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, family, and maybe a few well-earned toasts.
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.
Szechuan Mountain House
23 St. Marks Place
Cuisine:
Sichuan Chinese.
Best for Parties of:
2 to 8 people.
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.
@mountainhouse.usa on Instagram.
The Grey Dog
90 University Pl.
Cuisine:
American.
Best for Parties of:
2 to 10 people. For 13 or more people, visit their private events page.
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.
Grey Dog on University Place.
Loring Place
21 W 8th St.
Cuisine:
New American.
Best for Parties of:
2 to 8 people. Private event rooms available for 18 to 80 guests.
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.
Just one of the dining areas inside Loring Place.
Shmoné
61 West 8th Street
Cuisine:
Israeli, Middle Eastern.
Best for Parties of:
2 to 6 people.
@shmonenyc on Instagram.
Jack’s Wife Freda
72 University Place
Cuisine:
American-Mediterranean.
Best for Parties of:
2 to 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.
@jackswifefreda on Instagram.
CheLi
19 St. Marks Place
Cuisine:
Jiangnan Chinese (Shanghai region).
Best for Parties of:
2 to 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.
CheLi covered by The New York Times.
Sorso’
56 University Place
Cuisine:
Italian wine bar, small plates.
Best for Parties of:
2 to 6 people, but space for 20 or more with notice.
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.
@sorsonyc on Instagram.
Llama San
359 6th Ave.
Cuisine:
Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian Fusion).
Best for Parties of:
2 to 6 people.
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.
The modern interior of Llama San.
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.
