Our Story
Making Genuine Italian pizza with dedication from 1985
From Naples to Your Neighborhood
'SoftGround Pizzeria' started with one ambition: to offer the true taste of Neapolitan pizza to Rome. Opened by the Romano lineage in 1985, our pizza shop was originally a quaint family-owned spot with generations-old recipes.
Marco Romano, our originator, mastered her pizza skills on her journey across Italy, apprenticing with renowned pizza makers in Naples — the homeland of pizza. Upon her return to the UK, her goal was to reproduce the authentic Italian pizza experience, sticking to age-old techniques and selecting only top-notch ingredients.
The once small 12-seat eatery has now become a cherished neighborhood fixture yet our dedication to excellence and genuine practices remains unchanged. We continue to use the traditional wood-fired ovens, preparing our dough from scratch every day, and choosing the finest products available.
These days, 'SoftGround Pizzeria' is still operated by the Romanos, with the next of kin guiding our enthusiastic crew. While we've adopted new techniques, we still hold firm to our core: making delightful, real pizzas that unite diners.
Our Values
Quality Ingredients
We procure only the most pristine, superior ingredients, collaborating with local growers and Italian suppliers to guarantee the real Italian taste.
Traditional Methods
Every pizza we make is shaped by long-standing practices, from our 48-hour fermentation dough process to its baking in genuine wood-fired ovens.
Community Focus
We aim to be more than a restaurant — we're a key part of the local scene, backing community projects and offering a place where everyone feels at home.
Sustainability
Our commitment to eco-friendly practices is steadfast, from diminishing food waste to utilizing responsible packaging and advocating for sustainable farming.
Meet Our Team
The devoted individuals crafting our exceptional pizzas
Marco Romano
Owner & Head Chef
Passing down the trade within the family, this individual has been refining our menu for more than a decade.
Olivia Brown
Executive Chef
A culinary expert trained in Italy, bringing over a decade of skill to our kitchen, focusing on inventive dishes that change with the seasons.
Alexander Petrov
Master Pizzaiolo
A native of Naples, Alexander has honed the craft of pizza perfection for more than two decades, and he's the mentor to all our pizza artisans.
Emily Clark
Restaurant Manager
This key team member makes certain every patron's visit is memorable, directing the staff to ensure efficient and friendly service.
Zhang Wei
Sommelier & Beverage Director
Oversees our beverage selections, specializing in Italian beverages and finding the perfect pairing for each pizza.
What Our Customers Say
This is the closest to Neapolitan pizza I've tasted outside Italy. The crust has a delightful chew and those signature charred marks from a wood oven.
Ethan Smith
I adore how 'SoftGround Pizzeria' champions local products and sustainable practices. That dedication shines in every morsel. The seasonal creations are a highlight.
Isabella Taylor
I've been a regular for numerous years and the excellent standards never falter. Here you're treated like kin, and the pizza is simply divine. The Truffle Mushroom pizza is a must-try!
Nicholas Miller
Awards & Recognition
Premier Pizzeria in Karlport
Town Food Honors, 2018-2022
UK's Leading 50 Pizzerias
Nation-Wide Dining Index, 2019-2022
Genuine Neapolitan Pizza Certificate
Authentic Pizza Napoletana Association, 2017
Eco-Friendly Enterprise Honor
Area Environmental Commerce Guild, 2021
Come Visit Us
Discover the flavor of traditional Italian pizza in our friendly, inviting setting