Restaurateurs spend millions of dollars building out their space to meet the aesthetic particulars dreamed up at the restaurant’s conception. Recently, many new comers have gravitated towards the farmhouse theme, including 100 Acres and Mas (Farmhouse). As any New Yorkers can attest, in the warm summer weather the real outdoors is better than the faux barn house  facade of hay stacks and wood paneling. The creative team over here at TableXchange put their heads together to bring you a list of our favorite (dare we say best) outdoor seating restaurants in Manhattan. Al fresco has never been better and here is why:

5) River Café

We think it is only appropriate to start over in Brooklyn. Our much loved, edgy, (other) favorite borough across the river who only wishes she was part of Manhattan. The River Café is as close to our beloved isle as you can get while still residing across the river. Nestled directly under the Brooklyn Bridge, patrons have sweeping views of the Bridge, the City and the world famous skyline. On a warm weekend evening travel by land, by sea or by dirigible as this restaurants stands at # 5 on our list of outstanding al fresco dining.

4) i Trulli

Owner Nicola Marzovilla’s Southern Italian restaurant brings you the finest from the Apulian region. The very large patio out back is also one of our favorite places for a glass of wine and a lamb ragu primi. Nicola also owns Enoteca Vino directly across the street and the selection of moderately priced wines at i Trulli just makes us even more interested in dining in the fresh air. Every Thursday they invite patrons to a garden party of appetizers and unlimited wine for only $30 which we highly recommend.

3) Sushi Samba 7

Located in the heart of the village on 7^th avenue, the roof deck floor of Sushi Samba is an out door diner’s delight. Sit back, relax and enjoy the plethora of fine sake and fresh maki rolls.  The Latino-Asian fusion cuisine is still one of the most innovative mash-ups in NYC and keeps people coming back for more.

2) Pastis

Restaurateur Keith McNally transplants a boisterous Paris bistro into the heart of the Meat Packing district with a delectable out door seating area. The (often celebrity) guests arrive in droves and the decibel level can at time be deafening, but the food and drinks are worth the trek.  In the summer months the outdoor patio is one of the hottest seats in town at any hour of the day or night

1) Da Silvano

The crème de la crème of al fresco dining. Restaurateur Silvano Marchetto opened up shop over 30 years ago and celebrities arrive in droves for his signature dishes. What more could a TableXchange user want than sipping fine Chianti and eating succulent lobster, washed down with a glass of limoncello all while sitting outdoors next to the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow or Uma Thurman? It is al fresco heaven in the West Village.

There you have it folks, our favorite places to dine outdoors in the summer time. There were many runner ups including Blue Water Grill and Il Buco but we could not fit them all on this list. If we missed some leave us a comment and share your favorite al fresco dining scene.

The TableXchange community is all about fine dining on short notice. The restaurants on our list are the most celebrated around We are often asked our opinions on a variety of topics and this is the first of many “lists” showcasing the finest New York City has to offer. These are our favorite places to grab at bite at 2:00 AM when you want a little nosh and your stomach is empty again since your 7:30 Nobu dinner.

5. Allen and Delancy - Late night menu until 2:00 AM

Allen and Delancy is the latest entrant into the late night fine dining scene. The restaurant oozes Lower East Side panache with dim lighting and thick red velvet curtains. The menu speaks of sophistication as Chef Neil Ferguson brings with him the haute cuisine of Gordon Ramsey. The late evening supper menu lacks the full elegance of the dinner menu yet braised lamb middlenecks with a garlic pomme puree will do wonders after a few of their pisco sour specialty cocktails.

4. The Spotted Pig - The kitchen remains open until 2:00 AM

See and be seen at The Spotted Pig all hours of the night. The Spotted Pig exemplifies the New York City gastropub scene with micro beers and specialty cocktails. Float in early at 11:00 PM before you hit the clubs for a Jerusalem Artichoke Salad with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts or pop in closer to 2:00 AM to recap your night over a Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort Cheese & Shoestring. Either way, do not be surprised if the fashion model at the next booth over graced the cover of last week’s Esquire magazine.

3. Pastis - Supper served until 3:00 AM

Keith McNally understands the science of maintaining a restaurant’s viability and social status. The late supper menu at Pastis further corroborates this fact. Pastis hits on all cylinders: 1) McNally backing 2) Location 3) Fantastic menu 4) Cracking energy 5) Celebrities.

Guests arrives in droves to share bites to eat at the bar dining room and recant stores of romance and lust from a long evening at one of the areas many clubs and lounges.

2. La Esquina Brasserie - Full menu until 2:00 and the Taqueria remains open until 5:00

The Generation X’ers (ourselves included) love cheap, fun eats after a night in the Lower East Side. The Brasserie serves a full menu until 2:00 AM. Getting through to the receptionist to snag a reservation is as hard as reserving a tee time at Pebble Beach. For those 8:00 PM reservations check out TableXchange. Otherwise, stop by any time before 2:00 AM. And for those really late nights visit the La Esquina Taqueria until 5:00 AM. Late night eats never tasted so good.

1. Blue Ribbon - Gloriously serving food until 4:00.

Blue Ribbon is often regarded as the premier late night dining experience in New York City. The eclectic menu reflects the varied tastes and imaginations of its chefs and owners, Bruce & Eric Bromberg.

Restaurateurs across Manhattan regard Blue Ribbon as a “Chef’s” restaurant - a place for the city’s finest but often less appreciated chefs to go with coworkers, compatriots and friends for a few (or many) beers and fine food after their shifts have ended at 1:00 AM.

Mario Batali has been known to grace the tables of Blue Ribbon until the wee hours of morning. His presence alone should make it worthwhile of the # 1 position.