
For over two decades, a family-owned pizzeria in Southaven has been crafting authentic Italian favorites using the same recipes that made locals fall in love from day one. đ
Italia Pizza Cafe opened in 2004 and has passed through loving handsâfrom original owner Thomaso to the legendary Lonnie Tant, and now Jose and his wife, who reopened in June 2020 to continue serving the best Southaven pizza and Italian classics with recipes unchanged for over 20 years.

How Italia Pizza Cafe won Southavenâs hearts
Italia Pizza Cafe first opened in 2004Â when original owner Thomaso brought authentic Italian cuisine to Southaven, establishing recipes and traditions that would endure for decades.
When Lonnie Tant took over, he continued the excellence with best-in-class food and legendary customer serviceâalways a great salesman and person who made time for every customer. đ
Unfortunately, when Lonnie got sick and passed away, the community worried about losing this beloved restaurant.

Current owner Jose had worked for Lonnie at one point and never forgot about Italiaâwhen Lonnie passed, Jose knew they had to continue providing the best pizza and Italian favorites in Southaven.
In June 2020, Jose and his wife reopened Italia Pizza Cafe, preserving those 20-year-old recipes and continuing to serve old customers while welcoming new onesâthe response has been amazing.
This Mississippi restaurant became famous for the âBig Mamaâ 28-inch pizzaâthe largest in DeSoto County that feeds crowds and makes jaws drop.
The sports bar atmosphere with a large selection of beers and televisions creates a perfect spot to catch games while enjoying authentic Italian food.
Food Highlights

- Deluxe Pizza: A customer favorite featuring generous amounts of toppings and delicious crust.
-
The Big Mama 28-Inch Pizza: The crown jewelâa 28-inch monster pizza thatâs the largest in DeSoto County.
-
Meatball Pizza: Described as âon pointâ by the owner himself, this hearty pie features their homemade meatballs.

-
BBQ Chicken Pizza: A sweet and tangy creation featuring tender chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, and mozzarella that balances smoky flavors with cheese.
-
White Pizza: A garlic loverâs dream with no red sauceâjust olive oil, garlic, and cheese creating a rich, savory pie.
-
Breakfast Pizza: Only available on Sundays, this morning specialty brings eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats to pizza form for brunch lovers.

- Super Pizza: The ultimate loaded pie featuring pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and black olives.
Atmosphere
The corner building at 1306 Goodman Road East in the shopping center next to Kohlâs welcomes guests with a sports bar/family eatery vibe.
An open kitchen allows you to watch your pizza being cooked right out in the open, connecting diners to the cooking process and showcasing the fresh preparation.
The bar area with a large beer selection and multiple televisions creates the perfect environment to chill, watch sports, and enjoy great Italian cuisine. đ

Basic Italian menu, family-friendly atmosphere, and reliable quality make this a place that gets a lot of regulars who know theyâll always have a good experience.
Bottom Line
Experience over 20 years of unchanged recipes that have kept Southaven coming back through multiple generations of loving owners.
Fresh, made-to-order food means youâre not getting fast foodâyouâre getting quality thatâs worth the wait.
Home of the Big Mama 28-inch pizza, the largest in DeSoto County, plus huge single-serve slices available all day.
Address:
1306 Goodman Road East, Suite 101, Southaven, MS 38671
đ (662) 470-5191
đ Mon-Thu: 10:30 AMâ9:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 10:30 AMâ10:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AMâ7:00 PM
