The beloved Neapolitan pizzeria returns after a brief closure, bringing expanded seating, vintage Italian flair, and a wave of inventive menu additions to Hong Kong Island.
Little Napoli, the Michelin-acclaimed pizzeria that captured the hearts of Happy Valley diners since its 2021 debut, has officially reopened its doors in Wan Chai on December 10. Chef-owner Gavino Pilo, a Naples native, has relocated his celebrated operation to a larger space that marries old-world charm with modern comfort—and introduces several exciting new menu items that promise to delight both loyal fans and first-time visitors.
The restaurant’s temporary closure on October 4 had disappointed regulars, but the new premises now offer an expanded indoor dining area that seats more guests. Pilo imported custom-made vintage-style ceramic tiles directly from Italy, recreating the warm, rustic atmosphere of a Southern Italian trattoria. The result is a space that feels less like a formal dining room and more like a charming corner of Naples, complete with an open kitchen where the smoky aroma of pizzas baking in a 400-degree stone oven fills the air.
A Menu That Honors Tradition—and Breaks New Ground
At the heart of Little Napoli’s offering remains its handmade Neapolitan pizza, baked in an imported stone oven from Italy. The dough is made using high-quality ingredients sourced from Pilo’s homeland, producing a crust that is crisp on the outside yet soft and airy within—a hallmark of authentic Neapolitan style.
But the Wan Chai location introduces a headline-grabbing innovation: the Pizza Portafoglio, or “Wallet Pizza.” Inspired by the classic street-food format, this folded pizza is designed for easy takeaway. The new lineup includes three variations:
- Margherita – The timeless classic, now presented in a portable folded form
- Contadina – A rustic blend of seasonal vegetables and fresh cheeses
- Zingara – Generously topped with Parma ham, a must-try for cured meat lovers
Beyond the Wallet series, the kitchen has expanded its Pizza Fritta (fried pizza) selection. These deep-fried filled pastries deliver a surprisingly light, non-greasy bite. Among the newcomers is the Dondiego, a long-shaped fritter that splits neatly into halves, offering a satisfying crunch with every mouthful.
Neapolitan Snacks That Surprise and Delight
The new menu also features a range of traditional Neapolitan appetisers and small plates. One standout is the Melanzane in Carrozza, a layered eggplant dish that reviewers describe as remarkably fish-like in texture—an unexpected twist that leaves even seasoned diners guessing. “I had to check twice that it was really eggplant,” one early visitor noted. “The texture is so unique, almost like fish.”
Other small plates include classic options like fried arancini and marinated vegetables, providing variety for those who want to share or sample beyond pizza.
How to Eat Neapolitan Pizza the Right Way
For those new to authentic Neapolitan pizza, Pilo’s team offers a helpful tip: don’t pick it up like a regular slice. The centre of a true Neapolitan pie is only a few millimetres thick, and toppings can easily slide off. The proper method is to cut the pizza into four quarters, then fold each piece in half—this keeps the sauce, cheese, and toppings neatly contained while allowing you to enjoy the full flavour of the charred, chewy crust. Little Napoli’s takeaway boxes even include illustrated instructions.
Pricing and Practical Information
Little Napoli’s Wan Chai menu is priced competitively for a Michelin-recognised establishment. Traditional pizzas range from approximately HKD $130 to $180, while the new Wallet Pizzas and Pizza Fritta items fall in a similar bracket. Neapolitan snacks are priced from around HKD $60 to $100.
Address: Wan Chai (exact location available on official channels)
Opening hours: Lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends
The Bigger Picture
Little Napoli’s relocation to Wan Chai signals a growing appetite for artisanal Italian cuisine in Hong Kong’s eastern districts. The restaurant’s success—from a single outlet in Happy Valley to a larger, more thoughtfully designed space—reflects the city’s enduring love for authentic, high-quality pizza. For fans who mourned the October closure, this reopening is more than a second chance. It’s an invitation to rediscover what made Little Napoli special, now with more room, more flavour, and a few delightful surprises.
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