I climbed the outdoor staircase to the second story of a nondescript yellow building right off the main road that leads to the Southeast Peninsula of St. Kitts, one of the world’s top 10 drives. The open-air covered terrace was completely empty, the bar unoccupied, no employees appeared. Open or closed? Good sign or bad? Leave or stay?

I decided to see what would happen. I took a seat on one of the wicker-backed chairs at a table next to a balustrade and looked around at the yellow, red, and green colors of the national flag painted on the low walls. Fans swirled leisurely from the slanted metal ceiling, supplementing the mild breeze that flowed through the restaurant. A few minutes later, a waitress greeted me warmly with her Kittitian accent, pulling my attention away from the wonderful vistas of the lush green hills across the road and handing me a laminated menu. Although there was no décor to speak of, the view and the menu created all the atmosphere I needed, and I was soon savoring an unexpectedly fantastic meal.

Try This: On a warm day, nothing will refresh you more than a Peardrella, a local beverage of carbonated pear juice. Begin your meal with the homemade deep-fried conch fritters, served with a spicy dip, or the fish cakes, made with local fish and accompanied by tartar sauce. For your entrée, the choice is easy: Order the pulled pork, which is so moist and tender that no mastication is required; it just melts in your mouth. It’s served with a house salad, mashed potatoes, a pumpkin fritter, and remarkably flavorful green beans that will now top your list as your favorite vegetable. For dessert, you’ll love the banana bread and vanilla ice cream sandwich.