At Acqua, diners can choose from two marina-view decks or a rare lakeside patio, each one a memorable platform for enjoying chef Chris Whalen's disciplined Italian cooking. Check out the three-course, $40 menu. Dinner only.
4453 Lake Av. S., White Bear Lake, 651-407-7317, www.acqua-restaurants.com
Cafe Lurcat and Bar Lurcat boast two superb open-air dining venues: A lively patio (for the bar's satisfying small-plates menu) overlooking Loring Park's green sweep, and an achingly romantic alley courtyard (for chef Adam King's eclectic and appealing dining-room fare). Dessert? Don't miss the doughnuts. Dinner only.
1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500, www.cafelurcat.com
Wise Acre Eatery shares ownership with neighboring Tangletown Gardens, so the restaurant's lushly landscaped patios come as no surprise. The two businesses also share a hard-working farm, which supplies chef Beth Fisher with a cavalcade of fresh produce, beef, chicken and pork. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5401 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-354-2577, www.wiseacreeatery.com
RICK NELSON
