01
Best overall pick
Giovanni's Pizza
Gallia Pike In Franklin Furnace • Classic Small-Town Pizzeria • Local Favorite
The hometown Giovanni’s does thick, cheesy pies and subs that feel tailor-made for a weeknight carryout run.
Set right on Gallia Pike, Giovanni’s is the go-to pizza name actually in Franklin Furnace, and it shows in the steady stream of locals picking up boxes on any given evening. The crust runs on the hearty side, with generous cheese and toppings that make even a simple pepperoni feel substantial. It is a practical choice for families, ball teams, or anyone heading home along US-52 who wants a reliable pie without driving into Portsmouth.
02
Old-school charm pick
Lori's Pizza
Portsmouth • Old-School Dine-In Pizzeria • Best For Sit-Down Dinners
A Portsmouth standby with a loyal following, Lori’s leans into crisp-edged crusts, plenty of cheese, and a comfortable small-town dining room.
About 15–20 minutes west of Franklin Furnace, Lori’s Pizza draws fans who grew up on its pies and keep coming back. The crust is thin-to-medium with a nice crunch at the edges, and toppings are layered to the edge in that classic southern Ohio style. It is the kind of place where you settle into a booth, order a couple of large pizzas for the table, and linger over refills while kids trade slices.
03
Family buffet pick
Pizza Inn
Wheelersburg • Pizza Buffet And Salad Bar • Best For Families
Wheelersburg’s Pizza Inn is all about variety, with a hot buffet of different pies, pastas, and a build-your-own salad bar.
A quick drive south from Franklin Furnace, Pizza Inn is an easy choice when nobody at the table can agree on toppings. The buffet line usually has a mix of classic pepperoni, veggie, and specialty pies, with staff willing to put in a fresh request if your favorite is missing. It is casual, affordable, and noisy in the best way—perfect after youth games or when you are feeding a crowd without overthinking it.
04
Game-day gathering spot
LaRosa's Pizzeria
Portsmouth • Regional Chain Pizzeria And Sports Hangout • Best For Groups
This LaRosa’s outpost pairs its Cincinnati-style pies with big booths, TVs, and plenty of room for teams and families.
Located in Portsmouth’s retail stretch, LaRosa’s is a popular meeting spot for Scioto County families looking for a familiar menu and a lively atmosphere. The pizzas lean toward soft, saucy crusts with lots of cheese, plus you can round out the table with wings, hoagies, and shareable appetizers. It is especially handy if you are already in town for shopping or a game and want one place that can comfortably handle a larger group.
05
Late-night slice pick
Buffalo Wild Wings
Portsmouth • Sports Bar With Pizza And Wings • Best For Late Evenings
Known for wings and big screens, the Portsmouth B-Dubs also slings shareable flatbread-style pizzas that work well with a round of drinks.
When you want pizza with a side of sports and a later closing time than most mom-and-pop spots, Buffalo Wild Wings in Portsmouth fits the bill. The flatbread pizzas come out crisp and cut for sharing, making them easy to mix with baskets of wings and fries. It is more about the atmosphere than artisanal crust, but for a post-game hangout or a casual night out from Franklin Furnace, it is a convenient and energetic option.