? Salads are out, Pizza and endless carbs are in at Mamma Jamma Pizzeria: A modernized Italian bistro, newly arrived in New Cairo serves Italy’s finest offerings, from pizza to tiramisu — but does it pass the Nonna test?

You’ll need about four bellies to sample the menu: The variety is vast, and seemingly endless — perhaps even overwhelming — leaving diners pleasantly indecisive about what to order.

Amusing our bouches with the starters: We began with the beef carpaccio and fried calamari. The thinly sliced carpaccio, though not native to our palates, intrigued us with its promised toppings of caviar and truffle sauce. The earthiness of the truffle mayo added a touch of luxury — though the advertised caviar was notably absent. The fried calamari offered familiar flavors, but with a portion size that two people would fight over. We bypassed the sriracha dip in favor of a classic squeeze of lemon.

Nyuki, not gnocchi: For our mains, we were drawn to the homemade potato gnocchi by its intriguing name. The pillowy dumplings came paired with an arrabiata sauce that delivered a welcome spicy kick.

To continue our carb journey, we ordered the anchovy pizza, topped with mozzarella, parmesan, anchovies, Italian tomato sauce, capers, and olive oil. This pizza caters to more refined tastes with its distinctly salty flavor, delivering a briny punch in every bit.

Time for dolce: As our meal drew to a close, we decided on the tiramisu for a classic finale. While it offered the expected blend of bold coffee and smooth mascarpone, it fell short of the richness and fluffiness found in exceptional versions. But the verdict is that it provides a satisfactory conclusion that fulfills its purpose without truly dazzling.

? Per person: EGP 300-800

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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