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Graduation is an important (and emotional!) milestone that honors the hard work and dedication in completing high school, college, or post-graduate degree programs. It’s a time to reflect on academic challenges, personal success, and the exciting adventures to come. What better way to celebrate the occasion than dining at Prudential Center?  

Our eateries are best in class — the drinks, dishes, and atmosphere will most definitely pass the test. So choose your favorite, raise a glass, and cheer, “Salut, graduates!” Here are our picks for the best restaurants for a graduation celebration. 

Eataly: An array of options

There are several ways to dine at Eataly Boston, so your celebration can match your graduate’s vibe. 

For a low-key festa, La Pizza & La Pasta offers a comfortable ambiance and elevated versions of the two Italian staples. Modeled after an Italian city square, La Piazza Wine Bar & Cucina is the place to enjoy fresh crudo, Island Creek Oysters, salumi & formaggi, and authentic housemade pasta. 

Might we suggest Terra for a graduation brunch? Head upstairs, where the wood-burning grill is the star of the kitchen. A spot on the newly opened patio makes for an extra-special occasion!

Another way to dine al fresco in this three-storey authentic Italian marketplace is via II Patio di Eataly. Facing vibrant Boylston Plaza, the patio is an ideal place to celebrate graduation with some antipasti and spritzes on a warm spring day. No matter which of the 4 restaurants you choose, Eataly is certainly among the best restaurants for a graduation celebration. 

Cocktail of Choice: Aperol Spritz 

(Aperol, prosecco, club soda)

Earls Kitchen + Bar: A buzzing atmosphere

Earls Kitchen + Bar makes the dean’s list for its diverse, something-for-everyone menu and vibrant atmosphere. 

The massive three-season rooftop patio is always abuzz, especially on warm, sunny days or mild, breezy evenings. If the weather’s questionable — it is New England spring, after all — or you prefer to be inside, Earls boasts a 14,500 sq ft space, which is perfect for large parties to celebrate that hard-working grad.

Our pick for a special meal? The Seafood Tower is packed with fresh, chilled selections from the raw bar. Imagine oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktail, yuzu tuna tataki, crispy shrimp roll, and lobster tail. Yum!

Cocktail of Choice: Moscow Mule 

(Smirnoff vodka, ginger, fresh lime)

California Pizza Kitchen: Something for the whole family

California Pizza Kitchen, also known as CPK, is a family-friendly choice for end-of-year celebrations. The menu features a variety of innovative and flavorful pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes — including extensive kids and gluten-free options, making dining with the whole family a piece of cake. (Red velvet, anyone?) 

The restaurant’s spacious dining area is perfect for hosting large groups, and the vibrant ambiance adds to the celebratory mood. Raise your cocktail, mocktail, or cooler to a job well done!

Cocktail of Choice: Pacific Thyme 

(Non-alcoholic — passion fruit, mango, ginger, guava and perrier lemon sparkling water with fresh pineapple, orange and thyme)

Porto: Patio perfection

Among the best restaurants for a graduation celebration is Porto. This Coastal Mediterranean and New England-inspired eatery serves delectable fresh seafood, grilled meats, and flavorful vegetables. 

Porto’s outdoor bar and patio are the perfect spot for an evening al fresco experience. The bistro lights twinkle above as you take in views of beautiful Back Bay below. We love the intimate dining room, too, for a smaller gathering. If you want to go all out for your celebration, Chef Jody Adams’ prix fixe tasting menu is available for lunch or dinner for private parties.

Cocktail of Choice: Porto Negroni 

(San Cosme mezcal, house vermouth, bully boy amaro, campari)

Del Frisco’s: An elegant experience

At the top of the class is Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, a distinguished chophouse with an elegant setting and an extensive menu of premium steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant’s impeccable service and elevated ambiance make it an ideal place for a distinct celebration.

This is the place to spring for caviar service and a special selection from the award-winning wine list. Choices like the 45-day dry-aged prime strip and any cut of the highly sought-after A5 Wagyu beef make this a one-of-a-kind experience for the graduate in your life. Make sure you celebrate with a slice of mouth-watering butter cake.

Cocktail of Choice: Double Eagle Margarita 

(Calirosa Rosa Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Lime, Agave)

The time has come to show your graduate just how proud you are. Raise a glass to the years of hard work, convictions and dedication, and to all the new adventures to come. Congratulations, graduates, for your incredible accomplishments!