La Fornara Story — Since 1987
Handmade. Wood‑fired. Patiently perfected in Amalfi — crafted today in Naples. Our family carries forward an Italian legacy of patience, fire, and flavor.
Our Origins — Born in Amalfi
La Fornara was born in Amalfi, Italy, in 1987 — a town where the sea breeze mingles with the scent of olive wood and tradition runs as deep as the coastline itself. Its founder, Giovanni Cakiqi, was a young baker driven by one simple vision: to bring back the true soul of Italian pizza — handmade, wood-fired, and born from patience.
With nothing but raw passion and a handful of tools, Giovanni built his first oven brick by brick behind a small bakery near the Amalfi harbor. Every dawn, he would rise before the sun to knead the dough by hand, using the same rhythm his father once used for bread. The first pizzas he baked weren’t just food — they were a reflection of care, craft, and identity.
Word spread fast. The irresistible aroma of baked dough and tomatoes began to fill the narrow streets of Amalfi. Locals came first out of curiosity, then devotion. Travelers stopped by, drawn by the warmth of the fire and the genuine hospitality that made La Fornara feel like home. Within a few years, the little bakery had become a beloved landmark — a gathering place where people shared not just meals, but moments.
Giovanni believed pizza should never be rushed. He often said, “Good pizza doesn’t come from the oven — it comes from patience.” That belief shaped the foundation of La Fornara and continues to define it today.
Tradition in Every Flame
At La Fornara, the flame that started in 1987 still burns bright. It’s more than heat — it’s the heartbeat of our craft and the living link between generations of Italian artisans. Our philosophy remains unchanged: respect the dough, honor the ingredients, and let the fire shape perfection.
Every pizza begins the same way it did in Amalfi — with slow-fermented, hand-kneaded dough, pure San Marzano tomatoes, and creamy fior di latte mozzarella sourced from trusted farms across Campania. Each ingredient is chosen for its integrity, its freshness, and its connection to Italian soil.
The process is deliberate and disciplined. Our chefs give the dough time to breathe, stretch, and mature naturally. The fire — alive and unpredictable — transforms those simple ingredients into something extraordinary: a crust that’s crisp yet airy, charred yet soft, kissed by smoke, and bursting with flavor.
From Amalfi to the World
As word of La Fornara’s authenticity spread, so did its legacy. What began as a family bakery evolved into a culinary brand that celebrates true Italian pizza worldwide. Every new oven, every new restaurant, is built with the same spirit that Giovanni ignited decades ago.
Our expansion never meant compromise. Whether in a quiet coastal town or a bustling modern city, the essence of La Fornara remains constant — the same ingredients, the same fire, the same heart. We work closely with local producers in Italy, ensuring every tomato, olive oil, and cheese meets our heritage standards.
From Amalfi to Naples, from Naples to the global stage, La Fornara continues to represent the craftsmanship of Italy’s South — honest, proud, and timeless.
A Legacy of Craft, Family, and Fire
Today, La Fornara remains family-owned under the leadership of Giovanni’s son, Betim Cakiqi, who grew up watching his father perfect each pizza with quiet precision. Betim carries forward the same vision — blending old-world mastery with modern excellence. Under his guidance, La Fornara has become a symbol of Italian authenticity and refined hospitality.
Every restaurant, event, and catering service embodies the same belief: pizza is more than food — it’s connection. It’s the laughter shared around the table, the warmth of the oven, and the pride of serving something made by hand, not by machine.
La Fornara isn’t just a pizzeria. It’s a story of family, fire, and flavor — a tribute to Italy’s enduring passion for craftsmanship. From that first brick oven in Amalfi to today’s world-class kitchens, the mission has never changed: to honor tradition while creating unforgettable experiences.
La Fornara — authentic Italian tradition, perfected by fire.
Authentic Italian Tradition, Perfected by Fire.