Our Journey
Delivering genuine Italian pizza with dedication since 1985
From Naples to Your Local Area
'OpenHarbor started as a small dream: to introduce true Neapolitan pizza to Edinburgh. Established by the Thompson family in 1985, our small pizza shop began as a family-owned business with recipes passed down from many generations.
Emily Thompson, our founder, mastered the pizza crafting in her journey through Italy, learning from master pizza makers in Naples—the cradle of pizza. Once back in the UK, her mission was to replicate the enchantment of authentic Italian pizza, adhering to age-old methods with the best ingredients available.
Originally a cozy 12-seat eatery, it has expanded into a cherished local fixture; nevertheless, our dedication to superior quality and genuine taste remains constant. We persist in utilizing original wood-burning oven techniques, preparing our dough daily, and seeking out the finest quality produce.
Presently, 'OpenHarbor is still under family ownership, with the Thompson family's second generation at the helm of our dedicated team. While we incorporate certain modern improvements, the essence of our business is unchanged: crafting delectable, genuine pizza that gathers folks together.
Our Principles
Top-Quality Ingredients
Our commitment lies in procuring the best, freshest ingredients, partnering with regional producers and specialized Italian suppliers to safeguard authentic tastes.
Heritage Techniques
Each pizza is a product of historical practices, featuring a dough that rests for 48 hours and is then cooked in traditional wood-fired pizza ovens.
Community Engagement
We strive to be more than just a pizzeria by actively participating in community ventures and offering a welcoming environment to everyone.
Eco-Consciousness
We practice ecological responsibility, from curbing food waste to utilizing recyclable materials and advocating for sustainable farming.
Meet the People Behind the Pizza
Meet the devoted individuals creating our scrumptious pizzas
Emily Thompson
Founder & Chief Pizzaiolo
Successor at the helm, trained in Naples, perfecting our pizza recipes for more than 15 years.
Anna Garcia
Culinary Director
Italian-trained chef bringing over a decade of expertise to our establishment, known for her innovative seasonal creations.
Luca Bianchi
Pizza Maestro
A Naples native, Luca has been making ideal pizzas for more than two decades and educates all our pizzaiolos.
Emily Clarke
Operations Manager
Ensuring excellent customer service experiences and leading our service team with friendliness and professionalism.
Kevin Wong
Beverage Director
Expertly crafts our beverage selection, specializing in Italian juices and perfect refreshments to complement our pizzas.
Our Patrons' Impressions
This is the closest to Neapolitan pizza I’ve ever savored outside of Italy. The dough is just rightly tender with those perfect charred blisters that can only come from a real wood-burning oven.
John Smith
Admiring 'OpenHarbor's commitment to local sourcing and green operations is easy. The taste difference is significant with every mouthful. Looking forward to their seasonal offerings excites me every time!
Lisa Roberts
I've been a regular for ages, and the impeccable quality continues. The staff makes you feel right at home, and the pizza... truly divine, as the name conveys. Do try the Truffle Delight pizza!
David Gonzalez
Honors & Accolades
Premier Pizzeria in Carlstadt
Area Food Honors, 2019-2023
Leading 50 Pizza Houses in the UK
Countrywide Dining Guide, 2021-2023
Certified Neapolitan Pizza Establishment
Pizza Napoletana Authentification Society, 2018
Eco-friendly Business Award
Local Eco Business Group, 2022
Join Us
Discover the authentic Italian pizza experience in our friendly, inviting restaurant