself, but I felt a little unwelcome as a sit down diner and the service was not the best (but not unfriendly).
As a takeout joint, this place is fantastic and I would give it higher. As a sit down restaurant which was my experience, I was a little let down. -
Review from David W.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2007
I'm my opinion Francesco's has the best slices on the UWS, but then again I am from Chicago and prefer my slices cut into squares. I do however respect New York style pizza and have housed my fair share of NY pies. Hopefully, you won't disregard my review.
The selection is large and ranges from your standard cheese slice to a baked ziti slice to the unbelievable chicken and broccoli slice. On my last few visits they were out of my chicken and broccoli slice, which really through me for a loop and left me with no other choice than to go behind chicken and broccolis back and order a slice of pepperoni. Pepperoni....mmmmmm.... She's not bad either.
The tables of course are adorned with the usual suspects sitting and waiting for you to turn them upside down and shake them around. When in Rome, shake some garlic powder on that slice.
1 Chicken and Broccoli Slice
1 Ginger Ale
-------------------------------------------
$5.00 -
Review from Nelson X.
New York, NY
9/23/2009
Not my choice for a neighborhood slice but they do have seating. It's hard to come here when Rigoletto's is so close by.
Cheers!
N. -
Review from M. C. M.
New York, NY
3/24/2010
Did not want to get take out from here...but so glad we did.
While we were waiting, my husband tried a plain slice and their garlic knots (5 for $1.50 - so cheap). He said they were "fine" - not great, not bad.
We got 2 subs take - 1 grilled chicken and 1 meatball. Their rolls are so of the best we've had, so that was a big hit. They give you fresh potato wedges too.
Satisfying and reasonably priced (subs w/ fries - $9.50).
Service was friendly. There were several family tables eating enormous portions of pasta platters, and they all looked happy. -
Review from Abraham L.
Hopkins, SC
1/10/2011
Solid neighborhood pizza joint on the upper west side. I've been a fan of Frencesco since the late 1990's, when I went there daily for the after-school slice special. All these years later, they continue to produce good neighborhood-style slices and decent garlic knots. They're not completely consistent (expect the occasional charred slice), but they've got a good enough record to recommend them as a local oasis for simple, delicious, and affordable grub.
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Review from Alex W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/23/2009
I grew up on this stuff. As a full-blooded New Yorker, I am VERY critical of pizza no matter where I eat it. In my opinion, Francesco's is the best NY-style slice in the world. I do make a point of asking for my pizza well done, to add a little more crisp to the crust and cheese. The also have one of the GREATEST slices I have ever had while drunk: the baked-ziti slice. Whoever had a bowl of pasta and a slice of pizza but not enough time to eat both and so invented this deliciousness deserves a medal.
Bottom line: I love Francesco's. I grew up on it. I have taken the subway for an hour to get a pie here. Maybe this isn't everyones "New York slice" but it is mine, and don't bad mouth it in front of me! -
Review from Laurence K.
New York, NY
9/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Best pizza between 60th and 70th; try their chicken and eggplant parm.
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Review from Danny P.
New York, NY
1/16/2011
Can be hit or miss, but definitely worth a shot. Usually good fresh slices. Sausage slices are really good and a thinner crust but very good Sicilian slice if you like that kind of thing.
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Review from Anna L.
10/21/2007
My fave neighborhood pizza place... actually has the best pasta on the UWS as well. Okay, so perhaps it's not as good as La Vela or Pomodoro but it's pretty close and quite a surprise to find good pasta at what appears to be a pizzeria. The eggplant slices here are awesome. The rigatoni margherita pasta dish is a fave. I go here once a week for take out on the way home from the gym (yes, the pizza negates the workout). A must try!
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Review from Kelly T.
New York, NY
9/19/2010
Subpar pizza. Cramped environment.
Would echo Elizabeth L.'s statement. Rigoletto's down the street is equally priced and much, much better (fresher ingredients, better cooking, and cleaner environment).
We won't be coming back. -
Review from Roger K.
New York, NY
9/11/2010
It says right on the box, "Olive Oil Crust"...
The problem with the pizza is the crust. It's not crispy. At all. It's sweet with a very strange texture which I find very unappealing. The entire slice has a taste which totally misses the cheese-tomato-grease-yeast ideal of a slice.
I don't get it. -
Review from Gabrielle B.
New York, NY
7/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
They have baked ziti PIzza!!!!!
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Review from Jose M.
Manhattan, NY
10/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
The sauce is sweet which I am a big fan of. Plus it blows away the pizzeria around the corner of 68 th
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Review from Kristin L.
Ann Arbor, MI
6/29/2009
My friend and I walked in to grab a slice for a quick lunch. My first NY-style pizza in New York, and it was good. I was mildly impressed they had a cheese-less pie out for my vegan friend, but while they took her order right away, the guy behind the counter ignored me until after the next set of customers came in. I got a basic slice - cheese. It was tasty, with a moderately crispy crust, and a good flavor. While I enjoyed it, I don't think it's something that I'll specifically seek out; it wasn't really much better than the NY-style pizza I can get in MI.
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Review from Theresa O.
New York, NY
12/22/2008
If you're looking for good delivery for baked ziti, penne a la vodka, chicken parmesan, I'd recommend this place. I've never been inside the actual restaurant, but delivery is fairly quick and the food is flavorful and comes in large portions.
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Review from Mark H.
10/27/2009
Remember Ellio's frozen pizza that you would make at home as a kid? Well the pizza here, especially the crust, is a dead ringer for it. Avoid if you can. And you can, because Rigoletto's is better. (And bigger now, too!)
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Review from Karol S.
11/9/2009
Totally decent delivery pasta. I like their baked ziti and eggplant rollantini. I'm from Brooklyn, and now live in Manhattan, so I am forever searching for a pizza place to deliver the red sauce standards. For now, that place is Francesco as I have found no better.
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Review from Pree R.
New York, NY
10/18/2009
Ordered in after reading the reviews here. Pleasantly suprised -- I used to walk by Francesco on my way to the gym (former apt) and always thought this place looked like a total dive. In fact, walked in once and decided against eating here. But the personal pizza and canolli were actually quite good. A bit too cheesy on the pizza for my taste (I prefer a higher sauce to cheese ration) but a very interesting, sweet crust. If you like cheesy pizza, give Francesco a shot. And the canolli - very, very good!
