Top 5 Spots for Dining Al Fresco

1. Sushi Samba -- Rooftop Drinks and Dining

Sushi Samba celebrates the cuisines of Japan, Brazil, and Peru. But the real selling points are the rooftop bar and dining area. Enjoy your caipirinha (yum!) and sushi in the open air overlooking the West Village. A DJ adds a beat to the scene on summer nights. Latin and jazz bands play outside on sunny summer days.
Sushi Samba, 87 7th Avenue South at Barrow St. (1 or 9 train to Christopher St.) Tel: 212-691-7885,

2. Va Tutto -- Gourmet Magazine's Favorite Garden Dining

Va Tutto! offers outdoor dining in a charming garden that feels like a transplanted Tuscan courtyard. This Italian trattoria is tucked away at 23 Cleveland Place on the corner of Lafayette and Spring. Gourmet Magazine calls Va Tutto! "our favorite NYC garden for outdoor dining." Va Tutto! has also garnered rave reviews from the New York Times and Citysearch (top rated for outdoor dining).
Va Tutto!, 23 Cleveland Place (6 train to Spring St.). Tel: 212-941-0286!

3. Chelsea Brewing Company -- Home-Brewed Beer and A View of the Marina

The Chelsea Brewing Company, located in the Chelsea Piers complex, is a restaurant and microbrewery. Sip your homemade brew on the outdoor terrace overlooking a 60-slip marina on the Hudson, or watch golfers on the neighboring driving range. Family-friendly -- bring the strollers.
Chelsea Brewing Company, Pier 59, 23rd St. and the Hudson River (M23 and M14 buses directly to Chelsea Piers or the C or E train to 23rd St. with a long walk west to the river.). Tel: 212-336-6440

4. Blue Water Grill -- Gourmet Mezzanine Dining

The Blue Water Grill is a good bet any time of the year -- the excellent seafood and lovely ambience earn top Zagat's ratings year after year. And in the warm weather, you can't go wrong dining on the mezzanine. It's great for people-watching and has a romantic European feel that will impress your date.
Blue Water Grill, 31 Union Square West at 16th St.(N,R,Q,W,4,5,6 to 14th St./Union Square). Tel: 212-675-9500

5. Yaffa's -- Quirky and Laid-back in Tribeca

Yaffa's in Tribeca is a casual, quirky spot with a real neighborhood feel. The menu is varied with lots of vegetarian options. Outdoor tables offer a great view of Greenwich Street, one of Tribeca's main thoroughfares. You'll enjoy the people-watching and may spot a celebrity or two.