Pizza Guide
Learn about Neapolitan pizza styles, dough making, wood-fired ovens, and authentic ingredients. Educational guide to Italian pizza from La Fornara in Naples, Campania.
Pizza Styles
Traditional Neapolitan pizza styles and their characteristics
Neapolitan Style
Authentic Neapolitan pizza features a soft, elastic crust with a slightly charred edge (cornicione). Cooked at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven for 60-90 seconds.
Margherita
The classic Margherita represents the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Simple ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors.
Marinara
The original pizza, made with tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. No cheese, highlighting the quality of the dough and San Marzano tomatoes.
The Dough
Understanding the foundation of Neapolitan pizza
Hand-Kneaded Technique
Hand-kneading develops gluten naturally and creates the perfect texture. Our dough is kneaded for 10-15 minutes, allowing the proteins to form a strong, elastic network.
Long Fermentation
Our dough ferments for 24-48 hours at controlled temperatures. This slow fermentation develops complex flavors and creates the characteristic airy, light crust.
Simple Ingredients
Only four ingredients: Italian 00 flour, water, sea salt, and fresh yeast. The quality of each ingredient is crucial to the final result.
The Wood-Fired Oven
The heart of authentic Neapolitan pizza making
Wood-Fired Oven
Our traditional wood-fired oven reaches temperatures of 900-1000°F (480-540°C). The wood imparts a subtle smoky flavor and creates the perfect environment for Neapolitan pizza.
Temperature Control
The dome of the oven retains heat, while the floor provides direct heat for cooking. Pizzas are rotated during cooking to ensure even browning and perfect cornicione.
Cooking Time
Neapolitan pizzas cook in 60-90 seconds at high temperatures. This rapid cooking locks in moisture and creates the characteristic soft, chewy texture.
Experience Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Visit La Fornara in Naples, Campania, to taste our authentic Neapolitan pizzas made with traditional methods.