Little Napoli, the acclaimed purveyor of authentic Neapolitan pizza, has officially inaugurated its highly anticipated new location in Wan Chai, bringing its celebrated Michelin-endorsed fare to a wider audience on Hong Kong Island. Following a temporary closure of its wildly popular Happy Valley shop on October 4th, 2023, the restaurant recommenced operations on December 10th, 2023, marking a significant expansion featuring enhanced dining facilities and an array of new Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The move to Wan Chai resolves months of anticipation among loyal customers who mourned the temporary loss of the eatery. The new space is deliberately crafted to evoke the charming atmosphere of a southern Italian trattoria, complete with custom-ordered vintage-style Italian floor tiles and a notably expanded indoor seating area, designed to transport diners straight to the narrow, sun-drenched streets of Naples.
Authenticity Drives Success
Since its establishment in 2021, Little Napoli has garnered significant acclaim by adhering strictly to the stringent traditions of Neapolitan pizza making. Owner and Head Chef Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples, remains the driving force behind this commitment to authenticity. The restaurant utilizes only premium ingredients sourced directly from his Italian hometown and employs a specialized stone oven imported from Naples, which fires the dough at 400°C. This meticulous process ensures the resulting pizzas boast the characteristic puffy, slightly charred crust—crisp on the outside yet soft within—that defines true pizza napoletana.
Beyond its traditional offerings, the Wan Chai menu introduces several intriguing new options that maintain the restaurant’s quality while expanding its culinary horizons.
Introducing Innovative Pizza and Antipasti
A notable addition is the Pizza Portafoglio (Wallet Pizza), designed for convenient enjoyment on the go. This novel concept features the traditional Margherita, cleverly folded into a compact, wallet-like shape. The new series also includes two creative variations, the Contadina and Zingara, combining classic Neapolitan flavour profiles with fresh, distinct ingredient combinations. The Zingara, in particular, promises to delight carnivores with its generous layering of Parma ham.
The menu expansion further includes new entries into the Pizza Fritta (deep-fried calzone) category, providing a lighter yet satisfying street food experience. One highlight is the Dondiego, a large fried pastry praised by early reviewers for its surprisingly non-greasy texture, making it an excellent savoury option.
The traditional dining experience is also complemented by an expanded selection of Neapolitan small plates, or antipasti, allowing guests to explore further authentic flavours beyond the pizza oven. A standout among these new appetizers is the Melanzane in Carrozza, a fried eggplant preparation that has surprised tasters with its unique fish-like texture and rich, layered consistency upon cutting.
Embracing Traditional Neapolitan Dining
For those new to genuine Neapolitan pizza, the restaurant thoughtfully provides guidance on the authentic way to consume the delicate dish. Due to the very pliable, thin centre of the dough, the traditional method—dating back to its origins as street food—involves cutting the pizza into four slices and then folding each slice twice (known as a libretto or “like a little book”). This practical approach prevents the rich toppings from slipping and allows diners to fully taste the combination of the crust’s wheat aroma and the high-quality toppings.
By relocating to a larger venue in Wan Chai, Little Napoli is bolstering its status as a cornerstone of genuine Italian cuisine in Hong Kong. The expanded space, commitment to authenticity, and innovative menu additions ensure the Michelin-recognised pizzeria will continue to draw food enthusiasts eager for a true taste of Southern Italy. Interested diners are advised to visit the new Wan Chai location to savour the expanded offerings and the enhanced, immersive Italian dining environment.