I recently visited Westfield on one of the hottest afternoons in June. Walking along the downtown streets, I was struck by how many restaurants had outdoor seating. I almost felt like I was in the city.

Elm Street Cafe (39 Elm Street) is a casual cafe with outdoor dining in the summer months. Entrees range from salads to burgers to pasta and seafood. Right nextdoor, Sweet Waters (37 Elm Street) is a pricey American steakhouse with mostly steak entrees and a few alternatives such as salmon and duck.

Jeffrey's of Westfield (114 Central Avenue) offers fine dining with an eclectic American menu. From Wild Mushroom Risotto to Grilled Duck Breast, the dinner menu offers a wide variety of unique entrees. The lunch menu is much lighter with burgers, salads and other sandwiches.

Westfield has a number of Italian restaurants to choose from including Brick Oven (117 Quimby Street) which offers a traditional Italian menu with moderate prices. Acquaviva delle fonti (115 Elm Street) is pricier and offers a contemporary Northern Italian menu with an intimate atmosphere. Theresa's Restaurant (47 Elm Street) has a more gourmet menu with several heart healthy options.

If you're in the mood for Japanese, Kotobuki of Japan (110 Central Avenue) has sushi and traditional Japanese entrees such as Negima-Yaki and Ginger Pork. Fuji Japanese Cuisine (340 South Avenue East) is another local Japanese restaurant.

When you're craving some spice, Westfield has two restaurants that put a spin on traditional Mexican and Southwestern. Mojave Grille (235 North Avenue West) features Southern, New Mexican and Southwestern Cuisine with moderate prices and BYOB. Lime (35 Elm Street) offers an innovative Southwestern menu.

If the kids are in tow, stop by Windmill (256 East Broad Street) for one of their famous hot dogs or some cheese fries. In the warm weather, you and your kids can enjoy a smoothie at the ever popular Planet Smoothie (23 Elm Street). For a sit down dinner in a kid-friendly atmosphere, try Jolly Trolley (411 North Avenue West) or Cosimo's Restaurant & Pizza (118 East Broad Street).

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