Behind all great origin stories, there usually lies an unexpected twist, something that no one sees coming. In our story, behind all the chapters in the book of Black Sheep Restaurants lies a deep-rooted passion for pizza that set the groundwork for a future of storytelling to come. Nine years ago, in a city where we were just finding our feet, our Founders Chris and Asim felt compelled to rebel against the pizza scene, which was overrun with fast, quick-serve shops. Instead, they introduced the city to one of the world’s oldest styles of pizza-making: Neapolitan. Steeped in history and tradition, they opened the very first Pizzeria Napoletana, Motorino, in 2013 and brought with it a new kind of pizza experience, one shaped by the deeply ingrained love for the art of pizza-making found all along the streets of Napoli. With a refreshed look that honours the iconic pizzerias of Napoli, Motorino SoHo is set to open its doors late August, ready to continue sharing its original, authentic Neapolitan story with Hong Kongers for the next ten years. 

Hailed as the birthplace of pizza, Napoli is renowned for its Neapolitan-style pies and skilled pizzaiolos, who see pizza-making as an art form and not just a day job. Having perfected the process, these pizzaiolos provide consistently high-quality pizzas as they whip through hundreds of pies in a day. Fascinated by the art of pizza-making and a driving force behind opening Motorino in 2013, Chris spent time studying the craft when he apprenticed under maestro pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia at world-renowned Pizzeria La Notizia. He returned determined to bring this proper, Neapolitan-style pizza to Hong Kong. “Neapolitan pizza is the purest expression of the dish, and it has been made the same way for generations,” says Chris, “There is a true reverence for tradition, and in some ways, you feel like you are part of history.” Technical prowess is at the heart of this pizza-making tradition, with pizzaiolos establishing an inherent understanding of their ovens and the ingredients they work with. A skilled pizzaiolo himself, Italian-born Chef Luca Marinelli heads up the Motorino team, bringing a deep respect and passion for this culinary art to the restaurant, while working relentlessly to bring the same level of excellence found in Napoli to the community of pizza lovers in Hong Kong. 

While pizza may be the star of the show, as with any true Italian tradition, a meal is not complete unless shared amongst family and friends. Alongside a selection of traditional pizzas, including the much-loved Margherita using tomato passata and mozzarella di bufala topped with fresh basil and pecorino and the Soppressata Picante, Motorino offers a selection of approachable antipasti. From the all new Calamari Al Fiorno, with juicy grape tomatoes and bitter capers, to the Prosciutto di Parma, flown in from Italy, best experienced with the addition of fresh mozzarella di bufala. At the end of every meal, select from several classic dolci, including Tiramisu and the signature Nutella Calzone or for something a little less sweet, opt for a double espresso made with the restaurant’s signature roast profile selected by Chris. Motorino’s curated selection of Italian wines offers something for everyone. Whether red, white or sparkling, the depth of the wine list provides approachable options for the novice wine drinker, including the perfect pizza wine, a slightly fruit-forward sparkling red Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, to the aficionado looking for something to pair perfectly with the fresh ingredients used on each of Motorino’s pies. 

Now you can become immersed in the history of pizza-making, getting as close to Napoli as possible, and learn more about the original pizza-slinging art with a new Pizza Masterclass. An in-depth tutorial on the science of making Neapolitan pizza with one of their expert pizzaiolos, you will experience pizza-making as never before, learning every detail behind the process, garnering the secrets behind making the dough, including properties, qualities and physiology, and mastering the techniques and skills that go into one of the oldest pizza-making traditions. 

A long-standing institution in the constantly changing pizza scene, Motoriono is a favourite for the Hong Kong community. With respect for the tradition and passion for bringing the best pizza possible to the city, Motorino has redefined the pizza experience in Hong Kong and continues to drive forward the rich pizza-making heritage of Napoli, with love.

Opening late August for walk-in only, daily 11AM – 11PM.

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