10 Best Pizza Spots in Boston

Start us off with an overview.

Everyone in Massachusetts has heard of Regina’s, and their original pizzeria serves the broken-in charm that extends to its local empire of counter-service locations. Celebrity photos and police badges from visitors adorn walls split by mustard-yellow paint and dark-wood paneling. On red formica tables, worn by the consistent sliding of aluminum pizza pans, everything is branded, from the root beer to the napkins.

What's the crowd like?

Tourists may flock to Regina’s, but this is a New England joint through and through. Fans from near and far duck into the original before a sports game or after a weekend stroll. People are relieved to see the Polcari family’s longtime establishment still standing after its parent company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy a few years ago.

What should we be drinking?

Draft beers are the norm here, and nothing fancy, though there’s wine on the menu, too.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.

Crispy dough, spiced sauce, and salty cheese make a satisfying symphony at Regina’s, where thin-crust pizzas roll out of the kitchen like clockwork. Dig into a classic Giambotta pizza—piled with pepperoni, sausage, salami, mushrooms, peppers, onions, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese (plus anchovies if you want them). If that’s too much, order a few small pies, with just a topping or two, or even a classic margherita. Don’t expect salads or pastas here; this is a pizza-only joint.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?

Regina’s team members can be no-nonsense, but they’re true to the soul of the place. They keep the chaos of the institution (and its out-the-door line) at bay.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?

Regina’s is ideal for family meals over greasy pies. If you’re not up for the wait or you’re eating solo, do what North Enders do: grab to-go slices and post up on the nearby Greenway.