Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria By Mamma Mia Opens October 24 In La Mesa With A Slice Of New York And A Touch Of Sicily

La Mesa’s dining scene is about to get a dramatic new addition - and a serious upgrade in East Coast–style pizza. Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia will officially open its doors on Friday, October 24, next to the family’s beloved Mamma Mia Market & Sicilian Deli.

Stepping inside feels like entering a cinematic tribute to Italian-American culture. The former Carnitas Uruapan space has been completely reimagined, featuring deep burgundy walls, a glowing marble counter, and custom pizza chandeliers. A hand-painted mural of The Godfather - complete with the quote “I’m gonna make you a pizza you can’t refuse” - overlooks cozy booths, while the ceiling bursts with Sistine Chapel–inspired artwork, a continuation of the grand, theatrical aesthetic that defines Mamma Mia.
The new shop is equipped with multiple pizza ovens and a massive glass slice counter, designed for quick service of classic New York-style slices and 18-inch pies. The menu will also feature hot Italian sandwiches like meatball and chicken cutlet subs, panelle fritters, hearty pastas, a rotating selection of traditional pastries, and seven beers on tap as well as wine.
Founded by Giovanni Georgees, Gino & Gianni’s is named for his two sons and builds on the success of Mamma Mia Market & Sicilian Deli, which opened in December 2024 and quickly became an East County favorite for imported goods, Sicilian specialties, handmade Italian sandwiches, and old-world hospitality. Georgees, whose family operated Giovanni’s Café, a San Diego pizzeria and market for decades, says this new concept is his way of honoring family tradition while filling what he calls a “pizza gap” in San Diego’s East County.
“Authenticity and quality are everything,” Georgees said previously. “We want to bring back the kind of slice that makes New Yorkers proud - crisp, foldable, and never floppy.”
The pizzeria’s playful branding features a logo depicting Gino and Gianni riding a traditional Sicilian cart, blending family pride with a nod to Italian heritage. The décor, recipes, and hospitality all aim to capture that same spirit - where craftsmanship, character, comfort, and family meet over a perfect slice.

Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia officially opens Friday, October 24 at 4233 Spring Street in San Diego's East County city of La Mesa. For more information, visit mammamiasd.com and check out the launch menu below.
Originally published on October 22, 2025.