The hot five

THE HOT FIVE Make the most of splendid summer weather with an al fresco meal.

The City of Lakes' much-vaunted park system has one missing link: very few restaurants that take advantage of all that lovely green space. Cafe Lurcat's bar, overlooking Loring Park, is an exception, with a swell patio and a let's-order-more menu.

1624 Harmon Place, Mpls., 612-486-5500, damico.com

Uptown's funky bistro has a sweet stretch of sidewalk tables and a menu filled with well-prepared classics: omelets, generously stuffed buckwheat crepes, a swell Nicoise, steak au poivre and more. Another plus: great late-night fare.

1600 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-827-5710, barbette.com

The deck at this Milton Square stalwart just got a much-needed makeover, and it's a pleasant place indeed to enjoy a five-spice pork burger, a mushroom-caramelized onion turkey melt, a roasted beet-horseradish salad, gnocchi with duck confit and more comfort-food twists.

2260 Como Av., St. Paul, 651-644-9116, muffuletta.com

It's not on the lake, but the sidewalk patio at Patrick and Azita Bernet's urbane cafe in Wayzata doesn't need a view to impress. At dinner, order the chevre-mozzarella turnover drizzled with lavender dressing, the gazpacho, the lamb chops and the classic orange-glazed duck breast. And for heaven's sake, don't skimp on dessert.

331 Broadway Av. S., Wayzata, 952-345-6100, patricksbakerycafe.com

This well-polished all-American mini-chain is particularly fetching during Sunday brunch, when the nicely appointed patios are a pleasant backdrop for pastrami and prime rib hash, pecan waffles, pineapple-glazed ham with eggs and a family-style option.

12501 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, 952-591-0000 and 8000 Eden Road, Eden Prairie, 952-903-9500, redstonegrill.com

RICK NELSON