Book your Graduation Dinner in the Village.
Graduation is no small feat. After years of caffeine-fueled study sessions, late-night cramming, and big dreams, it’s finally time to put away the ramen packs and celebrate with a proper meal. And what better place to toast this milestone than in the Village, where history, charm, and serious culinary talent come together on every block? We’ve rounded up eight standout restaurants, each with its own flavor, vibe, and style—perfect for marking the occasion with friends and family.
Read on for some of the best reservations to book this graduation season.
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Szechuan Mountain House
23 St. Mark’s Place
Sichuan
BEST FOR PARTIES of 2 - 8
Step into Szechuan Mountain House and you’re transported straight into a lush, lantern-lit dream.
With its intricate wooden screens, glowing red accents, and polished take on traditional Sichuan cuisine, it’s a place where every dish—and every moment—feels like an event. This is not a timid meal: spicy, numbing, and gorgeously presented plates arrive one after another, making it an unforgettable choice for a graduation dinner that’s meant to be both lively and a little adventurous. Come hungry—and ready to celebrate with serious flavor.
Interior of The Grey Dog
The Grey Dog
90 University PlACE
AMERICAN
BEST FOR PARTIES OF 2 - 10
FOR parties 0f 13+, CALL.
For a graduation dinner that’s less about formality and more about heartfelt conversation and generous portions, Grey Dog is a perfect fit.
Casual and comfy, this all-day café serves comforting American classics with a slightly eclectic edge. The relaxed vibe and friendly service make it easy for families and groups of all sizes to settle in and stay awhile.
Interior of Loring Place
Loring Place
21 West 8th Street
NEW AMERICAN
BEST FOR PARTIES OF 2-8
FOR parties 0f 18 - 80, CALL.
At Loring Place, chef Dan Kluger crafts seasonal American dishes with a focus on bold flavors, thoughtful sourcing, and beautiful presentation.
The spacious, light-filled dining room feels celebratory without being stuffy—perfect for a graduation gathering that demands a little polish but still invites a warm, relaxed vibe. With plates designed for sharing (don’t skip the wood-fired pizzas or vibrant vegetable starters), Loring Place makes it easy to toast the grad over food that’s as lively and joyful as the occasion itself.
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Shmoné
61 West 8th Street
ISraeli / middle eastern
Best for Parties of 2 - 6
Shmoné offers a refined Israeli and Middle Eastern dining experience under the guidance of Executive Chef Eyal Shani.
The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients, presenting dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition.
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Jack’s wife freda
72 University place
American / mediterranean
Best for parties of 2 - 8 People
At Jack’s Wife Freda, the atmosphere is breezy, bustling, and effortlessly charming—just the right kind of energy for a celebratory graduation meal.
This spot fuses American comfort food with bright Mediterranean flavors, offering a menu that feels both familiar and just a little bit worldly. Whether you’re gathering with family, friends, or a mix of both, the colorful plates, cheerful service, and signature cocktails make it easy to settle in and toast to all that’s ahead.
CheLi covered by The New York Times.
CheLi
19 St. Mark’s Place
Jiangnan (SHANGHAI REGION)
Best for parties of 2 - 6 People
CheLi’s menu celebrates the delicate, nuanced flavors of Jiangnan cuisine—think tender river shrimp, richly savory soups, and meticulously crafted dim sum.
For a graduation dinner that’s both luxurious and a little unexpected, CheLi offers a transporting experience that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about taste.
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Sorso’
56 University Place
wine bar / small plates
Best for parties of 2 - 6
For parties 0f 20+, call.
Sorso’ brings a breezy slice of Italy to the Village.
This charming, intimate wine bar leans into the pleasures of good conversation, lovingly crafted small plates, and a fine selection of Italian wines. For a graduation dinner that’s all about lingering and savoring the moment, Sorso’ offers an inviting setting where toasts flow as easily as the crisp Vermentino. It’s perfect for smaller parties looking for a relaxed, celebratory evening with a little European flair.
Interior of Llama San
LLAMA SAN
359 Sixth Avenue
NIKKEI (JAPANESE / PerUVIAN)
BEST FOR PARTIES OF 2 - 6
At Llama San, chef Erik Ramirez reimagines Nikkei cuisine — the vibrant marriage of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavors — with stunning, modern flair.
The dining room, all clean lines, pale wood, and warm light, sets the stage for a meal that feels at once serene and thrilling. With artful crudo, charcoal-grilled meats, and showstopping cocktails, Llama San offers a graduation dinner that’s unforgettable in every sense: polished, celebratory, and just daring enough to feel like a step into the future.
Choose the Village for your Graduation festivities.
No matter which table you choose, a graduation dinner in the Village promises more than just a good meal—it’s a chance to savor a moment that’s been years in the making. Between the clink of glasses, the passing of plates, and the swirl of conversation, you’ll find that the spirit of the Village—celebratory, a little unpredictable, and endlessly creative—makes the perfect backdrop for the start of whatever comes next.