Weekend Picks: Downtown shopping, dining

If you're shopping for the holidays this weekend, why not forsake the mall for one of Long Island's bustling downtowns? Get some fresh air, see what mom and pop have to offer, and put yourself in position to have a meal far better than the one served at the food court.

* In Sayville, pay a visit to Bistro 25, a warm and stylish spot where nothing on the menu costs more than $19. Among the highlights: braised pork belly over corn pudding, truffled mac and cheese, sweet and sour beet salad. Bistro 25 is at 45 Foster Ave., Sayville, 631-589-7775, bistro25li.com

* In restaurant-rich Roslyn, Thyme is one of the friendliest and most dependable spots. Recommended: lobster corn chowder, double-cut pork chop, short ribs. If you're up for an early dinner, there's a three-course prix fixe for $27.95 served Friday and Saturday from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday until 8:30 p.m. Thyme is at 8 Tower Place, Roslyn, 516-625-2566, thymenewyork.com

* In Garden City, Asian Moon's menu runs the gamut of Asian favorites (Japanese udon, pad Thai, chicken satays), but some of the kitchen's strongest dishes are straight-ahead Chinese: spicy hot-and-sour soup, delicate dumplings, sumptuous chow fun and a pork lo mein for the ages. Asian Moon is at 825 Franklin Ave., Garden City, 516-248-6161

* Things perked up in Huntington when Spice Village Grill opened two years ago. You could hardly ask for more than succulent grilled meats (beef, lamb, chicken and fish in various guises) accompanied by fresh-from-the-tandoor naan, but soups, appetizers and desserts are top-notch too. Spice Village Grill is at 281 Main St., Huntington, 631-271-4800, spicevillagegrill.com