Little Napoli, the highly popular Neapolitan pizzeria, has officially marked its highly anticipated return to Hong Kong’s dining scene by opening a significantly larger and meticulously designed new location in Wan Chai, effective December 10, following a brief closure in its original Happy Valley home. Known for its genuine adherence to traditional Neapolitan pizza making, the establishment, celebrated for its Michelin recognition, is offering an immersive Southern Italian dining experience, complete with an expanded menu featuring new Mediterranean-inspired pizzas and authentic Neapolitan street food, reigniting excitement among food enthusiasts across Hong Kong Island.
The relocation follows a temporary hiatus that began on October 4, which had disappointed the pizzeria’s loyal following built since its 2021 debut in Happy Valley. Owner and chef Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples, has preserved Little Napoli’s core dedication to authenticity, while significantly upgrading the customer experience. The new Wan Chai venue boasts enlarged indoor dining areas and features custom-made, vintage-style floor tiles imported directly from Italy, successfully channeling the ambiance of a rustic Neapolitan street-side eatery. This design choice aims to transport diners straight to Italy’s vibrant South.
Upholding Neapolitan Culinary Tradition
Little Napoli’s enduring success hinges on Chef Pilo’s commitment to using superior ingredients sourced from his Italian homeland. The core of their offering remains the classic Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked in a tradition-mandated, imported stone oven capable of reaching temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius. This intense heat ensures the hallmark characteristics of the pizza: a crispy yet airy crust, with a tender, flavorful interior.
The new Wan Chai menu introduces several intriguing additions that build on the restaurant’s reputation. Notably, the debut of the Pizza Portafoglio, or “Wallet Pizza,” series offers a convenient, folded pizza designed for easy takeaway, marrying street food practicality with Michelin-quality flavor. This series includes the classic Margherita presented in this “wallet” format, alongside two inventive new flavors: the Contadina and the Zingara. The Zingara, praised for its generous portion of quality Prosciutto di Parma, is already an early favorite among local meat lovers.
Exploring New Italian Street Food and Small Plates
Beyond the expanded pizza selection, Little Napoli has diversified its appetizer section with authentic Neapolitan small plates. This effort to introduce more variety and genuine Italian street food culture to Hong Kong includes new additions to their Pizza Fritta (fried pizza) line. A standout new savory item is the Dondiego, a traditionally elongated fried pastry that the establishment serves split in half. Despite being deep-fried, early reviews indicate it manages a remarkably light, non-greasy texture.
Another notable Neapolitan small plate is the Melanzane in Carrozza, an eggplant dish that reviewers have found surprisingly textural, comparing the mouthfeel more closely to fish than typical vegetable preparations. This dish offers a rich, layered experience that challenges preconceptions about fried appetizers.
The Authentic Neapolitan Way to Enjoy Pizza
For those keen on achieving the most authentic experience, the restaurant also educates patrons on the correct way to consume genuine Neapolitan pizza. Originating as street food, the very soft center of the pizza, which is only a few millimeters thick, requires a specific folding technique to prevent the generous toppings from spilling. The recommended method involves cutting the pizza into quarters and then folding each slice in half lengthways, mimicking a ‘wallet’—a practical solution for enjoying the crust’s texture and the rich flavors without mess.
The expansion into Wan Chai solidifies Little Napoli’s position as a leading authority on authentic Italian cuisine in Hong Kong. By combining traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and a commitment to genuine European ambiance, the restaurant provides a valuable culinary experience that extends beyond simply eating—it offers a taste of Naple’s vibrant street culture right in the heart of Hong Kong Island. Further details, including the full address and detailed pricing for the new offerings, are available through the restaurant’s official channels.