It’s graduation season and that means families and friends are gathering to let students know that their hard work has been appreciated. Whether you have a youngster, a college student, or a graduate that has returned to school after a long hiatus, it’s definitely time to celebrate. Here are 10 restaurants that are making graduation milestones even more pleasurable and there are even some take-out options!
Chatti by Chef Regi Mathew (Midtown) The restaurant is inspired by the vibrant coastal state of Kerala, India. By one of India’s most celebrated chefs, Regi Mathew, Chatti is New York City’s first restaurant devoted entirely to Kerala’s Toddy Shop cuisine and was recently named 50 Best by acclaimed Chef Himanshu Saini’s guide to the world’s best Indian restaurants. At the heart of toddy shop culture is a sense of community and a ritual of savoring–slowing down to share a meal, lingering with friends and family, and relishing food, drink, and conversation. Chatti by Chef Regi Mathew offers a spacious dining room, paying homage to Kerala’s red-earth landscapes, that accommodates a party of 10, perfect for intimate gatherings, and a larger party room that can accommodate to up to 70 guests. Visit: Chattinewyork
Quality Meats (Midtown) For steakhouse-style celebrations, Quality Meats delivers a modern take on classic dining. Located in Midtown, it pairs creative cuts and refined dishes with a warm, design-forward space. Multiple private dining rooms with capacities of up to 40 guests, make it an ideal choice for elevated group celebrations just steps from Central Park. Visit: qualitymeatsnyc.com
Limusina (Hudson Yards) The transportive Limusina offers a vibrant, multi-level space in Midtown West with a playful, high-energy take on Mexican cuisine. With four distinct private rooms—including a hidden mezcal vault—and options for full buyouts, Limusina is designed for celebratory nights that go beyond dinner. Visit: www.limusinanyc.com
Carmine’s (Times Square and Upper West Side) Few places capture the spirit of a true NYC celebration quite like Carmine’s. A rite of passage for group dining, Carmine’s is synonymous with generous, family-style Southern Italian dishes designed to be shared. With massive portions, high-energy dining rooms, and private event capabilities (including The Sinatra Room that seats 230 guests) it’s built for unforgettable graduation meals. Carmine’s also offers extensive catering packages designed to feed gatherings of all sizes. Visit: Carmine’s Italian Restaurant | Order Delivery & Take-Out Now
Twin Tails (Columbus Circle) Twin Tails brings a bold, immersive dining experience to Columbus Circle. Glamorous interiors, shareable Southeast Asian-inspired dishes, spectacular views of Central Park, Columbus Circle and 57th Street, and multiple private event spaces—including an ultra-private chef’s-table nestled inside the kitchen and overlooking the park, a luxe salon overlooking Central Park—it’s tailor-made for groups that want their dinner to feel like an event. Visit: twintailsnyc.com
Melba’s (Harlem) A Harlem institution, Melba’s is beloved for its signature dishes like chicken and waffles and its welcoming, celebratory energy. The restaurant accommodates both in-house group dining and large-scale events. Its extensive catering program accommodates intimate gatherings and events for thousands, with drop-off and full-service options that bring its signature comfort food directly to any celebration. Visit: melbasrestaurant.com/
Medium Rare (Murray Hill) A cult-favorite for good reason, Medium Rare keeps things simple with a crowd-pleasing steak frites experience that’s equal parts casual and celebratory. The prix-fixe menu centers on culotte steak topped with its signature secret sauce, served alongside hand-cut fries, a fresh green salad, and rustic bread—with complimentary seconds of steak and fries that make it especially popular for group dining. Catering options for at-home celebrations are also available. Visit: mediumrarerestaurant.com/
Berimbau Brazilian Table (Midtown) The restaurant invites graduates, families, and friends to celebrate with the lively and memorable taste of Brazil. Grad parties, big or small, are welcome to experience authentic Brazilian flavors, chic interior ambiance, and the warm, attentive hospitality Brazil is known for, offering a large main dining room and an intimate private dining space that has a flexible layout for 34 guests. Berimbau’s menu, by Bib Michelin-recognized Chef Victor Vasconcellos, features signature Brazilian dishes an elevated plates meant for sharing. Raise a glass to graduates with Berimbau’s signature Caipirinha, Leblon cachaça and lime, or a glass of Bom Dia, a dry, sparkling wine from Serra Gaúcha, Brazil. Visit: Berimbau Brazilian Table – Authentic Brazilian Restaurant NYC | Berimbau Brazilian Table – Authentic Brazilian Restaurant NYC
Skirt Steak (Chelsea) For a steak frites option close to Penn Station, Skirt Steak delivers a prix fixe steak experience in a refined atmosphere of light wood tones. The prix-fixe menu focuses on perfectly cooked skirt steak with peppercorn-béarnaise, crisp greens, and unlimited hand-cut fries. The dessert trolley carries a daily selection of house-made pies and cakes that are hard to resist. Visit: skirtsteaknyc.com
Virgil’s Real BBQ (Times Square) Barbecue is always a crowd favorite, and Virgil’s Real BBQ brings the flavors of the American South to Times Square. Known for its slow-smoked meats, hearty sides, and approachable group dining atmosphere, Virgil’s is a longtime favorite for graduation gatherings of all sizes. The restaurant offers flexible group dining for parties of 15 or more as well as private and semi-private event spaces that make hosting seamless and memorable. Virgil’s also offers robust catering options, perfect for hosting graduation parties at home, rooftops, or event spaces. Visit: virgilsbbq.com
Top Shutterstcok photo by Nirat.pix
