Little Napoli, the acclaimed Italian eatery known for its authentic Neapolitan handcrafted pizzas, officially reopened its doors in a spacious new location in Wan Chai on December 10, following a brief hiatus after closing its long-standing Happy Valley outpost in October. The move brings the popular, Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant to Hong Kong Island’s dynamic dining scene, offering loyal patrons an expanded indoor seating area, an ambience evoking the South of Italy, and an exciting menu featuring contemporary Mediterranean twists alongside traditional favorites.
Since its launch in 2021, Little Napoli quickly garnered a devoted following for delivering a genuine taste of Naples. At the helm is owner and Head Chef Gavino Pilo, a native Neapolitan dedicated to the precise art of traditional pizza-making. Chef Pilo meticulously sources high-quality ingredients directly from his homeland, using an imported, dome-shaped stone oven heated to an intense 400 degrees Celsius to achieve the ideal texture: a blistered, crisp crust surrounding a soft, airy centre.
Elevated Dining Experience and Mediterranean Additions
The new Wan Chai establishment promises more than just authentic food; the design consciously transports diners to the Southern Italian coastline. The interior features custom-ordered vintage floor tiles from Italy and an expanded footprint that enhances the communal dining feel. This dedication to immersion sets the stage for the elevated culinary offerings.
In addition to its signature classics, the Wan Chai menu introduces an array of tempting new items, notably several creative Mediterranean-inspired pizzas and expanded street food options.
Key New Menu Highlights:
- Pizza Portafoglio (Wallet Pizza) Series: Designed for portability, this grab-and-go series presents thin-crust pizzas folded like a wallet, perfect for enjoying on the move—mirroring the historical street food tradition in Naples.
- The classic Margherita is offered in this convenient format.
- New variations include the meat-centric Zingara (highly recommended for lovers of Parma ham) and the vegetable-focused Contadina.
- New Pizza Fritta (Fried Calzone) Selections: New additions to the fried savoury pastry category, including the Dondiego, a subtly fried calzone that surprisingly avoids excessive oiliness, offering a satisfyingly salty bite for snack enthusiasts.
- Expanded Neapolitan Snacks: The menu now includes a broader selection of cucina popolare (popular appetizers), such as the Melanzane in Carrozza—a surprising variation on fried eggplant that one early diner noted had a unique, almost fish-like texture, revealing rich, layered complexity when cut open.
Mastering the Art of Neapolitan Pizza Consumption
For Hong Kong diners less familiar with the specifics of true Neapolitan technique, understanding how to properly enjoy these soft, structurally delicate pizzas is essential. Authentic Neapolitan pizza, with its intentionally thin centre, is rarely eaten flat, as toppings are prone to slipping off.
To maintain authenticity and reduce mess, the traditional method involves cutting the pie into four quarters and folding each piece lengthwise—a technique known as a libretto (like a small book) or portafoglio (wallet-style). The Little Napoli team has thoughtfully included clear instructional guides with their takeaway packaging to help customers master this genuine Neapolitan eating style, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the crust’s distinctive chew and malt flavour.
The reopening marks a significant pivot for the popular Italian spot, relocating closer to the heart of Hong Kong’s financial and entertainment hub. By merging traditional culinary techniques with a thoughtfully curated, authentic Southern Italian atmosphere, Little Napoli’s Wan Chai location is poised to become the newest must-visit destination for gourmet pizza lovers looking for a genuine taste of Naples on the island.