Before a show, you want something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavour — what fits the bill better than pizza?

Regina La Pizzeria brings serious flavour to Sydney’s pizza scene, tucked away in Redfern’s charming Wunderlich Lane. Helmed by husband-and-wife duo Matteo Ernandes and Michela Boncagni, this 85-seat pizzeria is a true homage to authentic Italian pizza-making, with a twist on tradition.

Matteo, originally from the remote Sicilian Island of Lampedusa, brings generations of pizza-making knowledge, passed down from his father. His pizza journey has taken him through some of the city’s top Italian kitchens, including Matteo (Double Bay), Da Orazio (Bondi), and Avoja (Manly).

The name Regina, Italian for “queen”, pays tribute to Queen Margherita of Savoy, the royal namesake of the iconic margherita pizza.

At the heart of the kitchen is Australia’s first Pasquale Fazzone oven, handcrafted in Naples and clad in striking emerald, green tiles. Revered for its ability to deliver evenly cooked, crispy crusts and tender centres.

Pizzas are named after Italian legends — Sofia Loren, Bellucci, Versace— each one a playful nod to Italy’s iconic cultural figures.

Regina offers three distinct styles of pizzas:

• Woodfired classics from the Fazzone oven
• Padellino (pan-baked pizza), a fluffier, thicker style loved in Sicily and Calabria
• Fritta, a twice-cooked pizza that’s first fried, then oven-finished

We tried the Mastroianni (named after the great Italian actor Marcello who was best known for his role in the classic La Dolce Vita) – a beautifully balanced pizza topped with creamy stracciatella, rich fior di latte, delicate zucchini flowers, a savoury olive crumble, and melt-in-your-mouth Parma prosciutto. It’s an absolute must-order.

Another standout was the Mina, a Padellino loaded with white Bolognese, rosemary, parmesan, finished with a drizzle of pecorino sauce and lemon zest — a rich and aromatic hit. And the Pavarotti for vegetarians: roasted eggplant, pecorino, and a crust that practically sings.

In addition to pizza, the menu offers a tempting selection of appetizers, including gigantic juicy green olives and zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, mint, parmesan, and lemon. There’s also a range of pastas, and a vibrant Pomodoro salad — a refreshing mix of tomatoes, strawberries, French shallots, and basil.

The drinks list, curated by Angelo Cristella, focuses on organic and sustainable wines, with an impressive range of Italian varietals and plenty of by-the-glass options. Wine lovers take note, Regina is a great spot to try some of the less common grape varieties. I opted for the Petrosino Lucido, a Sicilian white made from Catarratto — dry on the palate, with notes of exotic fruit and citrus. Cocktails include a refreshingly bitter Negroni Sbagliato (Campari, prosecco, sweet vermouth) and a smooth Hazelnut Espresso Martini.

Design-wise, Regina is a love letter to Italy — emerald tiles, red marble-style tabletops, checkered floors, and vintage Italian photos line the walls. Choose from counter seating by the oven, cozy indoor tables (high or low), or relaxed outdoor spots.

Regina La Pizzeria isn’t just a pizza joint — it’s a destination for pizza lovers who appreciate both tradition and creativity on the plate.

Just a 10-minute walk from Belvoir St. Theatre

Regina is located on the retail level of Wunderlich Lane.

Entrance from both Cleveland Street or Baptist Street, Redfern.

Open Mon-Frid 5 – 9pm, Sat & Sun 12pm – 9pm

To book visit Regina La Pizzeria