A Personal Invite Turned Great Meal
I received a DM two weeks ago from the owner of Franco’s Pizzeria in Westmoreland. She just purchased the pizzeria back in July and asked if I could stop out to pay them a visit and try their pizza. Now, to give you a little understanding of how I handle things: when a restaurant reaches out and asks me to stop by, I generally take a look at their food first, and if it looks good, then I will add them to my list of restaurants to visit. They work their way up one at a time — and that list is pretty big — so typically that could take a year or more before I get out to a restaurant.
But I was going to be in the area of this pizzeria within the next day or two and had a free hour, so I stopped out.
Meeting the New Owner
It’s always fun for me to meet restaurant owners, get to talk to them, and learn about who they are, why they got into the industry, why they wanted to open up a restaurant, and their approach to food and to marketing the restaurant. It’s even more exciting when it’s somebody who’s recently opened. They still bring that fresh excitement you don’t always get from someone who has been doing it for years.
At Franco’s, that excitement is contagious. The owner was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the evolution of their pizza and the community they’re building in Westmoreland. That energy showed up in every bite of the pizza I tried.
What Makes Franco’s Pizza Special
The pizza I tried at Franco’s was their upside‑down pizza. Now, this is a round pizza cooked in a pan using the traditional upside‑down method — cheese on the bottom and sauce on the top. But where Franco’s gets a little funky is with the base: they use a garlic, butter, and Parmesan layer before everything else.
Here’s how it works:
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The dough gets pressed into a pan.
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A generous amount of butter and garlic and a layer of Parmesan cheese are added right to the bottom of the dough.
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Then comes the cheese.
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And finally, the sauce goes on top before cooking.
This pizza gets a very thoughtful cook. It spends time in the pan first and then goes direct onto the bricks to help get the bottom beautifully crisp. And this pizza is crispy. It almost stands on its own when you hold the slice up — like a great New York‑style slice. The first bite has a satisfying snap, and the bottom has that buttery crunch that sets it apart.
Flavor That Hits Every Note
The dough still has those thick pan pizza characteristics — a little airy, a little bready — but with structure and texture. What really elevates the pizza is that garlic butter and Parmesan base. That combination gives richness and depth, helping accentuate everything else: the cheese, the bread, and the sauce.
The sauce itself is simple — just a good tomato sauce — but that simplicity helps it shine. It brings brightness and a fresh tomato flavor that balances everything else. And then the cheese — it’s very cheesy, in the best way. Plenty of gooey, melty cheese that makes each bite satisfying and comforting without being overwhelming.
A Local Spot Worth Visiting
I really love this pizza and can’t recommend it enough. If you’re ever out in the Utica area, make sure you check out Franco’s Pizzeria in Westmoreland. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Franco’s offers something that feels familiar yet distinct. A pizza that’s comforting, handcrafted, and deeply satisfying.
What makes Franco’s work isn’t just the pizza itself but the way they approach it: with respect for tradition, a willingness to experiment, and an eye for flavor that makes every slice worth savoring.
Why This Upside-Down Pizza Works
There’s a reason upside‑down pizza has its fans. The method allows the cheese and toppings to meld perfectly with the crust, and the butter and garlic base adds another layer of flavor that most pizzerias don’t bother with. At Franco’s, it’s executed with care. The bottom is crisp without being burnt, the dough remains light, and the sauce and cheese stay in harmony without one overwhelming the other.
Final Thoughts
Franco’s Pizzeria in Westmoreland may not be the biggest or flashiest place you visit, but it’s exactly what I love about local upstate pizza spots. There’s thought, craft, and heart behind every pie. The owner’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the pizza? Absolutely worth the stop.
📍7295 W. Main St., Westmoreland, NY
