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New London Today
By the People, for the People
Wood-fired pizza and waffle creativity: A look back at our recent dining reviews
From the Hideaway in Old Lyme to Water Street Waffle Co. in New London, our critics explore the latest culinary offerings.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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The Day's dining critics have recently visited several local restaurants, including the Hideaway Restaurant & Wood Fired Pizza in Old Lyme, Shunock River Brewery in North Stonington, and Water Street Waffle Co. in New London. The reviews highlight the creative menu items and unique dining experiences at these establishments.
Why it matters
These reviews provide readers with an inside look at the evolving dining scene in southeastern Connecticut, showcasing the diverse range of culinary options available and the ways in which local restaurants are adapting to meet changing customer preferences and market demands.
The details
At the Hideaway Restaurant & Wood Fired Pizza in Old Lyme, the critics were impressed by the restaurant's addition of brick-oven pizzas that offer creative toppings, such as the cheeseburger pizza, as well as the continued strength of its comfort food menu items. At Shunock River Brewery in North Stonington, the focus was on the wood-fired pizzas, nachos, and a selection of handcrafted beers and ciders in a cozy, community-oriented atmosphere. Water Street Waffle Co. in New London was praised for its innovative use of waffles as a platform for both sweet and savory dishes, with standouts like the 'Little Terminators' waffle sliders and the veggie lover's skillet.
- The reviews were published on February 14, 2026.
The players
Hideaway Restaurant & Wood Fired Pizza
A longtime pub in Old Lyme that has added brick-oven pizzas to its menu, leaning towards creative toppings rather than traditional options.
Shunock River Brewery
A brewery and cafe in North Stonington that offers wood-fired pizzas, nachos, and a selection of handcrafted beers and ciders in a cozy, community-oriented atmosphere.
Water Street Waffle Co.
A new restaurant in New London that specializes in creative waffle-based dishes, both sweet and savory.
Marisa Nadolny
A dining critic for The Day.
Ann Baldelli
A dining critic for The Day.
Kristina Dorsey
A dining critic for The Day.
What they’re saying
“Now operating as the Hideaway Restaurant & Wood Fired Pizza, the longtime pub has added brick-oven pies that lean creative rather than traditional.”
— Marisa Nadolny, Dining critic (The Day)
“This cozy establishment in North Stonington Village is a local favorite and welcoming to newcomers. It's been harsh here this winter, and an evening out at Shunock River Brewery may be just the pick-me-up you need.”
— Ann Baldelli, Dining critic (The Day)
“Come for the waffles, stay for all the other delicious food served on the waffles.”
— Kristina Dorsey, Dining critic (The Day)
The takeaway
These reviews showcase the diverse and evolving dining options in southeastern Connecticut, highlighting the ways in which local restaurants are adapting to meet changing customer preferences and market demands by offering creative menu items and unique dining experiences.
