Upper West Side Italian restaurant Vai has officially opened its sidewalk café for the summer season. Take advantage of the alfresco chef’s table, shaded by elegant beige umbrellas. Owner and executive chef Vincent Chirico has created a few new dishes, including the charred Portuguese octopus with jalapeño pesto and Calabrian chili (ABOVE) and a refreshing jumbo fluke ceviche. Pair your meal with a cucumber martini and enjoy under the shade of the umbrellas or by romantic candlelight. In addition to the new specials, you'll find an incredible menu of pasta, seafood, and more made with seasonal ingredients. 429 Amsterdam Ave., 212-362-4500