After a brief hiatus, Little Napoli, the highly popular pizzeria celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan offerings, has successfully relocated and expanded its operations, officially opening a new flagship restaurant in Wanchai on December 10, 2023. The move follows the closure of its initial, highly regarded location in Happy Valley this past October. The new premises not only provide a significantly larger indoor dining area but also introduce an enhanced menu of classic and innovative dishes, reinforcing the eatery’s commitment to genuine Southern Italian gastronomy on Hong Kong Island.
A Taste of Naples in Wanchai
Since its debut in 2021, Little Napoli has cultivated a dedicated local following driven by its commitment to traditional Neapolitan pizza. Owner and chef Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples, remains the driving force behind the operation, ensuring the use of premium ingredients sourced directly from his Italian hometown. The pizzas are meticulously crafted and baked in an imported, 400°C stone oven, which achieves the signature crisp exterior and soft, airy interior characteristic of true Neapolitan dough.
The new Wanchai location is designed to transport diners directly to the picturesque streets of Southern Italy. The dining space features custom-ordered, vintage-style floor tiles imported from Italy, contributing to a warm, rustic ambiance that complements the authenticity of the cuisine. This expanded setting aims to accommodate the burgeoning demand that peaked during its time in Happy Valley.
New Culinary Horizons and Takeaway Innovations
The Wanchai launch introduces several exciting new features to the menu, extending beyond their renowned traditional pizzas. A major highlight is the introduction of a new range of Mediterranean pizzas, offering fresh flavour profiles.
Responding to Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle, Little Napoli has also introduced the Pizza Portafoglio, or “Wallet Pizza.” Inspired by the street food culture of Naples, these pizzas are cleverly folded to facilitate easy, mess-free takeaway consumption. The classic Margherita is available in this convenient format, alongside creative new variations, including the Contadina and the meat-focused Zingara, which comes generously adorned with parma ham.
Furthermore, the Pizza Fritta (fried Italian pastry) menu has been expanded, presenting new options perfect for snacks or sharing. Notably, the oblong Dondiego Pizza Fritta offers a surprisingly light, non-greasy texture, providing a satisfying savoury treat for those seeking alternatives to traditional oven-baked selections.
Expanding the Neapolitan Experience
In addition to their pizza specialities, the new Wanchai shop has significantly broadened its selection of classic Neapolitan Appetizers (Stuzzichini). This section of the menu features authentic small plates designed to complete the dining experience. A standout inclusion is the Melanzane in Carrozza (fried eggplant sandwich), a dish that reviewers have praised for its unexpectedly light, almost ‘fish-like’ texture and its satisfyingly complex layered composition.
For those new to authentic Neapolitan pizza, the restaurant’s staff emphasize the traditional consumption method. Due to the softness and thinness of the pizza’s centre, particularly when heavily topped, diners are encouraged to cut the pizza into quarters and fold each piece in half. This technique, affectionately known as a portafoglio (like a wallet), prevents toppings from spilling and concentrates the rich flavour of the crust and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant facilitates this by providing helpful visual guides alongside their takeaway packaging.
The reopening of Little Napoli in Wanchai signifies a successful expansion for one of Hong Kong’s most beloved authentic Italian dining concepts. By blending traditional culinary techniques with enhanced space and innovative take-away options, the restaurant is poised to solidify its position as a go-to destination for high-quality, regionally distinct Italian fare on Hong Kong Island. Diners can find the specific address and price details for the full menu, including traditional pizzas and the new side dishes, by visiting the restaurant’s official channels.