Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by MammaMia, an expansion of the family-run MammaMia Market & Sicilian Deli, is set to open at 4233 Spring Street in La Mesa.
The new pizzeria is expected to launch before the end of summer, around early September, pending any delays from the City of La Mesa. Owner Giovanni Georgees tells What Now San Diego that the concept builds on the momentum of MammaMia, which opened in December 2024. The new concept will occupy the former Carnitas Urupan space, located next door to the deli, allowing MammaMia to expand its offerings with a focus on authentic New York-style pizza and a range of hot deli items.
“The Pizzeria will emphasize Authentic New York Style Slices (NO FLOP JALLOPS), full 18-inch Pies, Pasta, Pastries, etc. The Golden Rule; A perfect New York Slice should stand up while holding it by the crust, when doing the classic New York Fold, it should crack, but NOT break, as the undercarriage of the Pizza cracks, you should be able to inhale & smell the fresh dough, THAT is what we are here to bring!” Georgees tells What Now San Diego. “To ensure authenticity, I have even gone as far as getting the Stone Cooked Pizza Oven shipped directly from where else, the EAST COAST.”
The expansion also benefits MammaMia’s existing deli operation by adding a kitchen that can accommodate hot menu items, such as meatball sandwiches, chicken cutlets, sausage subs, and traditional Sicilian panelle sandwiches. As with the deli, all pizza dough, sauces, and recipes are handcrafted by Georgees himself.
Gino & Gianni’s is named after Georgees’ two sons, and continues a family tradition rooted in San Diego’s Italian food scene. His parents, Eddie and the late Gina Georgees, previously owned Giovanni’s Café, a pizzeria and Italian market that operated locally for over 30 years. MammaMia, dedicated to his mother, now expands with a tribute to his sons. “Because in the Sicilian culture,” Georgees added, “LA FAMMIGHIA E TUTTI (Family is everything).”
