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PhrasesAt the PizzeriaÈ un forno a legna?
A2

È un forno a legna?

Is it a wood-fired oven?

Pronunciation

FOR-no — two syllables, stress on first. LE-gna — 'gn' is nasal palatal, like 'ny'. Two syllables.

When to use it

Before ordering, when you want to confirm the type of oven. Wood-fired ovens produce a distinct flavour and char that many consider superior.

What it means

'Forno a legna' = wood-fired oven. 'Forno elettrico' = electric oven. In Neapolitan tradition, only a wood-fired oven reaches the correct 485°C temperature. Gas ovens are accepted in the Neapolitan pizza regulations as a second choice.

Variations

La pizza è cotta nel forno a legna?

Is the pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven?

More complete question — confirms the cooking method explicitly

Che tipo di forno usate?

What type of oven do you use?

Open question — the pizzeria may explain their equipment and philosophy

Avete il marchio AVPN?

Do you have the AVPN certification?

The Neapolitan pizza association certification — rare but meaningful

Mini Dialogue

— È un forno a legna? — Sì, il nostro forno ha 90 anni — stesso mattone di mio nonno. — Incredibile! E arriva a 485 gradi? — A volte anche di più — è lì il segreto.

— Is it a wood-fired oven? — Yes, our oven is 90 years old — the same brick as my grandfather's. — Incredible! And does it reach 485 degrees? — Sometimes even more — that's the secret.

Cultural Note

The Neapolitan pizza oven is treated with near-religious reverence. Many famous pizzerias have ovens that are never allowed to go out — the fire burns continuously for decades. The pizzaiolo who tends the oven is a skilled craftsperson with years of training.