Our Narrative
Passionately creating genuine Italian pizzas since 1985
From the Heart of Naples to Your Local Community
'RiverPassage started with a vision of offering true Neapolitan pizza in Edinburgh. Established by the Schneider lineage in 1985, our pizza shop was originally a quaint, family-owned business with recipes passed down the family tree.
Lucas Schneider, the initiator, acquired pizza crafting skills in Italy, receiving mentorship from esteemed pizzaiolos in Naples—the original home of pizza. Once back in the UK, her mission was to recreate the essence of Italian pizza with traditional baking techniques and supreme ingredients.
Our humble beginnings included just a dozen seats, but we've since become a cherished community staple, without compromising on our dedication to excellence and genuine practices. The same old-world oven baking, daily fresh-made dough, and premium ingredients remain central to our process.
'RiverPassage' stands today as a proud family venture, now spearheaded by the second generation of the Schneiders, steering our eager team. Even as we've adapted to new techniques, our core mission endures: to craft delightful, authentic pizzas that unify our patrons.
Our Principles
Top-Quality Ingredients
Our dedication to quality means sourcing the most pristine ingredients, from local growers to Italian purveyors, for true Italian tastes.
Ancestral Craftsmanship
We pride ourselves on our pizzas being made with ancient techniques, featuring dough that ferments for two full days and is baked in genuine wood-burning ovens.
Community Engagement
Being a restaurant to us means more than serving food; it's about playing an active role in our community, championing local causes, and providing a warm space for everyone.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Committing to the environment means embracing sustainable actions, from minimizing food waste to choosing biodegradable packaging and backing sustainable farming.
Introducing Our Team
The devoted individuals behind our enticing pizzas
Lucas Schneider
Proprietor & Master Chef
As a second-generation proprietor trained in Naples, they've spent over 15 years refining our recipes.
Isabella Garcia
Culinary Director
With a rich Italian culinary background, this expert has 12 years of excellence in our kitchen, focusing on fresh, seasonal offerings.
Luca Bianchi
Senior Pizzaiolo
Originating from Naples, Luca has spent two decades perfecting pizza and mentors new chefs in the art of pizza Excellence.
Emily Clark
Lead of Guest Relations
Focused on delivering top-notch service, she manages the dining team ensuring every visit is memorable and efficient.
Alex Kim
Wine Expert & Drinks Coordinator
Alex oversees our comprehensive selection of beverages, handpicking Italian wines ideal for pairing with our unique pizzas.
Customer Endorsements
This is the closest Neapolitan pizza to the original I've tasted outside of Italy. The dough has the perfect texture and shows the hallmark signs of char only possible from a wood-fired oven.
Edward Bennett
I appreciate that 'RiverPassage champions local produce and green practices. The difference is notable in the flavor. I eagerly anticipate their rotating seasonal pizzas!
Olivia Taylor
I've been a patron for numerous years and the exemplary standards have been consistent. The atmosphere is like a second home, and the pizza is divine, particularly the Truffle Mushroom pie.
Nicholas Sanchez
Recognitions & Honors
Premier Pizza Spot in Karlport
Local Gastronomy Awards, 2019-2023
UK's Top 50 Pizza Destinations
Nationwide Restaurateurs Selection, 2021-2023
Certified Genuine Neapolitan Pizza
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, 2018
Award for Sustainable Business
Eco Commerce Group, 2022
Visit Our Pizzeria
Immerse yourself in the world of true Italian pizzas in an inviting and friendly setting