Updated May 26, 2025
As a Brown University grad, here’s where to go for the best graduation dinner in Providence RI!
Graduation season is here; let the festivities begin!
Though Providence is a smaller city, it’s truly blessed with tasteful concepts – thanks to the fact that it’s home to one of the nation’s best culinary schools (Johnson & Wales!).
There’s plenty of options for private parties or intimate gatherings with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Here’s where to go for the best graduation dinner in Providence RI!
Best Graduation Dinner in Providence RI
Fine Dining For the Foodie
With JWU, a leader in the culinary world, right here in Providence – we’ve got to try the fine dining right?
These cool spots source fresh ingredients to whip up unique and delicious meals that you can experience as prix-fixe small plates (or a la carte!).
1. Oberlin: Chic New American (By JWU Alum!)
Treat yourself to tasty New American in a light-filled, chic venue at Oberlin.
There’s tons of fresh seafood options (raw fish & oysters) and a delicious cacio e pepe ($20).
Chef-owner Benjamin Sukle is a JWU grad and was twice nominated for a James Beard award.
Address: 266 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
2. Persimmon: Elevated New American
The menu is updated almost every day at Persimmon, a New American fine dining spot run by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Champe Spiedel.
Chef-owner Champe is a six-time James Beard finalist (and also a JWU grad!).
The sophisticated dishes leverage local ingredients and are plated beautifully. The service is attentive and professional.
Experience the likes of foie gras ($24), Maine sea urchins with caviar ($7 ea) and black spaghetti ($16) at Persimmon.
Persimmon also offers a 5-course tasting menu ($110) with wine pairing ($60).
Address: 99 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906
3. Gracie’s: Tasting Menu with Great Service (By JWU Alum!)
Delight your senses with Gracie’s 5-course ($110) or 7-course ($145) tasting menu, with locally sourced delights like the Hudson Valley foie gras and Point Judith scallops.
Gracie’s is a proud JWU establishment: both their founder Ellen Gracyalny and executive chef Matthew Varga are alums!
You don’t want bad service to put a damper on your mood. The Gracie’s team is super personable and truly adds to the fine dining experience.
Gracie’s hosts private events up to 110 guests, including wedding festivities.
Address: 194 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903
4. The Capital Grille: The OG Location
Yes, I know The Capital Grille is a chain – but did you know that they first opened shop here in Providence, back in 1990?
Celebrate with a steak (and leave room for their rich desserts).
They have 3 rooms that fit 14-40 people, and the outdoor courtyard accommodates up to 150.
The service is reliably great & the ambience gives upscale but comfy hotel.
Work nearby? This is a great spot for corporate events like an office function or holiday party.
Address: 10 Memorial Blvd Ste 101, Providence, RI 02903
Intimate Venues
5. Pot au Feu: Charming French Bistro (Since 1972!)
This charming French bistro is the perfect place to unplug and recharge from the graduation frenzy.
Start by warming your soul with the onion soup ($9). The namesake pot au feu is hearty, with tender beef and chicken ($29.95).
Bob, the owner, and the staff are warm and welcoming. It’s no wonder Pot au Feu has been a Providence mainstay since the 70s.
Address: 44 Custom House St., Providence, RI 02903
6. Al Forno: Tasty Food in Intimate Setting (RISD Founders!)
There’s a reason Al Forno has been around since 1980: the incredible dishes!
They make their desserts from scratch (so order at the start!) – how could it not be good so fresh?
The grilled pizza is a must-try.
Talk about a PVD story: RISD grad husband-and-wife team Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon opened Al Forno to supplement their income.
Address: 577 South Water Street, Providence, RI 02903
7. New Rivers: Cozy American Bistro on College Hill (By JWU Alum!)
This cozy restaurant is right on College Hill / across RISD and has a menu that’s updated daily.
You can expect tasty meat and seafood options, like grilled trout, a thick burger and local oysters.
Chef-owner Beau Vestal is a JWU grad!
The entire upper-level space (overlooking the First Baptist Church) is reserved for private events.
Address: 7 Steeple Street, Providence, RI 02903
8. Bellini: Stunning Venue With Unpretentiously Delicious Italian
Located on the ground floor of The Beatrice Hotel, Bellini has got to be one of the classiest, most stunning venues I’ve been to in PVD, period!
As upscale as this venue feels, the food is unpretentiously delicious, and the service was professional yet approachable.
My family and my best friend came here for my graduation party. Needless to say, it was the perfect setting and we had the best experience!
Address: 50 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903
Best for Private Events with Larger Groups
9. Hemenway’s Restaurant: Classic American Chophouse with Fresh Seafood
This classic high-ceilinged venue is packed with new grads and their families come spring. It’s got that old-school, moody steakhouse vibe (but with an electric buzz during graduation season!).
Hemenway’s Regatta Room overlooks the Providence River and fits up to 40 people. The Oyster Bar serves up to 30.
It’s located in one of Brown’s buildings, the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics (ICERM).
The fresh seafood is delicious, and the venue truly gives graduation; it’ll happily please everyone and is a quick walk from Brown.
Address: 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
10. Waterman Grille: New England Vibes Right On The River
Right along the Seekonk, Waterman Grille is the place to celebrate with hearty food and amazing scenic river views.
They have 4 rooms that fit between 30 to 150 people.
Catch an earlier dinner before sunset for the best experience (the outdoor seating is right by/on the river!).
The French onion burger ($20) and scallops ($40) hit the spot here.
Address: 4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906
Best Graduation Dinner in Providence RI (Conclusion)
In this guide, we went over perfect options for the best graduation dinner in Providence RI.
I’ve parsed through all the top spots to make sure that you have memorable dining experiences with amazing food and friendly staff.
These best places are the ideal spot for not just graduation parties, but also for your next special occasion, whether it’s bachelorette parties or a baby shower.
Congratulations new graduates!
Thanks for checking out my article about the best graduation dinner in Providence RI!
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