Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria is an extension of Mamma Mia’s immersive Italian experience, promising classic NYC-style slices and 18-inch pies cooked in a double-deck stone oven imported from the East Coast. In addition to pizza, the pizzeria will offer hot deli items including meatball subs, chicken cutlet sandwiches, panelle fritters, sausage subs, and pasta dishes, along with a selection of traditional Italian pastries.
The venture builds upon the success of Mamma Mia Market & Sicilian Deli, which opened in December 2024 and quickly became a staple in East County for its curated selection of Italian imports, premium deli sandwiches, and old-world ambiance. That deli, founded by Giovanni Georgees and named in honor of his late mother, combines authentic Sicilian flavors with theatrical décor, from fresco-painted ceilings to Godfather-themed murals.
Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria continues that family legacy, named after Giovanni's two sons. The concept pays homage to the Georgees family's roots in Italian hospitality - Giovanni’s parents previously owned Giovanni’s Café, a pizzeria and market that operated in San Diego for decades.
According to the team, the goal is to help remedy what they call a local "crisis" in quality pizza, particularly in East County. The emphasis is on authenticity, with promises of crispy, non-floppy slices that meet East Coast standards. This addition will allow Mamma Mia to expand its menu offerings while maintaining its commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
The transformation of the space is already underway, and anticipation is building among the community and loyal patrons. When the doors open later this summer, Gino & Gianni’s will bring with it a blend of family heritage, regional pride, and a firm belief that San Diego deserves better pizza - and they’re here to deliver it.
Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by MammaMia is expected to open in early September at 4233 Spring Street in San Diego's East County city of La Mesa. For more information, visit mammamiasd.com.
According to the team, the goal is to help remedy what they call a local "crisis" in quality pizza, particularly in East County. The emphasis is on authenticity, with promises of crispy, non-floppy slices that meet East Coast standards. This addition will allow Mamma Mia to expand its menu offerings while maintaining its commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
The transformation of the space is already underway, and anticipation is building among the community and loyal patrons. When the doors open later this summer, Gino & Gianni’s will bring with it a blend of family heritage, regional pride, and a firm belief that San Diego deserves better pizza - and they’re here to deliver it.
Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by MammaMia is expected to open in early September at 4233 Spring Street in San Diego's East County city of La Mesa. For more information, visit mammamiasd.com.
Originally published on July 15, 2025.