Founded by restaurateurs Matteo Ernandes and Michela Boncagni, Regina La Pizzeria is a contemporary Italian pizzeria and restaurant in Redfern, Sydney, bringing together Italian heritage, modern technique and warm hospitality.
At the heart of Regina’s kitchen is Australia’s first Fazzone wood-fired oven, handcrafted in Naples and fired at high temperatures to create the distinctive structure, lightness and character of our pizzas.
Led by head pizzaiolo Matteo Ernandes, Regina explores dough in its many forms — from high-hydration contemporary pizza and long fermentation to padellino, twice-cooked pizza and other Italian pizza traditions.
Regina has been awarded Tre Spicchi (Three Slices) by Gambero Rosso, while Matteo Ernandes was named One to Follow 2026 at The Best Pizza Awards — international recognition of the philosophy, technique and craftsmanship behind our pizza.
The menu extends beyond pizza with handmade pasta, Italian dishes, antipasti and a carefully selected Italian-led wine and drinks list, all served in the heart of Wunderlich Lane.
Matteo Ernandes —
Head Pizzaiolo & Co-Founder
Matteo Ernandes is the co-founder and head pizzaiolo of Regina La Pizzeria in Sydney. With a deep respect for Italian pizza tradition, Matteo combines craftsmanship with contemporary fermentation techniques to create pizzas defined by lightness, structure and character.
His work centres on high-hydration doughs, pre-ferments and long fermentation, expressed across Regina’s contemporary pizza, padellino, twice-cooked and fritta styles.
In 2026, Matteo was named One to Follow by The Best Pizza Awards, recognising his evolving approach to contemporary pizza and his work at Regina. The restaurant has also been awarded Tre Spicchi (Three Slices) by Gambero Rosso, its highest recognition for pizzerias.
For Matteo, great pizza starts long before it reaches the oven — with flour, fermentation, time and an uncompromising attention to detail.
Michela Boncagni —
Sommelier & Co-Founder
Michela Boncagni is co-founder of Regina La Pizzeria and an experienced restaurateur and sommelier with more than 20 years in hospitality.
Her background in wine, flavour pairing and guest experience shapes Regina’s approach beyond the kitchen, from the Italian-led wine and drinks list to the warm, approachable style of service.
As a co-founder and driving force behind venues including LuMi Dining and Regina La Pizzeria, Michela has built her career around creating distinctive dining experiences where food, wine, atmosphere and hospitality work together.
At Regina, she leads the front-of-house experience and beverage program, bringing a distinctly Italian approach to hospitality: generous, knowledgeable and centred around the table.
Awards &
Recognition
TRE SPICCHI — GAMBERO ROSSO
Regina La Pizzeria has been awarded Tre Spicchi (Three Slices) by Gambero Rosso — the highest recognition awarded to pizzerias by the internationally renowned Italian food and wine guide.
ONE TO FOLLOW 2026 — THE BEST PIZZA AWARDS
Co-founder and head pizzaiolo Matteo Ernandes was named One to Follow 2026 at The Best Pizza Awards, recognising his contemporary approach to pizza, fermentation and dough.
