Our Story
Since 1985, we've been devoted to making genuine Italian pizza with a touch of passion
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
The journey of 'SoftHarbor' began with an aspiration to introduce true Neapolitan pizza to Edinburgh. Established by the Thompson lineage in 1985, our eatery was originally a quaint, family-operated place with recipes passed down from our ancestors.
Emily Thompson, our patriarch, mastered her pizza-crafting skills during her explorations across Italy, particularly from skilled pizzaiolos in Naples — the home of pizza. After her return to the UK, her mission was to emulate the essence of authentic Italian pizza, honoring traditional methods and selecting first-class ingredients.
From its early days as a humble 12-seat locale, it has grown into a cherished establishment in the community, all the while maintaining an unfaltering commitment to premium standards and genuineness. Our kitchen continues to use seasoned wood-fired ovens, prepares dough from scratch every day, and selects the best components available.
Nowadays, 'SoftHarbor is still under the stewardship of the Thompson household, with a new generation at the helm leading our enthusiastic crew. Although we've adopted some contemporary practices, the essence of what we do remains intact: providing scrumptious, genuine pizza that unites folks.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
Freshness and superior quality are at the forefront of our ingredient sourcing, partnering with local growers and purveyors of Italian goods to secure that authentic taste.
Traditional Methods
Utilizing generations-old pizza-making skills, our pies come to life after dough that's been proofed for 48 hours is then baked in genuine wood-burning ovens.
Community Focus
Our aim is to be more than a mere eatery, rather a core part of the community, endorsing neighborhood projects and offering a place where everyone feels at home.
Sustainability
Commitment to the environment steers our operations, from minimizing food waste to choosing eco-conscious packaging and advocating for sustainable food production.
Meet Our Team
A glimpse into the team that crafts our delectable pizzas
Emily Thompson
Owner & Head Chef
A Napoli-trained second generation proprietor, perfecting our recipes for more than a decade and a half.
Anna Bellini
Executive Chef
An Italian-trained culinary artist, Anna contributes over a decade of gastronomic proficiency to our establishment, with a flair for seasonal creations.
Giulio Conti
Master Pizzaiolo
Giulio, a native of Naples, has been producing exemplary pizzas for over two decades and educates our aspiring pizzaiolos.
Emma Johnson
Restaurant Manager
Emma ensures each patron enjoys a memorable visit and is the leader of our hospitable front-of-house team.
Steven Lu
Sommelier & Beverage Director
Steven carefully selects our non-alcoholic beverage offerings, focusing on Italian soft drinks and their perfect pizza couplings.
What Our Customers Say
This place serves Neapolitan pizza as real as what you get in Italy. The crust is the right mix of tender and charred, thanks to the art of their wood-fire oven.
Oliver Smith
Appreciate that 'SoftHarbor' sustains use of local produce and green choices. Every bite reveals quality, and their seasonal offerings are always eagerly awaited!
Isabella Brown
I've been a regular for ages and the excellence is consistent. The team makes you feel right at home, and the pizza is heavenly — don't skip their signature Truffle pie!
Christopher Garcia
Awards & Recognition
Best Pizzeria in Karlport
Local Food Awards, 2019-2023
Top 50 Pizzerias in the UK
National Restaurant Guide, 2021-2023
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Certification
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, 2018
Sustainable Business Practice Award
Regional Green Business Association, 2022
Come Visit Us
Embark on a journey of authentic Italian pizza flavors in an inviting ambiance