The Hidden Kitchen

A nice little local secret tucked away. It’s ironically next to a gym so you can burn off the flapjacks after you eat them. Small and quant building. This is my favorite place to get breakfast in the Guilford/​madison area. Homemade hash is the best.

This place used to be so much better. There were no muffins the day we came which used to be a specialty and no explanations. The food was mediocre at best and the coffee was weak. The staff is always so nice, we hate to give it up but will not go to this location again.

My friend wanted to «go out for breakfast” — a term I hate considering I have dietary restrictions; I don’t eat pork, and many breakfast places offer mostly such. However, I was VERY pleasantly surprised (and excited) when I saw the menu. So many items are offered, including hearty protein and/​or veggie breakfasts, to fruity pancakes and french toast. I was a little hesitant on ordering the smoked salmon eggs Benedict because of the price, but it was so good that afterwards I was like «WHO CARES!!» The price, although a little steep, was reasonable because it came with 3 eggs benedicts and a large side of potatoes. Many items are much cheaper. I really want to try many other things when I go in the future, but it will be really hard to turn an eye from what I had that first time. Other reviewers were so helpful with this fact, so I’ll reiterate: It’s in the shopping center that Planet Fitness is in, but it is along the back.

The only things hidden about this kitchen are the service and good food. Such a weak experience here. I have lived in Guilford for longer than most, and been to this place a couple of times, I will not be going back. There are just too many superior breakfast options on the shoreline.
Specifically,
The hollandaise sauce had the consistency of gatorade.
The waffle was undercooked and soggy, this was underscored by the less than desirable canned peaches that rested upon it.
Coffee was meh, and nonexistent for the first 10 minutes we sat down.
Lastly. The entirely female wait staff were all dressed in black t-​shirts and yoga pants, this seems a little… Dare I say objectifying? Who knows, but at 10am it is a bit much for this old timer, planet fitness is next door.

Hidden is right. Average and hardly ever open now that they have another location. If I’m going to spend to eat out I want more than average

Wanted to like this place more. My pancakes were good, but not as legendary as promised. I had the seasonal apple pancakes and I was hoping they would be more special — maybe some compote on top or cinnamon or cream — but it was just a plain pancake with a few apple chunks and cinnamon in the batter itself. Maybe I’m used to the spectacle of NYC pancakes. Anyway, it was tasty, but not mindblowing. Also tried the Belgian waffle and wasn’t too impressed. The décor/​ambience is very 80s — sort of lit like a grocery store milk aisle; very unflattering. Service was decent.

Definitely worth it if you can find it. The staff is welcoming and pleasant. No wait and I’m guessing it’s because it’s really hard to find. It’s in the same plaza as Planet Fitness in case you’re interested in checking this place out. When we finally found it in the plaza, we were parked on the side of the building. Sign above the «door» is worn out and it’s not over the door you use to get in. Food was good and service was even better. Will go again if I’m in the area. I will try the one in North Branford next time since it’s closer to where I live. Thank you for breakfast.

Stopped in for Breakfast today. There was a prior review that says they were closed to I was concerned but they were definitely open for business. The name is appropriate as it is a little hard to find. It is located in the back of a small plaza behind a big gym. The hunt was well worth it once we arrived. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by very friendly staff. It is clear this place is a community favorite. Service was prompt and they kept the delicious coming!
We tried the Alaskan Eggs Benedict, a classic combination of Eggs, potatoes and bacon, along with pancake for good measure. The servings were large and very tasty. Prices are very reasonable.
Great time, will definitely be back to try out some of their other items! The only downfall is they only take cash or check so come prepared.

This location is CLOSED, which I found out yesterday when I tried to eat there.

Name fits the Location but absolutely worth hunting for… Food and service were excellent and reasonably priced, great selections and specials, they have something for all tastes. It has been tough to find a Good Breakfast spot… This is an EXCELLENT ONE !!!

Stopped here on the way back to Maryland. I loved that the black and blue pancakes (blackberry and blueberry) had the fruit actually cooked inside the cakes. That makes SUCH a difference. I also love that there’s real maple syrup available at a slight charge. Good service, even better food, but you do definitely have to look for it: calling it hidden isn’t a misnomer.

The Hidden Kitchen, Guilford CT — 4÷1÷2015
Very appropriately named as they have less thn zero visibility. I happened to be in the area on business and on my way out saw a small sign for them so figured I would go back in and check them out. Very hard to find. Drove around the lot, saw a faded sign and figured that was them. Parked, got out and upon reaching the door it appeared that was actually not the door. Walked around the corner, walked in and was seated.
Ordinarilly I would not go thru the trouble but they did have some good reviews. After ordering my coffee and looking thru what appeared to be an extensive menu I see in the smallest of fonts the «cash or check only» disclaimer. They have no online menu (another peeve which usually excludes a restaurant from consideration but I figured it was breakfast… How bad could it be???) and I was already there wanting breakfast so I took the chance… I find this highly annoying as I don’t carry cash. Everything on my debit card so I can keep track of my expenses. Fortunately I had a few dollars in my pocket, finished my coffee and left… annoyed.
This is 2015 people! Online menus and total transparency is a must or all you will do is piss off customer… Like me!

Wow! What a surprise. After I FINALLY found it, this place was tremendous! They really should add some signs near the road. I would have really missed a gem if I weren’t persistent. Who serves chorizo sausage patties? The Hidden Kitchen does! The staff was over the top friendly. You can tell customer service is a core value. Fresh everything is the best way to describe my meal. They have the traditional selections and some of the most unique selections I have seen in a breakfast restaurant. They care about EVERYTHING!

GREAT for brunch /​breakfast!!!

Favorite Breakfast Restaurant. Always fresh and delicious. Owner’s are so friendly.
Vegetarian Options. If you’re on I-​95, this is the place to eat. I know you’re seeing Shoreline Dinner signs, but they are not very good. Canned potatoes… need I say more. Cash only… but worth the stop at the bank. They will take a check.

I’ve been going here since I was a child. It is the best breakfast and lunch in town!

Love this place. Have known the owners for 5 years now as well. Great b’fast (omelettes, pancakes, waffles, eggs) and lunch (sandwiches) place. Good healthy options as well. Not fancy — just really good.

Delicious breakfast! No wait for a weekend, mid-​morning breakfast which was a pleasant surprise. The wait for the food was a little long but I give them the benefit of the doubt in assuming it’s because lots of deliciousness and attention were being put into my waffles. If I were in Guilford again, i’d love to stop by and try more on their menu.
The only downside was a huge, huge, huge pain in the ass that they don’t take card. This is the 21^st century — let’s move it along, Hidden Kitchen.

Ehhhh… I want to like it here. I really do, there are just far better options. We have friends who LOVE it here so it’s clearly a matter of taste. Omelets are super big and fluffy (not my style), home fries are over boiled and then over oiled.
They have a super big selection and lots of different unusual options to try which is fun.
Canned hash, decent toast, mediocre plain waffles, fruit is nothing special, pancakes are probably the one redeeming factor here.
The one thing I do like is it’s family owned and operated and the people are sweet. This is the only reason they get 3 stars. I’d give them 2.5 if I could. Sorry hidden kitchen

The service here was not speedy, but extra sweet and the price was affordable. A quaint diner-​like feel. Locals love their pancakes, and the muffins were outstanding. Everything else I had was standard at best. Overly salty bacon, home fries that had been on the grill a while, but the eggs were well executed and not overly greasy. Not much creativity on the menu, but hey – sometimes you want a classic, right?
Liked it, but overall doesn’t compare to New Haven places like the Pantry and Bella’s.