After a two-month hiatus that left loyal fans disappointed, the acclaimed Neapolitan pizzeria Little Napoli has reopened its doors—this time in Wan Chai. The new location, which officially launched on December 10, brings a larger dining room, custom vintage tiles imported from Italy, and a series of inventive menu additions, including a foldable “Wallet Pizza” designed for takeaway. Chef-owner Gavino Pilo, a native of Naples, continues to fire his handcrafted pies in a 400°C stone oven imported from his homeland, maintaining the quality that earned the restaurant its Michelin recognition.
A Bittersweet Closure Leads to a Bold New Chapter
Little Napoli first opened in Happy Valley in 2021 and quickly became a neighborhood favourite, drawing crowds for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas. When the restaurant suddenly closed on October 4, regulars took to social media to express their dismay. The shutdown, however, was not a farewell. The team had been quietly preparing a larger venue in Wan Chai, investing in an interior that evokes the casual charm of a Southern Italian street-side eatery. New floor tiles, specially made in Italy, add a nostalgic, rustic feel that transports diners the moment they step inside.
New Menu Highlights: Wallet Pizzas and Fried Specialties
The most talked-about debut is the Pizza Portafoglio—literally “Wallet Pizza”—a cleverly folded Neapolitan pie meant for eating on the go. The classic Margherita gets this treatment, but two new flavours also join the lineup:
- Contadina – A rustic combination of seasonal vegetables and traditional cheeses
- Zingara – Loaded with generous slices of Parma ham, ideal for meat lovers
Each Wallet Pizza is compact, portable, and designed to keep toppings intact. The fold-and-eat method is actually the traditional way Neapolitans enjoy pizza, as the ultra-thin centre (only a few millimetres thick) tends to spill toppings when lifted whole. Little Napoli even includes illustrated instructions in its takeaway boxes.
The Pizza Fritta (fried pizza) section also expands with a new item called Dondiego—a long, golden-fried pastry that surprises with a light, non-greasy texture. Early tasters report it tastes nothing like typical fried dough, making it a compelling option for those who prefer savoury snacks.
Classic Pies and Neapolitan Small Plates
Alongside the novelties, the restaurant continues to serve its signature traditional Neapolitan pizzas, baked in the imported stone oven that produces the characteristic charred, chewy crust. The menu also introduces a selection of Neapolitan snacks (stuzzichini), including a standout Melanzane in Carrozza—a layered eggplant dish so delicate that first-time diners have likened its texture to fish.
How to Eat Neapolitan Pizza the Right Way
For those unfamiliar with the authentic experience, Pilo and his team emphasise the proper technique: cut the pizza into four slices, then fold each slice in half. This prevents sauce and cheese from sliding off and allows you to enjoy the full aroma of the wheat crust. The method is a nod to pizza’s origins as a street food in Naples, where portability was key.
Practical Information
Address: Wan Chai (exact location confirmed upon booking or via the restaurant’s official channels)
Opening Hours: Lunch and dinner daily (check ahead for holiday schedules)
Price Range: Traditional pizzas from HK$140–$220; Wallet Pizzas around HK$90–$120; snacks from HK$60
For the full menu and reservations, visit Little Napoli’s official website or follow their Instagram page.
The Bigger Picture
Little Napoli’s relocation signals a growing trend of premium casual dining moving into Wan Chai, a district already rich with culinary diversity. For pizza purists, the reopening is a reaffirmation that authentic Neapolitan craft—down to the imported stone oven and San Marzano tomatoes—can thrive beyond the initial hype. Whether you’re a carry-out customer grabbing a Wallet Pizza or a sit-down diner savouring a classic Margherita, the new Little Napoli promises a taste of Naples that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
This article is part of lolleroll Hong Kong’s ongoing coverage of new restaurant openings and food trends in the city. For more dining guides, download the U Lifestyle App.