The acclaimed authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, Little Napoli, has officially relocated and reopened in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, following a temporary closure that sparked considerable concern among its dedicated clientele. Known for its hand-stretched, traditional pizzas, the popular eatery—which previously garnered significant attention in Happy Valley since its 2021 debut—resumed operations in its new, expanded location on December 10, promising an enhanced dining experience and a refreshed menu focusing on regional Italian specialties.
The restaurant’s resurgence is built on the expertise of owner and chef Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples, Italy, who remains committed to crafting authentic Neapolitan pizza using premium ingredients predominantly sourced from his homeland. These exceptional pizzas are baked in an imported, stone-hearth oven at an intense 400°C, ensuring the quintessential crispy crust and soft, light interior that defines the classic style.
Authentic Design and Enhanced Dining Space
The new Wan Chai location features substantially expanded indoor capacity, a notable improvement for the previously intimate spot. To evoke the spirit of Southern Italy, the space integrates custom-designed, retro-style floor tiles imported directly from Italy, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a vibrant street-side pizzeria. This attention to detail immediately transports diners, enhancing the consumption of their acclaimed cuisine.
The move also allowed Little Napoli to diversify its culinary offerings significantly. In addition to signature traditional pizzas, the new menu introduces several exciting elements: new Mediterranean-inspired pizzas, a broader selection of Neapolitan street snacks (fritti), and an innovative takeaway concept.
Introducing the Portable Pizza Portafoglio
Addressing the demands of Hong Kong’s fast-paced urban environment, the Wan Chai branch debuted the Pizza Portafoglio (Wallet Pizza) series. As the name suggests, this is a cleverly folded pizza designed for easy, on-the-go consumption. The folding technique, already common practice in Naples to prevent ingredients from sliding off the famously thin centre, transforms the classic Margherita into a convenient street food item for the local market.
The Wallet Pizza line includes creative new flavour combinations such as the Contadina (farmer’s style) and the Zingara (gypsy style)—the latter featuring ample portions of traditional Italian Prosciutto di Parma that will appeal particularly to meat lovers.
Furthermore, the restaurant has significantly expanded its lineup of Pizza Fritta (fried Italian turnovers). These deep-fried delights, lauded for being surprisingly non-greasy despite their preparation method, are perfect for snacks or sharing. A unique addition is the Dondiego Pizza Fritta, a savoury, elongated turnover that provides a new textural experience.
Exploring Neapolitan Street Food beyond Pizza
The expanded menu emphasizes lesser-known, yet equally traditional, Neapolitan appetizers. Diners can now explore a dedicated selection of small bites. One item that has already generated considerable buzz is the Melanzane in Carrozza—a dish traditionally made with mozzarella and eggplant, which, according to early reviews, offers a surprisingly fish-like texture and rich, comforting layers.
For those new to the Neapolitan style, Little Napoli thoughtfully includes guidance on how to properly consume their signature pies. Due to the softness of the authentic dough, particularly in the centre, guests are advised to cut the pizza into four slices and fold each piece over, a method that maximizes the enjoyment of the crust’s texture and prevents the toppings from spilling.
This strategic relocation and menu expansion solidify Little Napoli’s position on Hong Kong Island, ensuring that Chef Pilo’s authentic taste of Naples remains a key fixture in Hong Kong’s vibrant fine-casual dining scene.