Though it may not have the line around the block that its big fratello on Thacher Street regularly enjoys, that is a GOOD thing, because you will not want to have to wait one extra minute for this GREAT variation on Boston’s most famous pizza.
As part of their ever-expanding empire (which also includes Saugus, Medford, and, coming soon, Waltham), the Polcari family has taken over the former Sports Depot in Allston and turned it into an enclave of the North End in Rock City. From the lighting that reminds guests of St. Anthony’s Feast to the authentic smells and flavors coming from the kitchen of the man who puts the “COO” in cooking – Anthony Buccieri – the new Regina has all the charm and flavor of the original, but also offers a FULL bar (featuring both wine and martini flights, as well as racks of local and imported brews and a selection of specialty drinks), signature t-shirts, a forthcoming outdoor patio with heaters, a bar, and maybe even a fountain, and…parking! And while it may not have quite as many tvs as the building’s former tenant, there are enough to satisfy any fan’s appetite (including some in both restrooms and plans for outdoor screens as well) but not too many to ruin a quieter dinner. In other words…e’ sufficiente.
What is certainly in abundance is the selection of pizzas and other delicious items. To get your stomach ready, you can try the fresh caprese salad, the thick eggplant rollatini, enormous meatballs or a cup or bowl of Regina’s Italian wedding or vegetarian minestrone soup. For those who like to get their Italian with a fork, Regina offers a wide array of oven-baked pastas, including house-made four-cheese lasagna, mac and cheese and ravioli (to any of which you can add chicken, meatballs, sausages or shrimp). Despite all these tasty temptations, however, most people come to Regina for the pizza. And the place never fails to disappoint, either with pre-designed classics like the basic (but never dull) Margherita with fresh basil, the vegetarian primavera (which is basically like getting a free salad with your pizza), the meat-laden St. Anthony’s or the olive-draped Mediterranean, or with a new sensation you create from among the three sauces (original, marinara, and garlic), three cooking styles (regular, light, or well-done), and 40 mix-and-match toppings that range from anchovies to prosciutto and from marinated red peppers to jalapeños. Though all the fixin’s are on the table, the staff is more than happy to get you anything you may want – whether it be a thinner crust that is more like the original Regina’s, a side cup of sauce, or the extra napkins you are sure to need. To finish, the fresh cannoli is a sweet and slightly tangy treat and, in the words of Regina’s ace wait staff, you “just haveta’ try” the tiramisu (Ed. Note: Though not a fan of this authentic Italian dessert, I LOVED it!).
So next time you are passing by on the Commuter Rail, the Pike or Harvard Street, or any time you want an authentic taste of the North End without the parking problems and the potential for a long but always worth it line, give this new Regina’s a try. Anthony will be thrilled to see you!
Pizzeria Regina
353 Cambridge St, Allston, MA
617 783 2300
www.pizzeriaregina.com