A beloved purveyor of authentic Neapolitan pizza, Little Napoli, officially reopened its doors in a spacious new location in Wan Chai on December 10, following a brief closure in October. Established in 2021, the Michelin-recognized eatery, previously anchored in Happy Valley, returns to Hong Kong’s dining scene with an expanded interior, a new menu featuring specialized Mediterranean pizzas, and Neapolitan street food, promising patrons a genuine taste of Southern Italian culinary tradition.
Relocation and Enhanced Dining Experience
The relocation marks an exciting new chapter for the popular concept, which garnered a robust following for its dedication to traditional techniques. The former Happy Valley site ceased operations on October 4, leading to anticipation among dedicated customers. The new Wan Chai venue not only offers a significantly larger dining area but also features a carefully curated atmosphere. The interior is designed to evoke the ambiance of a classic Southern Italian pizzeria, highlighted by custom-ordered, vintage-style terracotta floor tiles imported directly from Italy, transporting guests to the streets of Naples.
At the heart of Little Napoli’s continued success is Owner and Chef Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples. Pilo remains committed to the craft of traditional Pizza Napoletana, which necessitates the use of high-quality ingredients sourced directly from his homeland. The pizzas are masterfully cooked in an authentic Neapolitan stone oven imported for the restaurant, reaching temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius. This intense heat ensures the signature light, airy crust, achieving a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.
Introducing Innovative Pizza Styles and Neapolitan Sides
The new location introduces several thrilling additions to the menu, extending beyond the classic offerings that loyal customers adore. A highlight is the launch of the Pizza Portafoglio—or “Wallet Pizza”—series. Inspired by traditional Neapolitan street food, this pizza is designed to be folded like a wallet, making it ideal for convenient take-away consumption.
While the classic Margherita is offered in this innovative, folded format, the Pizza Portafoglio range also includes two new creative flavour profiles: Contadina and Zingara. The Zingara variant, notably praised for its generous portion of Parma ham, caters especially to meat lovers.
Little Napoli has also expanded its selection of fried Italian specialties, which have rapidly gained popularity:
- Pizza Fritta: The fried calzone-style offerings now include new varieties. The Dondiego, for example, is a large, savory fried crust that remarkably avoids a heavy, oily texture, making it a surprisingly light and satisfying choice.
- Neapolitan Small Plates: The appetizer menu has been extended to feature authentic Neapolitan street food. A notable newcomer is the Melanzane in Carrozza, a dish featuring deep-fried mozzarella and eggplant that offers a surprising, almost fish-like texture, according to early reviews.
Mastering the Art of Neapolitan Pizza Consumption
For those new to authentic Neapolitan pizza, the restaurant provides helpful guidance on the correct method of consumption. Unlike thicker-crusted pizzas, genuine Neapolitan dough is extremely soft, especially in the centre. To avoid losing toppings—a common issue when lifting entire slices—the traditional method involves cutting the pie into four quarters and folding each piece inward before eating. This technique ensures the ingredients stay securely in place, allowing the diner to fully appreciate the chewy crust and fresh ingredients. The restaurant thoughtfully includes instructions in its takeout boxes to help novices master this authentic Italian custom.
Little Napoli’s re-emergence in Wan Chai positions it as a major culinary anchor on Hong Kong Island, promising an authentic and elevated Italian dining experience through expanded seating, immersive design, and a menu that respects tradition while embracing culinary innovation. Diners interested in exploring the full menu, pricing, and address details should consult the restaurant’s official channels following this successful relocation.