Fodor's Expert Review Riviere House

Labor of love is redefined at this carefully restored and expanded colonial home with stately colonnades, gingerbread trim, and luscious hues from lemon to lavender. Prices remain affordable to entice islanders; 20% of profits go to the local hospital—eat well and feel good about yourself. It doubles as de facto entertainment center, starting with live music on the brick patio. One wall pays tribute to great African(-American) leaders: Bob Marley, Mandela, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr. The cinema, decorated with original posters and soundtrack LPs, features fantastic acoustics and regular screenings of classics. Another front room acts as gallery, including recycled-plastic mosaics and magnificent painterly photographs of Namibia by co-owner Annie Lupinacci. Meals are attractively presented, perhaps garnished with edible tarragon florets or swirls of balsamic vinaigrette. Among the standouts are splendidly chunky conch-corn chowder; braised free-range mutton (a revelation) over sautéed forest-grown breadfruit; and wonderfully aromatic portobello mushrooms served with roasted red pepper, polenta, and three-bean ragout, drizzled with cream-cashew sauce. Stewed for five hours, the meaty texture would convert even the most confirmed carnivore. Superlative lunch options range from curried chicken wrap with guacamole to lobster-spinach quiche.