Favorite outdoor dining spots on Long Island

Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar

Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar (117 New York Ave., Huntington): Come for dinner, lunch or brunch, and you'll find a serene, seductive waterfront setting, painterly sunsets and a polished look from dining room to deck. More info: 631-385-1515, restaurantprime.com 

Finley's Seafood

Finley's Seafood (43 Green St., Huntington): Chef Michael Meehan's third Huntington restaurant is an informal and easygoing fish house with contemporary twists. Order a lobster roll or fish and chips while dining on the front patio. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-351-3440, finleyshuntington.com 

Broadway Market

Broadway Market (643 Broadway, Rocky Point): The outdoor patio at this new-wave luncheonette features a centerpiece fire pit, flowers and a spacious lawn. More info: 631-849-1729, bmropo.com

Nantuckets

Nantuckets (9 Trader's Cove, Port Jefferson): The deck at this seafood spot brings you summery breezes, painterly skies circa sunset, and the occasional sound of live music. More info: 631-509-4848, nantucketsportjefferson.com 

Barba Bianca (102 Main St., Greenport): Barba Bianca is situated at one of the East End's most iconic waterfront locations: Preston's Wharf, jutting into Greenport Harbor. Shift your view to the plates, however, and you may think you're in Italy. The menu focuses on local seafood prepared with recipes drawn from the coastal traditions of Liguria, Puglia and Sardinia. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-333-2600, barbabiancany.com 

Cena 081 (103 Post Ave., Westbury): A rear patio and an outdoor brick pizza oven that turns out pies that range from Margherita to chicken-bacon ranch, are two attractions at this Italian spot. Formerly Chi Dining Lounge, it is still run by chef Francesco Perone, who is getting back to his roots with a new menu. More info: 516-385-3795, cena081.com

Il Giardino (739 Main Rd., Aquebogue): This flavorful Italian and Italian-American restaurant sprouts in a spot both cozy and noisy. Patrons can enjoy a backyard garden that includes seating, a small bar and a firepit. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-779-3900, ilgiardinoaquebogue.com 

The LakeHouse (135 Maple Ave., Bay Shore): Since 2006, The Lakehouse has successfully balanced high-caliber cuisine with a mom-and-pop vibe. That balancing act is more difficult now that the restaurant has moved to a grand new building overlooking the Great South Bay. A well-appointed deck at the water's edge offers 40 people a view of the Fire Island ferries chugging past Nicky's on the Bay toward Kismet. Order from the regular menu of innovative New American dishes, or a bar menu composed of simple crowd-pleasers: lobster rolls, burgers, steamed mussels. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-666-0995, thelakehouserest.com

Salt (3100 Whaleneck Dr., Merrick): Salt doesn't take reservations and an hour or two wait builds up on weekends. But it's worth sticking it out if you head past the host stand to the lounge area on the deck. The couch seating is remarkably low key and pretty quiet. For dinner, a table is an oasis, with plenty of elbow room and terrific bay views. Feast on casual eats like calamari, octopus small plates, lobster rolls or burgers. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-442-7470, saltonthewater.com

18 Bay (23 N. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island): One of the Island's best restaurants also has one of its loveliest outdoor dining areas. Take a seat on 18 Bay's serene porch and enjoy a seasonal chef's menu of Italian-inflected dishes made with local ingredients. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-749-0053, 18bayrestaurant.com

A Lure (62300 Main Rd., Southold): A self-described "chowder house and oyster-ia," A Lure boasts an immense deck overlooking Port of Egypt Marina and Peconic Bay. Executive chef Tom Schaudel tours the world of seafood with crabcakes with tomato remoulade, Baja-style fish tacos, macadamia-coconut-crusted flounder, grilled Scottish salmon, plenty of classic steamed and raw dishes, too, plus an extensive wine list with many North Fork selections. More info: 631-876-5300, alurenorthfork.com

EGP Gastropub (2823 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside): A well-appointed patio with a bar, umbrella tables and lounge furniture offers a view of the restaurant's greenhouse, which produces the greens used in salads. A casual and crowd-pleasing menu includes dishes like the chopped salad with greens, white and black beans, carrots, goat cheese, salsa and grilled chicken; and the Surf & Turf burger with beef, buffalo shrimp and cheese fondue on a brioche bun. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-766-9547, egpoceanside.com

Pine Grove Inn (1 First St., East Patchogue): This renovated but still old-fashioned spot on the Swan River offers diners outdoor seating overlooking the waterfront. More info: 631-569-5719, pinegroveinnofeastpatchogue.com 

Olde Trading Post Tavern (1218 Jericho Tpke., New Hyde Park): This neighborhood spot features a large patio with its own bar and a festive vibe that can give way to dancing as the night wears on. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-492-3195, oldetradingpost.com 

Grey Lady (440 W. Lake Dr., Montauk): Grey Lady on Lake Montauk has a patio stocked with nautical director chairs and tables. The fourth location for owners Ryan Chadwick and Callum McLaughlin (with others on the Lower East Side, on Nantucket and in Aspen) offers fresh seafood, from chowder to fish p-té, local fluke, fish and chips and lobster rolls. Happy hour offers $8 cocktails and $1 oysters weekdays 4 to 6 p.m. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-210-6249, greyladymtk.com 

Umberto's Pizzeria and Restaurant (633 Jericho Tpke., New Hyde Park): For a glass of wine, a tri-colored salad and a grandma slice or two, head to Umberto's Pizzeria & Restaurant in New Hyde Park, where tables await, shaded by umbrellas. The 30-seat patio is dressed up with groomed planters and vines cascading over the sides. Large parties can call ahead to reserve seats. Outdoor seating available starting in June. More info: 516-437-9424, originalumbertos.com 

Ting (92 E. Main St., Huntington): The partitioned-off sidewalk patio that wraps around one side of this Asian-fusion restaurant seems removed from the traffic on Route 25A. Enjoy the evening breeze as you dine, perhaps, on butternut squash soup, tuna pizza, crispy delight beef and shrimp or traditional sushi and sashimi. More info: 631-425-7788, tingrestaurant.com

Sandbar (55 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor): When the sidewalk belongs to Sandbar in the picture-perfect town of Cold Spring Harbor, street dining only adds to the charm. Before or after an afternoon browsing cute stores (or, kids in tow, the whaling museum) enjoy the New American menu (overseen by executive chef Guy Reuge). Highlights include seasonal oysters, chickpea fries and pancetta wrapped monkfish. More info: 631-498-6188, sandbarcoldspringharbor.com 

Nicky's on the Bay (150 S. Clinton Ave., Bay Shore): Serving up salt air, sea vistas and sunsets is Nicky's on the Bay, a picture postcard of a seafood restaurant. In temperate weather, you'll want to sit on the outdoor deck, equipped with a canopied area at center. And before or after dinner, head up the stairs for drinks on the second level, where there's often live music. If you time it right, gorgeous sunsets, too. More info: 631-206-3311, nickysonthebay.com 

Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar (282 Main St., Farmingdale): This stylish trattoria in Farmingdale's burgeoning downtown serves both Italian-American favorites and some Southern Italian specialties. More info: 516-586-8542, vespaitaliankitchen.com

Duryea's Lobster Deck (65 Tuthill Rd., Montauk): This 80-year-old Montauk landmark lobster shack/fish market has opened under new ownership. The new Duryea's has retained such menu items as New England clam chowder and lobster rolls, but has added quinoa tabbouleh, tuna tartar and more. Once BYOB, Duryea's now offers beer and wine. Plastic seats (and plates and cutlery) have given way to teak furniture and stainless dinnerware. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-668-2410, duryealobsters.com

Stella Trattoria & Bar (7 Montauk Hwy., Blue Point): The eatery has outdoor lounge and table seating and offers menu items like grilled octopus, panini and pasta. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-363-7500, stellatrattoria.com 

Nikkei of Peru (55 Shore Rd., Port Washington): Sushi bars with outdoor seating are a rarity on Long Island. Nikkei of Peru goes above and beyond with Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine and a stunning view of Manhasset Bay. (Try to snag a seat facing the bay to witness one of the Island's loveliest sunsets.) Chef-partner Hermanto Jong sharpened his knives and skills during a decade at Nobu 57 in Manhattan, so consider forgoing the typical California roll for the chef's signature creations. Consider specialty rolls like Kiss of Fire and the Americana roll. More info: 516-439-4201, nikkeiofperu.com

H2O Seafood & Sushi (215 W. Main St., Smithtown): Seafood, raw and cooked, is the focus of H2O Seafood & Sushi, whose expansive outdoor patio is pretty enough to make you forget you're on Jericho Turnpike. From the sushi bar come imaginative rolls, including a few "tornado rolls" wrapped in fried potato. The kitchen has a particular skill for lobster: lobster chopped salad, lobster mac and cheese, and lobster roll with Old Bay fries. There are steamed lobsters, too, as well as traditional and more fanciful takes on fish and shellfish. More info: 631-361-6464, h2oseafoodsushi.com

Trumpets on the Bay (58 S. Bay Ave., Eastport): Diners at the two-dozen tables on the porch enjoy one of the most dramatic views on Long Island. Bordered by marsh, the restaurant is at the tip of one of the fingers in Moriches Bay. The restaurant offers everything from jumbo shrimp cocktail and tuna tartar to teriyaki salmon and grilled steaks. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-325-2900, trumpetsonthebay.com

La Tavola (183 W. Main St., Sayville): Enjoy a rustic Italian meal on the pretty front porch or the tree-shaded patio at this Sayville favorite. Lights strung from branches give the outdoor space a romantic glow. Neapolitan pizzas from a brick oven, topped with combinations like figs and Gorgonzola or artichokes and shrimp are good for sharing on a warm summer evening. There is a large selection of pastas. Enticing entrees like pan-roasted salmon with shaved fennel and orange round out the menu. More info: 631-750-6900, latavolasayville.com

Anchor Down (1960 Bayberry Ave., Merrick): This New American seafood house in Merrick's Open Bay Marina, lacks a water view, but makes up for it with a charming, nautical-themed patio, where you can still hear the squawks of the sea gulls. Chef-owner Stephen Rosenbluth manages a balance of inventive and classic, and the menu always features a selection of clam chowder, oysters, fried calamari, clams and lobsters. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-544-4334, anchordownny.com 

Campagne House (339 Broadway, Bethpage): For gastropub fare and plenty of space to hang out, there's the 30-seat patio at Campagne House, pronounced "campaign" and named for owner Don Schiavetta's grandfather, Charles Campagne. Salads, filet mignon, swordfish and paella are featured for dinner served inside and outside weeknights until 11 p.m. On weekends, the place doesn't close until 2:30 a.m. More info: 516-261-9300, campagnehouse.com

Southampton Publick House (62 Jobs Lane, Southampton): The outdoor patio serves as an intimate spot for sipping cold brews on an eight-table patio with a line of seats down the outdoor bar. Order a lunch combo such as the mac and cheese and a wedge salad, or share an order of potato skins or wings for happy hour after a day at the beach. More info: 631-283-2800, publick.com

South Shore Dive (65 Main St., West Sayville): For a cozy nook filled with picnic tables and lounge seating, the outdoor area at South Shore Dive in West Sayville is a locals' go-to for a dozen oysters and a few beers. Wood paneling evokes a rec room, while twinkly lights dress up the space after sunset. Other details include lavender-filled planters and a projection of a surfer catching a wave. The late-night menu is offered every day until 1 a.m. More info: 631-218-6500, southshoredive.com

Vauxhall (26 Clinton Ave., Huntington): For a perch to see and be seen, grab a picnic table on the sidewalk outside Vauxhall, the Huntington spot for fine burgers and satisfying options for your vegan and vegetarian friends. Drinks do not disappoint, from compelling cocktails to more canned beers than you would imagine. More info: 631-425-0222, vauxhallhuntington.com 

La Fine (236 Edgemere St., Montauk): Italian-American restaurant La Fine is situated in the landmark Montauk Manor. In addition to the traditional dining room, there will be a patio this summer. The main menu includes cheesy garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmigiana and baked ziti. More info: 631-483-5888, lafineli.com 

American Beech (300 Main St., Greenport): Outside American Beech in Greenport, you'll find cushy seating at tables and a row of stools that frames the square bar under a tree. Buttermilk fried chicken and linguine with clam sauce are popular. The BeechBurger is also a good bet, dressed with Gruyere, caramelized onions and roasted mushrooms, served on a pretzel bun. More info: 631-477-5939, americanbeech.com 

La Casa Cafe (445 Waterside Ave., Northport): Instead of eating inside this beachside Italian dining spot, opt for an umbrella table in the outdoor courtyard. The menu is a little cheaper than indoors, and while you can't partake of the dining room salad bar, you have access to something unavailable inside: Neapolitan pizza, puffy-crusted and oozing molten cheese. That, a glass of wine, a salad and, perhaps, a pasta or panino can precede a walk along the shoreline. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-757-7720, lacasacaferestaurant.com

Diners at The Refuge in Melville.

Swingbellys Beachside BBQ in Long Beach.

Half Moon Cafe (22 E. Park Ave., Long Beach): Decorated in surf memorabilia, Half Moon Cafe has opened in the spot that used to be Biddy Mulligan's. The casual, mid-size restaurant offers seating inside and out, with planters framing sidewalk tables. Happy hours highlight weekdays, with specials from 3 to 7 p.m. and a $6 food menu of wings, frickles (fried + pickles = frickles), nachos and spring rolls. More substantive dishes on the menu include burgers, sandwiches, tacos and quesadillas. More info: 516-632-5350, halfmooncafelb.com

The Clubhouse (134 Clubhouse Rd., Bellmore): The Clubhouse is hidden away in a residential neighborhood along one of South Nassau's many canals. Whimsical arrows on the dockside deck point one way to Montauk (89 miles), another to Jamaica (1,574 miles). If you want a drink or some food outside, seated in an Adirondack chair or at a high-top table, you have to get it from the bar. More info: 516-308-7750, theclubhouseli.com 

Blackstone Steakhouse (10 Pinelawn Rd., Melville): The patio has an awning that may be opened at this stylish, high-end steakhouse. Standouts include sashimi, sushi, the seafood plateau, grilled whole fish, crabcake, sliders, Japanese long bone kurobuta pork chops, and lobster macaroni and cheese. More info: 631-271-7780, blackstonesteakhouse.com

Jewel (400 Broadhollow Rd., Melville): This splashy Tom Schaudel establishment ventures outdoors with fine traditional and New American dishes, and some Italian piatti, too. Winners include tuna tartare, grilled oysters, octopus salad with a merlot vinaigrette, penne rigate with spicy sausage, butter-poached lobster and a pistachio ice cream sandwich. More info: 631-755-5777, jewelrestaurantli.com

Farm Country Kitchen (513 W. Main St. Riverhead): Eat on the veranda of this secreted-away little house overlooking the Peconic River. Chef-owner Tom Carson offers a lunch repertoire of soups, salads, panini, sandwiches and wraps. At dinner, you'll find lobster cakes, duck breast and pan-seared sea scallops over linguine. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-369-6311, farmcountrykitchen.net

Whale's Tale (81 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport): Eat on the deck within view of both yacht club pool and boatyard at tables shaded by umbrellas and awnings. Raw-bar items, wings, tacos, burgers, salads and the like comprise the menu. More info: 631-651-8844, whalestalenpt.com

Kyma (1446 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn): It's all about Greek-accented seafood at Kyma -- grilled shrimp and octopus and whole fish anointed with lemon and olive oil. Take a bite, then a sip of dry white moschofilero, close your eyes and pretend you're overlooking the Aegean. More info: 516-621-3700, kymarestaurants.com

Besito (402 New York Ave., Huntington): Besito is one of LI's best Mexican restaurants, staying clear of the cliches and mixing a mean margarita. When the weather's warm, the experience is enhanced by the tables set up on the sidewalk of Huntington's bustling New York Avenue. Cool off with refreshing tableside guacamole, or turn up the heat with chipotle-glazed shrimp. More info: 631-549-0100, besitomexican.com

Grasso's (134 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor): The Main Street mainstay has a few outdoor tables and a lively dining room and bar. Notable: pan-seared diver scallops, cavatelli Bolognese, a spin on cioppino emphasizing shellfish, grilled filet mignon, grilled Berkshire pork rib, and roast duck. More info: 631-367-6060, grassosrestaurant.com

Fisherman's Catch (111 Bayside Dr., Point Lookout): At this waterside restaurant owned by fishermen, you can dine on an outdoor deck overlooking Reynolds Channel. Choices include roasted baby scrod, dill-crusted salmon and the Fisherman's Catch, which consists of a half lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, market fish and mussels over linguine. More info: 516-670-9717, fishermanscatchrestaurant.net

The Oar (264 West Ave., Patchogue): The Oar in Patchogue powers you to seafood and steak, and doubtless a few drinks, while providing a very summery water view. More info: 631-654-8266, theoar.com

Brixx and Barley (152 W. Park Ave., Long Beach): In fine weather, Long Beach's newest gastropub sets up tables on its broad sidewalk so diners can see and be seen. Enjoy expertly grilled burgers, overstuffed sandwiches and more than 49 craft beers on tap and in bottles. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-544-4511, brixxandbarley.com 

Claws Seafood Market (20 Main St., West Sayville): This fish market has a creek-side outdoor clam bar / crab shack. Stake out a picnic or umbrella table and order from a repertoire that includes steamers, mussels, lobsters and Maryland-style hard-shelled crabs. There's a fine lobster roll, too. More info: 631-256-5900, clawsseafoodmarket.com

Uncle Bacala's (2370 Jericho Tpke., Garden City Park): Enjoy Uncle Bacala's crowd-pleasing, seafood-centric Italian-American cuisine on this spacious patio, which has been cleverly designed to block out the view (and most of the noise) from Jericho Turnpike. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-739-0505, unclebacala.com 

Cornucopia's Noshery (194 Park Ave., Amityville): Courtyard seating is the warm weather choice at this attractive breakfast and lunch destination with four outdoor tables. Small, well-behaved dogs are welcome, said owner Erica Reichlin. More info: 631-608-4580, cornucopiasnoshery.com 

Empanadaville (374 Neighborhood Rd., Mastic Beach): Warm weather is when this takeout shop for Puerto Rican-style empanadas shines. Alongside the building, you'll find two picnic tables, each seating six, plus two smaller tables for two. No table seating inside. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 631-399-FLAN, empanadaville.net

Mannino's Italian Kitchen (2158 Jericho Tpke., Commack): This sleek Italian destination, known for such dishes as grilled octopus and baked lasagna, offers an upstairs deck with seating for about 40. There's also an outdoor lounge with a fire pit and, some nights, live music. More info: 631-462-0909, manninosrestaurant.com

Dodici (12 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre): The busy Rockville Centre street scene may be observed from a sidewalk table outside this local Italian favorite. Among specialties: Margherita pizzetta, fresh gnocchi Bolognese and wood-oven-roasted chicken. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-764-3000, dodicirestaurant.com

Cipollini (2100 Northern Blvd., Manhasset): Your warm-weather meal is here in the east end of the Americana Shopping Center. Cipollini has a dining room for light Italian cooking, and goes alfresco on the parking lot side. Try the robiola pizza, panini, Tuscan tomato soup, beef carpaccio, seafood salad, grilled octopus or whole branzino. More info: 516-627-7172, pollrestaurants.com 

Maliblue (1500 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach): The raw bar is an elemental part of this summer spot, but it also serves a lot of steamers, lobster tacos, lobster rolls, baked clams oreganata and pan-seared branzino to balance the burgers, po'boys and chicken-Caesar salad wraps. The umbrellas unfurl in front of the sleek, contemporary restaurant. Outdoor dining available starting in May. More info: 516-442-2799, maliblueoysterbar.com

Tim's Shipwreck Diner (46 Main St., Northport): In the charming backyard courtyard shielded from the bustle of downtown Northport, Tim's regulars order cheese blintzes, the "wreckfest" burrito, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, pancakes, French toast, corned beef hash and eggs, burgers, hot open sandwiches (including meatloaf and roast beef), grilled cheese, club sandwiches and the elemental Monte Cristo sandwich. More info: 631-754-1797, shipwreckdiner.com