O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria

A coworker of mine who is from the area, told us definitely try O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria. Upon arriving before a concert,we stopped by for a bite. We enjoy trying local fare when traveling. Ordered a small pepperoni pizza -wow still made like the original owner. We enjoyed dining in, experiencing a part of Americana.

O'Scugnizzo's offers a pizza like no other. The pizza sauce is on top of the pizza and with cheese and other toppings underneath. Some call it upside down pizza, it should just be called "Great!" There is a reason this place has been open for over 100 years and is the second oldest pizzeria in the US.
The chicken riggies are also another unique Utica regional food which is a must try. Restaurant service was very good and staff was friendly. Make sure to see the photos of the original owner of the restaurant from 1914. This place a must stop if you are visiting Utica.

Wanted some pizza, and when I found out this was one of the best in the country I had to try it. It did not disappoint. I can see why they have been around and family run for 108 years. I have never had upside down pizza, so I didn't know what it was. It's basically just sauce on the top. It's definitely a must try. They also make their own sausage, and it is delicious. If you are in the area, you owe it to yourself to try this place out.

Another customer tried to warn me as I walked in that the pizza here isn't what you expect pizza to be. He must have noticed I'm from out of town, but it happens I know this place and love the pies just as they are.

Yes, they're upside down: medium-thickness crust topped with a layer of cheese, with sauce spread evenly on top. It's not a gimmick: they've been making it this way for 108 years. Maybe it's not for everyone but I think if you keep an open mind you'll enjoy it. My pie was the best pizza I had in a long time. But keep in mind the format is a little messy and it's wise to arm yourself with napkins.

In my opinion, this place has the best pizza in Central New York, uncontested. I drive from Syracuse regularly just to pick it up. Crispy, buttery dough. Thick, luxurious cheese that chars perfectly around the crust. Savory, chunky sauce. I recommend the #9 pie.

Moved out of town and never return without visiting at least once, also get their home made sausage and pizza dough to bring home, Thanks Steve

Amazing food and great service! The bread and pizza crust are made on site. The sausage is also made from scratch. I would give 6 stars if I could.

This was my first experience with an "upside-down" pie, and I loved it. The crust was dense; somehow chewy and crispy at the same time. You couldn't see the pepperoni, but you could surely taste its flavor. When the pie is served, it appears to be uncut. But it's actually sliced perfectly, so it's super easy to grab a piece without everything sliding off. The sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese, is flavorful. And you should try the finely ground hot pepper flakes. ... The building seems a little sketchy, but who cares? It's downtown Utica. Wasn't expecting a palace. The two men behind the counter were efficient, if not exactly warm and cuddly. The pricing is a shade high, but not worthy of a legitimate complaint. The pizzeria has been operating for more than 100 years, so it's pretty obvious that the folks behind the business know what they're doing. Nothing fancy going on, other than flavor.

I've missed this. New York native from Utica area and lemme tell.you, this place has been open for well over 100 hears for a reason. Damn good pizza, some of the best you can find anywhere. This was the first thing I did getting back to NY.

Went here for some famous tomato pie. They weren't ready, but went out of there way to cut some for us, then came our later to the dining area and have us a history of the restaurant. Very friendly and inviting. Highly recomended!

Not your typical pizza, sauce on the top, and lots of it. I recommend getting double cheese.

I wouldn't say it's the best pizza I've had but it was definitely really good. Staff was super prompt to our party of 6 and accommodating. Would definitely come back again!

Excellent unique Pizza!
Great choice of beer!

O'Scugnizzo's has been a favorite of our family for decades. Stopped in to get bake-at-home pizzas for football Sunday. The chef cut our pizzas to fit in a cooler for the ride. Followed the directions and they came out perfect. Can't say enough about this Utica icon. Fantastic.

I’ve been eating food from here for a long time, though it’s been a little while since I’ve had pizza specifically. We got a pizza, antipasto, and Italian sub this visit. Everything was the same quality I remember. The sauce is a little on the thinner side but still good and flavorful. The sub was pretty generous and they packed a lot of cold cuts on the antipasto. We ordered takeout, it was ready shortly after I arrived and it was pretty busy. Shout out to the young man helping behind the counter (I’m assuming next generation of the family)

I hadn't been here in a long long time but after seeing Dave show up and give them a monster score of 8.1 I had to try it again. Glad I did as it was excellent

Anytime I come to Utica New York, the first thing I want to eat is their pizza, basically their food is GREAT 😃.

Was up in that area a few days ago giving a friend a ride. As I was waiting for a bit I walked over to the Pizzeria just to use the bathroom. As I was walking out the aroma of the store was very appealing. I walk out anyways, then I say eh actually I’ll try a slice. Will say I’m very happy I went back in. The pizza I got was delicious, idk how they do the cheese on there but it was fantastic.

The service was amazing as well, the young woman that was a cashier was very friendly and polite, the chef I am very grateful for, very kind man and finally the owner! As I was waiting I was speaking with a woman and she said they’ve been in business for a while and I can see why, fantastic service great pizza, as a fellow Italian, I approve. 🫡😀

Great za - couldn't wait to take the picture had to smash some pieces first! Picked this up on my drive from Boston to Cleveland after reading great reviews online. Love the crust and sauce on top - a truly unique pizza from a great spot.

Visited a friend and was told the pizza was great here. IT IS! I've never had pizza with the sauce on top of the cheese, it's messy but I definitely recommend! Very nice counter service also.