Freep 5: Beautiful restaurant patios in Detroit and Wayne County

Making a lasting summer memory is easy: Plan a meal on a beautiful restaurant patio with someone whose company you enjoy. But with summer fleeting, you shouldnt wait much longer. Here are five great upscale restaurants where you can enjoy lunch, dinner and sometimes, even breakfast in a memorable outdoor setting in Detroit and Wayne County. Find suggestions in Oakland County at on.freep.com/13ADJMd. Next week, well feature five great places to dine by the water in Macomb County.

Unnoticed by hundreds of drivers passing it daily on Woodward Avenue south of the old State Fair Grounds, La Dolce Vitas almost-hidden patio feels like a secret garden. Bordered on one side by the restaurant and on the other by a towering ivy-covered wall, the patio features terra cotta-colored paving, ornamental street lamps, tree trunks wound in white lights and a tiki bar. Vines and greenery nearly cover the wrought-iron gate facing Woodward, and an ornamental fountain surrounded by trees, flowers and tropical plants fills one corner. Guests range from older ladies who lunch to business types to groups of 20-somethings; depending on the hour and crowd, the atmosphere can be lively and festive or private and serene. The Italian menu is a blend of traditional and more modern dishes, some from the family of owner Enrico Roselli, who opened the restaurant 18 years ago. Prices are relatively moderate; lunch is an especially good value. Turn off Woodward onto Cedarhurst and drive around back to enter, where a valet will park and watch over your car. (17546 Woodward, Detroit; 313-865-0331 and http://www.ldvrestaurant.net)

Tucked away on 5 Mile Road 2 miles north of downtown Plymouth, the luxury Inn at St. Johns hotel, golf and conference center may not be a place you pass very often. But its worth a detour to enjoy the hotels relaxed brick patio looking down on a tall, splashing fountain, manicured lawn and colorful flower beds. The 80-seat space adjoins 5ive the hotels fine-dining restaurant and offers a fire pit with soft seating for added appeal after dark. Patio diners can order from the same breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner menus served inside, but a light-fare menu offering tempting appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads and pizzas is also available from 2 p.m. to close. Chef de cuisine Sean Mohans imaginative dishes are always beautifully presented. The dinner menu ranges from delicious, internationally inspired small plates to pastas, seafood and steaks. Reservations are accepted for patio seating. Service is friendly, helpful and well-informed. (44045 Five Mile, Plymouth; 734-414-0600 and http://www.stjohnsgolfconference.com)

With its handsome wooden pergola, white columns and pots filled with herbs, flowers and vegetables, the Garden Terrace patio at the Rattlesnake Club in Detroit is a relaxed, elegant escape from city noise and congestion. Located at Stroh River Place on Jos. Campeau, two blocks from busy Jefferson Avenue, the 50-seat space is one of Detroits best alfresco dining spots. The scenery across the side street includes mature trees and park-like lawns, and the Detroit River and RiverWalk are just steps away. Executive chef Chris Franzs seasonal American cuisine is sophisticated but approachable. Lunch ranges from roasted chicken-and-fig flatbread and a signature Angus burger to seared tuna steak with linguine, anchovies, capers and oven-dried tomatoes. The dinner menu features elegant entrees, steaks and fresh seafood. Service is knowledgeable and professional. Seating on the terrace is first-come, first-served; only the regular lunch and dinner menus are available there. (300 River Place, Detroit; 313-567-4400 and http://www.rattlesnakedetroit.com)

The Romanesque architecture and elaborate period interior of the Whitney mansion on Woodward Avenue arent the only charms of this well-known Detroit dining destination. Set off from the street by a wrought iron fence and mature trees and shrubbery, its gardens offer three sections of seating. In the back area, where the full restaurant menu is served, a shady private space offers a half-dozen tables for dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner. With free Wi-Fi, its a popular spot for long, leisurely business breakfasts and lunches. The front and middle sections open in late afternoon and are more casual and less expensive. Here, guests can order burgers and other items from the grill and enjoy live entertainment from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (jazz Thursday, Motown Friday and Rat Pack Saturday). (4421 Woodward, Detroit; 313-832-5700 and http://www.thewhitney.com)

Tall trees and greenery along the Rouge River wrap around the back and side of the covered patio at Joe Vicaris Andiamo Italian Steakhouse in Dearborn, making lunch and dinner here a casual, relaxing escape. With 15 tables and seating for at least 75, as well as live music Wednesday and Thursday nights all summer, its a popular spot with guests for both lunch and dinner on weekdays and at night Saturday and Sunday. TVs are positioned unobtrusively high along the wall for fans who want to watch a game. Patio reservations are accepted. On the menu are a la carte premium steaks house-aged 30 days, as well as veal, lamb, chicken, fresh seafood and pastas, of course. Lunch prices are lower, and the menu adds more salads and several paninis. Start with the house calamari or the huge, delicious Andiamo Grande Meatball. (21400 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-359-3300 and http://www.andiamoitalia.com)

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Freep 5: Beautiful restaurant patios in Detroit and Wayne County