Nice weather is back, and so is al fresco dining in Millburn and Short Hills

If you live in California, eating outdoors may be no big thing. But in New Jersey, with its four seasons— and blizzards in March— eating outdoors is a highly-anticipated pleasure.

Fortunately for us, the greater Millburn and Short Hills area is blessed with a wide variety of restaurants that offer seasonal outdoor dining. Here are some great spots for enjoying fresh air and fine meals together.

Basilico, Millburn

$$$, BYO, open 7 days, family friendly, takeout

Imagine a warm, starry night, enjoying an elegant alfresco meal at this fine — and popular— Italian restaurant. The outdoor patio, surrounded by lattice and brick walls, is decorated with artwork and wall sculptures, and elegant light fixtures hang overhead. Bring a BYO “bottle of red, bottle of white,” and perhaps start with creamy burrata or thin slices of Kobe carpaccio. Move on to homemade pasta (gluten-free and whole wheat varieties available), either in classic Italian specialties or the chef’s creative dishes, and entrees featuring prime beef, veal, seafood, chicken and duck. Leave room for the decadent selection of desserts made by an in-house pastry chef.

Al fresco suggestion: Enjoy a taste of summer with Branzino Mediterraneo, a filet of sea bass stuffed with crab meat in a white wine dill sauce, also available filled with herbs and garlic.

Go: 324 Millburn Ave., Millburn; 973-379-7020

Boxcar Bar & Grill, Short Hills

$$, full bar, open 7 days, no lunch menu, family friendly, no reservations, take out

Some restaurants have train themes, with model railroads circling the dining room. This restaurant takes it to a different level, because it’s inside the Short Hills train station, with a ticket window staffed by a New Jersey Transit employee. When you dine outside on the patio, you’ll certainly hear passing trains, and there may be commuters waiting nearby. Quite often, arriving train passengers meet family and friends for a tasty dinner or drinks. This clever adaptation of an underused train station has morphed into a popular eatery with a broad selection of starters, salads, burgers, pizza and entrees. And yes, for those commuters, coffee service is available on weekday mornings.

Al fresco suggestion: Enjoy sips of summer with the Blueberry Smash, crafted with Claremont blueberry vodka and St. Germain elderflower liqueur and, muddled with blueberries and fresh mint — perhaps with a plate of crispy artichokes.

Go: 25 Chatham Road, Short Hills; 973-912-0002

Huntley Taverne, Summit

$$$, full bar, open 7 days, brunch served, takeout, valet

This beautiful restaurant evokes the feel of a European lodge, with a large stone fireplace and a great room boasting wood beams and high ceilings. Like many lodges, this one also has a quiet porch area, and it’s a lovely spot for enjoying a meal on a balmy night. Fully screened, with fans whirring overhead, it’s more elegant than eating on a deck or patio. This is a popular venue for date nights, group outings, and special occasions. The dinner menu has a large selection of starters, pizza from a wood-fire oven, and a good variety of entrees including Bluefin Tuna and Asian Plum Pork Chop.

Al fresco suggestion: The creative menu changes seasonally, and summer specialties may feature locally caught fish, fresh melon and berries.

Go: 3 Morris Ave., Summit; 908-273-3166

More al fresco: 22 great restaurants for outdoor dining in North Jersey

Al fresco in Montclair: The al fresco dining scene in Montclair serves up great food and people-watching

More: Plum on Park in Montclair expands outdoor seating

South Mountain Tavern, South Orange

$$, full bar, closed Mondays, no lunch menu, family friendly, handicapped accessible, take out

South Mountain Tavern’s secluded outdoor setting is away from the bustling bar area that beckons commuters coming from the nearby train station. Select a wine that complements a bowl of PEI mussels cloaked in a seasonal sauce, or a beer to go with the South Mountain burger made with a house blend of chuck, short rib and brisket. Get a tangle of fried shoestring potatoes on top; they are super thin and extra crispy.

Al fresco suggestion: The outdoor patio offers a serene atmosphere on a warm evening for enjoying a prime Angus steak and a good bottle of wine.

Go: 19 Valley St., South Orange; 973-763-1006

Toro Loco, South Orange

$$, full bar, open 7 days, family friendly, take out

If you are craving classic Mexican cuisine in an outdoor setting, Toro Loco’s patio is a good place to be. The patio is quieter than the inside dining room and bar area, which is popular with local college students. Order a pitcher of sangria or margaritas to enjoy with Tex-Mex classics such as fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and much more. If you want to linger outside, order the Paella Especial, because it takes longer to prepare. This Mexican pan specialty includes lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, Mexican sausage and chicken atop delectable rice that absorbs the medley of flavors.

Al fresco suggestion: While you peruse the extensive four-page dinner menu, start out with a tropical cocktail paired with one of the refreshing house ceviche specialties.

Go: 23 Valley St., South Orange; 973-761-1515

Winberie’s, Summit

$$, full bar, open 7 days, brunch served, family friendly, take out

Winberie’s is located inside a historic opera house in downtown Summit, and it recently underwent an interior renovation. But one of the best ways to appreciate the building’s beauty is by eating outside. Order a drink, lean back, and take in the classic revival architecture. Of course, you can also just eat outside for the perfectly relaxing atmosphere and some good people watching; well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Want to linger some more? Take advantage of Winberie’s late night happy hour specials.

Al fresco suggestion: Have a burger and a beer. The Bistro Burger features a half-pound of char-grilled USDA choice beef, melted brie, Applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions and Dijon mayonnaise on a toasted, buttered challah bun with lettuce and ripe tomatoes.

Go: 2 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit; 908-277-4224