Where to celebrate graduation in Manchester
Updated 3 June 2026
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 CentreMore detailsThe Black Friar
With 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 West DidsburyMore detailsNamaste Nepal
Keep it local with graduation celebrations in Didsbury. Namaste Nepal is a great option for a family curry.
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Book Now Manchester City CentreMore detailsWing’s
Wing’s is Manchester’s famous restaurant that takes Chinese cooking to another level. It’s the ideal place for a family celebration – and maybe the chance to spot a few celebs.
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Book Now PiccadillyMore detailsLock 84
If your parents are staying over, The Reach is the ideal hotel with its mix of boutique style and big brand reliability. Lock 84 is the hotel restaurant but it is a destination in its own right with plenty of personality and a canalside setting.
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Manchester City CentreMore detailsSkof
A first class degree (in fact any degree) deserves first class cooking and that’s what you’ll find at this Michelin-starred fine dining hotspot.
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SpinningfieldsMore details20 Stories
20 Stories is one for high achievers. The sky-high restaurant offers great views, cocktails and impressive dining.
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DeansgateMore detailsBlacklock Manchester
Get your parents to treat you to a quality steak at Blacklock Manchester – much better than budget mince.
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St John'sMore detailsFenix Restaurant and Bar
Graduate with a high-end Greek dining experience. Late-night kebabs this is not. Fenix is offering a Feast of the Wise for 2026 graduates. More than that, you can pre-order an engraved graduation Champagne bottle as a souvenir of the occasion.
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West DidsburyMore detailsPorta Didsbury
Porta 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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Manchester City CentreMore detailsTender
Tender in Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel is a sumptuous restaurant headed up by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating. The food is stunning but the atmosphere is relaxed – but maybe less relaxed than Maccy Ds so make an effort.
