North Stonington - Nearly eight months after the 100-year-old stucco building that housed the Dew Drop Inn was demolished, the restaurant Buon Appetito opened its doors to the public Thursday on the site of the former landmark.

Residents anticipating the opening of the wood-fired brick oven restaurant and pizzeria can finally indulge in Italian specialties.

Linda Patton of Exeter, R.I., works in the Holly Green Plaza across the street and said she has been watching the restaurant's progress every day and was eager to try the food.

"I had the meatball and cheese calzone," she said, walking into the restaurant's brightly lit garden room.

"Everything was excellent, and the waitress was very willing to hear our feedback."

Entrees such as spaghetti and clams, wild mushroom risotto and veal Parmesan can eventually be accompanied by a glass of wine or beer, but restaurant owner Fotis Georgiadis said it is only a matter of time before the restaurant can serve patrons beer and wine.

"The town has approved everything, and now we're waiting for the Board of Selectmen to grant the license and amend the lease," he said.

Last month, residents approved an ordinance change by a vote of 88-12, allowing Buon Appetito to move forward with its liquor license application.

Restaurant Manager Petrit Marku said he is "excited" for business and was busy Thursday afternoon seating the first lunch patrons.

The restaurant plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner starting next Monday, but Marku said that the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner only today, Saturday and Sunday.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. today through Sunday and 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. starting next week.

j.hanckel@theday.com

If you go

Buon Appetito386 Norwich-Westerly RoadNorth StoningtonPhone: (860) 535-2333