The Newport Room is unequaled in its sumptuous but subtle decor and succulent French cuisine -- it's among the best restaurants in Bermuda. The only local establishment that can compete with it is the Waterlot Inn (which is even more famous than the Newport Room). The Newport, however, is much more formal. The dining room, entirely paneled in teak and rosewood with nautical brass touches, suggests the interior of a yacht. A maitre d' stationed beside a ship's compass greets diners at the entrance, and the service is attentive. In the center of the room are exact miniature replicas of two of the former winning sailboats from the Newport-to-Bermuda Race.

Settle into a leather armchair and prepare yourself for what just might be your most memorable meal in Bermuda. The regularly changing menu reads like a textbook of modern gourmet cuisine; it might include duck breast with cinnamon-and-fig sauce, or baby veal chops. The kitchen uses the freshest and best ingredients in its carefully prepared, artfully presented dishes. The wine list includes a wide array of international selections, all served in Irish crystal.