The beloved Neapolitan pizza institution Little Napoli has officially returned, opening its doors in Wan Chai on December 10 after a temporary closure that left loyal customers mourning its absence. Chef-owner Gavino Pilo, a Naples native, brings his Michelin-recognized handmade pizzas to a new location featuring imported vintage-style Italian floor tiles, a larger indoor dining area, and an expanded menu that includes a novel “Wallet Pizza” series and new Mediterranean-inspired creations.
A Fresh Start in Wan Chai
Since its debut in 2021, Little Napoli became a Happy Valley hotspot, celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas baked in a 400-degree-Celsius wood-fired stone oven imported directly from Italy. When the original location suspended operations on October 4 last year, regulars were devastated. Now, the brand has resurfaced in a larger space at its new Wan Chai address, designed to evoke the atmosphere of a southern Italian street-side eatery.
“We wanted our guests to feel transported to Naples the moment they walk in,” Pilo has shared in previous interviews. The custom-made vintage tiles, sourced from Italy, lend an old-world charm that complements the restaurant’s focus on tradition.
New Menu Highlights
Beyond the classic lineup, Little Napoli introduces several innovations:
- Pizza Portafoglio (“Wallet Pizza”) series – A foldable, takeaway-friendly design inspired by Neapolitan street food. The signature Margherita gets the wallet treatment, alongside two new flavors:
- Contadina – a rustic combination of fresh vegetables and cheeses
- Zingara – loaded with generous portions of Parma ham, ideal for meat lovers
- Pizza Fritta (fried pizza) – A new addition called Dondiego, served in long strips rather than the usual half-moon shape. Despite being fried, the texture remains surprisingly light and non-greasy.
- Neapolitan snacks – Highlights include Melanzane in Carrozza, a layered eggplant dish that one reviewer described as “tasting more like fish than vegetable.” The texture is rich and satisfying.
All pizzas continue to use premium ingredients shipped from Naples and the traditional high-temperature baking method that produces a crisp exterior with a soft, airy interior.
The Art of Neapolitan Pizza: How to Eat It Properly
Authentic Neapolitan pizza is notoriously soft—especially the paper-thin centre—making it tricky to eat without dropping toppings. Pilo advocates cutting the pizza into four pieces, then folding each slice. This classic technique prevents sauce and cheese from spilling while allowing diners to fully appreciate the dough’s wheaty aroma. The restaurant’s takeaway boxes even include illustrated instructions.
Practical Information for Diners
Little Napoli Wan Chai
- Address: (Check official U Lifestyle app or website for exact location)
- Opening date: December 10, 2024
- Menu prices: Traditional pizzas start around HK$150–$220; new Wallet Pizza and fried pizzas range from HK$120–$180; snacks from HK$80–$130.
- Dine-in or takeaway: Both available; the Wallet Pizza series is designed for easy portability.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
Little Napoli’s relocation signals a vote of confidence in Wan Chai’s dining scene, which has seen a surge of high-end Italian openings in recent years. For fans of Neapolitan cuisine, the new menu offers both comfort and novelty. Those eager to try the Zingara wallet pizza or the surprisingly light fried Dondiego should plan a visit soon—word is spreading quickly among Hong Kong’s food community.
For the full menu with photos and prices, download the U Lifestyle App or check their official social media channels. Little Napoli is once again ready to serve its signature slice of Naples—this time with even more room to enjoy it.