Congratulations – you’ve finally done it. All those gruelling all-nighters you pulled in the uni library have paid off.
Now all that’s left is for you to celebrate your hard-earned degree in style with a swanky meal (courtesy of the bank of mum and dad, of course).
Go on, send them this list. After all, for making your family proud, you deserve something more satisfying than the beans on toast and plain pasta that has fuelled you for the past three years. Hint hint.
Looking to milk the graduation celebrations for as long as you can? We don’t blame you. Check out more top spots for dining out.
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             Book Now Manchester City Centre Book Now Manchester City CentreThe Black FriarMore detailsWith its mix of traditional pub architecture and a modern atrium that brings the outside in, The Black Friar is great for summer celebrations, whatever the weather. It has a very photogenic flower-filled entrance too – perfect for posing for a family photograph. 
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             Book Now Spinningfields Book Now SpinningfieldsKAJIMore detailsCelebrate your graduation in style at Kaji with their four-course ‘Flame of Achievement’ menu for just £40 per person, and the graduate dines for free. Enjoy fire-cooked dishes, a glass of champagne and stunning flavours. 
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             Book Now Manchester Book Now ManchesterThe Laureate RestaurantMore detailsEnjoy a complimentary bespoke Graduate celebratory cocktail and a beautifully presented Graduate Plate when you book a family meal at The Laureate Restaurant or The Graduate Bar at the Hyatt Regency Manchester. Location-wise, this is the pick of the bunch, a mortar board’s throw from the University of Manchester. 
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             Book Now Piccadilly Book Now PiccadillyLock 84More detailsLock 84 is the all-day restaurant and bar inside four-star hotel The Reach, which opened on Ducie Street in summer 2024. With its preference for locally-sourced ingredients and chic, characterful design, it feels more Northern Quarter independent than international hotel chain. In reality it sits somewhere between the two. 
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             Book Now Piccadilly Book Now PiccadillyLoom & Ladle BistroMore detailsIf your parents are staying over for the graduation ceremony, why not book a meal at Loom & Ladle Bistro? 
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             Book Now West Didsbury Book Now West DidsburyNamaste NepalMore detailsKeep it local with graduation celebrations in Didsbury. Namaste Nepal is a great option for a family curry. 
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             Manchester City Centre Manchester City CentreSkofMore detailsA first class degree (in fact any degree) deserves first class cooking and that’s what you’ll find at this fine dining hotspot. 
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             Book Now Manchester City Centre Book Now Manchester City CentreWing’sMore detailsWing’s is Manchester’s famous restaurant that takes Chinese cooking to another level. It’s the ideal place for a family celebration. 
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             Spinningfields Spinningfields20 StoriesMore details20 Stories is one for high achievers. The sky-high restaurant offers great views, cocktails and impressive dining. 
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             Manchester City Centre Manchester City CentreAsha’sMore detailsYou may have eaten plenty of curries during your time at university but Asha’s makes it really special. This is a high-end place for refined Indian food. 
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             Deansgate DeansgateBlacklock ManchesterMore detailsGet your parents to treat you to a quality steak at Blacklock Manchester – much better than subsisting on budget mince. 
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             Manchester City Centre Manchester City CentreClimatMore detailsClimat is a grown-up restaurant with top service, top wine and top food as well as rooftop views. A good way to celebrate becoming a proper grown-up. 
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             Spinningfields SpinningfieldsLouisMore detailsLouis is a traditional restaurant but not in a chintzy or old-fashioned way. It evokes NY glamour with Rat Pack cool. 
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             West Didsbury West DidsburyPorta DidsburyMore detailsPorta Didsbury is a classy option if you want to stay in South Manchester rather than celebrating your graduation in the city centre. 
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             Spinningfields SpinningfieldsSexy FishMore detailsSexy Fish offers an OTT glamour take on Pan-Asian dining that is a lot of fun. If you’re looking for accommodation over graduation, there’s also an unmissable deal with The Alan Hotel that also includes dinner at Sexy Fish. 
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             Manchester City Centre Manchester City CentreTenderMore detailsEvery graduate receives a free glass of bubbly when they make a booking at Tender in Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel. It’s a sumptuous restaurant headed up by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating. 
 
 
 
 
 
        