Little Napoli, the acclaimed Neapolitan pizza specialist, has successfully reopened its doors in Wanchai, marking an exciting new chapter after its popular initial run in Happy Valley. Since starting in 2021, the establishment, celebrated for its authentic, high-temperature-baked pizzas, temporarily closed in October 2023, causing disappointment among its dedicated clientele. Now, the new Hong Kong Island location, which premiered on December 10, 2023, boasts an expansive dining area, unique vintage décor imported from Italy, and an enriched menu that introduces novel Mediterranean-style thin-crust and street-food variations, solidifying its commitment to bringing genuine Italian flavour to the city.
Southern Italian Flair in the Heart of Wanchai
The establishment’s resurgence is underpinned by the commitment of Chef and Owner Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples, Italy. Pilo remains dedicated to the meticulous craft of traditional Neapolitan pizza making, utilizing authentic high-quality ingredients sourced directly from his homeland. The pizzas are famously cooked in an imported Neapolitan stone oven at a scorching 400°C, a technique that yields a crust that is simultaneously crisp on the exterior and delightfully soft within.
The new Wanchai premises have been thoughtfully designed to transport diners directly to the streetscapes of Southern Italy. The ambiance is significantly enhanced by custom-made, antique-style floor tiles imported specifically for the space, offering a nostalgic and immersive dining experience that complements the authenticity of the food. Furthermore, the relocation allowed Little Napoli to increase its seating capacity, catering to the strong local demand.
Introducing Innovative Neapolitan Street Food
Beyond its renowned traditional pizzas, Little Napoli’s Wanchai menu features several anticipated additions, most notably the Pizza Portafoglio (Wallet Pizza) series. This innovative concept draws inspiration from the Neapolitan tradition of pizza as a convenient street snack. The pizza is folded precisely like a wallet, making it ideal for takeaway and on-the-go consumption without compromising the integrity of the toppings.
The Pizza Portafoglio line includes the classic Margherita flavour presented in this unique folded style, alongside two entirely new creations: Contadina and Zingara. The Zingara, in particular, is generating buzz among meat enthusiasts, featuring generous portions of premium Parma ham.
The restaurant is also expanding its selection of Neapolitan small bites, or stuzzichini. Highlights include new additions to the Pizza Fritta (fried calzone) menu, crafted to be light and non-greasy, and the intriguing Melanzane in Carrozza—a breaded and fried eggplant dish. Early tasters noted that the Melanzane in Carrozza possessed a surprisingly rich, almost meaty texture, often confusing diners about its primary ingredient. The expanded snack options aim to provide a more diverse culinary journey through Neapolitan street cuisine.
The Art of Eating Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
The authenticity of Little Napoli extends to educating diners on the proper consumption method for its extremely soft, thin-crusted pies. Traditional Neapolitan pizza, especially towards the centre, is often only a few millimetres thick, making it difficult to lift without toppings spilling.
To truly enjoy the full flavour and texture without mess, Chef Pilo encourages adopting the Neapolitan technique:
- Cut the pizza into quarters.
- Fold each slice lengthwise to form a “wallet” shape.
This technique ensures the filling remains securely nested inside, allowing the diner to appreciate the smoky char and rich flavour of the crust. The establishment thoughtfully provides folding instructions with its takeaway packaging to assist newcomers.
Little Napoli’s move to Wanchai and its dynamic menu expansion underscore the growing appreciation for authentic regional Italian cuisine in Hong Kong. The new venue is poised to become a culinary destination, serving not just pizza, but a slice of Southern Italian heritage. For further details on the full menu offerings and pricing, patrons are encouraged to visit the new venue on Hong Kong Island.