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Dinner al Fresco - Some Not To Miss

Compiled by Linda Perney | NYNewsday.com

Romantic or boisterous. Here are some favorite places for dining under the stars.

MANHATTAN

High Bar. It may be the sexiest space in the city, high atop the Gramercy Park Hotel, with a view of the Midtown skyscrapers to the north and the park just below. It ain't cheap and the menu is limited to light fare -- finger food, salads, and so on. But on a summer night, sure, isn't it romantic? 2 Lexington Avenue; 212-475-4320.

Lunchbox. It isn't the most promising neighborhood: the big front windows look out over the West Side Highway, and right next door is an adult theater. But squeezed into a long, skinny space beside this cheerfully restored diner is a pleasant garden. They're smart enough to keep the food simple: pastas, salads, steaks, fish. Sunday night the place draws a crowd, with a menu that ranges from hamburgers to ribs to salmon -- all grilled outdoors on the barbie. When the weather cools down a little, the homemade truffles will be back. 357 West Street; 646-230-9466.

Dos Caminos Soho. The first Dos Caminos was such a success, they opened a second one downtown, this time with a nice garden that can seat a crowd. The menu follows the pattern set by the elder sibling: Plenty of fish -- and several kinds of seviche -- as well as a perfectly grilled filet mignon, which should please meat eaters. 475 West Broadway ; 212-277-4300

QUEENS

Cavo. With one of the prettiest gardens around, Cavo makes the most of its Greek-accented cuisine: look for grilled fish and meats. They also do a mean roast chicken. If you can't bear to go home at a reasonable hour, you can hang around and have a drink: The bar stays open late. 42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria; 718-721-1001.

BROOKLYN

Bistro St. Mark's. The owners met at Bouley, and they opened this Park Slope favorite a couple of years ago. The menu meanders all over the place, with plenty of fish choices (the scallops are deservedly popular). But meat eaters can go home happy, too, with main courses like steak and lamb chops perfectly prepared. The crowd is grown up and laid back, and the garden is lovely on a summer night. 76 St. Marks Ave. 718-857-8600

Long Tan. This sleek-looking, sprawling restaurant offers a soothing garden refuge, a perfect place for a romantic dinner on a warm evening. The Thai menu is varied, and the bar stays open late on weekends. 196 Fifth Avenue; 718-622-8444.