New Jersey is known for its pizza, claiming the title: The Pizza Capital of the World. I admit, pizza here is darn good. Although I did write this article, you will hate me for declaring an Alabama pizzeria better than any in the Garden State. (Please do not start with the email attacks again.)
The fact remains, the pizza here is good. Even Governor Phil Murphy declared New Jersey as having the best pizza in this video. Most pizzerias here are owned by Italian families who pass them down through generations. But in Cape May, an Egyptian man offers pizza that is as good as any.
Meet Sameh Abdalla, 58, who started JoJo Pizzeria in the charming Jersey Shore town 15 years ago. To him, being an Egyptian pizzeria owner is not a big deal.
“There are a few pizzerias owned by non-Italians,” Abdalla said, while kneading some dough. “I used to work in Manhattan, but I wanted a better lifestyle for me and my family, so we moved to Cape May and opened this pizza shop.”
Youssef Abdalla, left, helps his father, Sameh Abdalla, at JoJo Pizzeria in Cape May, New Jersey, on Saturday, April 12, 2025.Karim Shamsi-Basha
Helping Abdalla at JoJo Pizzeria is his son, Youssef Abdalla, 20, who loves working with his dad.
“Working here has taught me a lot about food and about life,” Youssef Abdalla said, then he added with a smile, “Dad is a pretty tough boss!”
JoJo Pizzeria is located at the charming Washington Street Mall in Cape May, along with many shops and restaurants that are favorites for tourists and residents alike. Pies range from ($14) to ($22), from the plain cheese to the fancier eggplant parmesan and Bianca pizza with mozzarella, ricotta and garlic.
You can also get the authentic Sicilian pizza there, along with a falafel sandwich ($12.95), a menu item that gave me pause.
“I wanted to keep some Egyptian influence at my pizzeria,” Sameh Abdalla explained, “Most people grin when they see the falafel sandwich on the menu.”
You can order plenty of other sandwiches ranging from ($10) to ($12), like the cheesesteak, buffalo chicken and chicken parm, and salads like the avocado, tuna and Greek.
The veggie pie at JoJo Pizzeria in Cape May, New Jersey, was photographed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.Karim Shamsi-Basha
On to the taste test.
I ordered a few slices, including the veggie lovers with mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, broccoli, spinach, green peppers, olives, onion and mushrooms; the white pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, broccoli, tomato, garlic; and the classic Margherita with fresh mozzarella, parmesan cheese, basil and tomato sauce.
The veggie lovers pizza was delicious with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. It was seasoned well, and the crust was thin and not too filling - a bonus since I have to taste a few slices! Next was the white pizza. I love white pizza, and this one did not disappoint. The fresh mozzarella was tasty, and the basil tomato sauce was decadent and aromatic.
Then came the Margherita. This pizza is where you can distinguish a pizzeria from others. This Margherita was close to the best I had, again, in Alabama. (Sorry but not sorry). JoJo‘s Margherita was decadent with basil and fresh mozzarella, and the crust had crispy edges that I usually just sample for the sake of the review, but I found myself devouring these after dipping them in the yummy tomato sauce.
Next time you’re in Cape May, check out JoJo Pizzeria at Washington Street Mall. But please do NOT forget: You must walk like an Egyptian!!
Stories by Karim Shamsi-Basha
Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.
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