Giuseppe’s Story

Forno Classico was born from tradition, shaped by craftsmanship, and refined through engineering.

As a young boy in Palermo, Sicily, Giuseppe Crisa learned the art of building wood-fired brick ovens at his grandfather’s side. Watching his nonno’s skilled hands transform raw materials into functional works of art, he absorbed the foundations of authentic Italian oven craftsmanship—methods passed down through generations.

His passion for pizza deepened during family visits to the coastal town of Terrasini, where he spent time at the historic Basile Pizzeria. There, Giuseppe observed the pizzaiolo at work—kneading, shaping, and firing pizzas with precision. Occasionally invited to create his own small pizzas, he developed not just skill, but a lasting connection to the craft.

Years later in Santa Barbara, California, Giuseppe set out to build his own oven. Drawing from both tradition and his background in mechanical engineering, he developed the original Cupola design—bringing together old-world techniques and modern performance. That vision became the foundation of Forno Classico.

Today, Forno Classico Studio Factory ovens are meticulously handcrafted to deliver exceptional heat control and cooking precision. Each oven is designed to balance the temperature between the dome and the cooking floor—an essential element for achieving authentic, high-performance results. Available in wood-fired, gas, or hybrid configurations, these ovens are built to meet the demands of both residential and commercial kitchens.

Forno Classico ovens are chosen by those who value authenticity, performance, and craftsmanship—where traditional Italian methods meet modern engineering.

Experience the difference. Bring the Italian lifestyle into your space—mangiamo!