Celebrating Your Rhode Island Graduation: Best Post-Ceremony Dining Spots

April 6, 2025

Rhode Island is home to an impressive variety of colleges and universities. It’s the perfect place to celebrate your graduation. Whether you’re looking for a late lunch, dinner, or a private gathering spot, Rhode Island has it all. Below, we’ve highlighted the best restaurants near local colleges and universities, ideal for your post-commencement celebrations.

Of course, finding a multi-generational family activity everyone can get behind can be a challenge – until you find our Downcity Providence Food Tour and Newport Neighborhood Food Tour. We can arrange for a private tour if your group if big enough, or hop on one of our ticketed tours. Who doesn’t want to bond over fabulous flavors, hearty laughs and getting to know a destination better? 

Graduation Ceremonies in Rhode Island

Here’s a list of some of the 2025 graduation ceremonies in Rhode Island, organized by their respective institutions:

• Johnson & Wales University, Providence: May 3
  
• New England Institute of Technology, Providence: May 4
  
• Bryant College, Smithfield: May 15-17
  
• Roger Williams University, Bristol: May 16
  
• University of Rhode Island, Kingston (South County): May 16-18
  
• Rhode Island College, Providence: May 16-18
  
• Providence College, Providence: May 18
  
• Salve Regina University, Newport: May 18
  
• Community College of Rhode Island, Providence: May 23
  
• Brown University, Providence: May 23-25
  
• Rhode Island School of Design, Providence: May 30-31
  
• U.S. Naval War College, Newport: June 1
  

Where to Celebrate After the Ceremony

After the ceremony, head to one of Rhode Island’s standout restaurants for an unforgettable post-graduation celebration.

Providence: Urban Vibes & Creative Dining

Firstly, for a chic, Parisian-inspired lunch, visit Ellie’s. In the heart of Providence, Ellie’s creates a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic cafés in Paris. Perched on charming Westminster Street, Ellie’s is ideal for an apres-graduation lunch (up until 4pm). Another option is to make Ellie’s evening Wine Bar (Friday + Saturday 6pm-10pm) your stop for an evening toast or a night-before gathering of your closest pals. For a private event, Ellie’s cozy yet elegant ambiance sets the stage for memorable moments shared with friends, family, or colleagues. Ellie’s offers an inspired space for up to 70 guests, a customizable bar, tailored menus exclusive to your event plus all the accoutrements (plateware, tables,  linens, etc.)

For a private cozy gathering that’s super hip and intimate, look into Amaryllis. Run by two women with a ton of experience on Providence’s restaurant scene, the cool restaurant on Westminster Street has an open kitchen, amazing food and a chic vibe (with a portrait of Debbie Harry over seeing it all). Even better, Amaryllis is a BYOB restaurant, so you can make your own beer and wine selections prior to your event. (ENO Fine Wines is next door, specializing in unique & natural wines, artisanal beers, specialty spirits, and genuine sake.)

The sun-soaked dining space at Bayberry Garden is contemporary and cool, but their dishes equally delight. In the heart of Providence’s Innovation District, the restaurant is within walking distance of the Amica Mutual Pavilion, or “the AMP,” for short. diverse menu featuring New American cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts that change seasonally to reflect the freshest produce and regional specialties. Examples of dishes you might find are roasted beet salad, seared scallops, house-made pastas, and artisanal desserts. They also provide a selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and an extensive wine list to complement their dishes. 

Looking to make your apres-graduation in Providence a brunch affair? Blu Violet Roof Bar in Providence offers a lively rooftop brunch every Sunday with panoramic city views and nostalgic R&B vibes. The menu features creative dishes like Pork Katsu & Waffles, Matcha Pancakes, and Steak & Egg Tostadas, paired with fun cocktails like Mimosa Towers and Espresso Martinis. With its vibrant atmosphere and inventive fare, it’s a standout weekend spot in the heart of downtown.

Bristol: Relaxed Celebrations by the Land and Sea

In Bristol, Brick Pizza Co. is perfect for a laid-back celebration. The pizzeria is known for its wood-fired pizzas and local craft beers. Just steps away, you’ll find Pivotal Brewing Company. The brewery features live music, games, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great way to keep the celebration going after the ceremony.

For a more scenic post-graduation celebration, try DeWolf Tavern. This iconic waterfront restaurant is housed in a restored 1818 warehouse. It offers contemporary American cuisine with Indian influences. The harbor views and historic charm make DeWolf Tavern a special place to mark the occasion.

Newport: Coastal Elegance Meets Celebration

Newport is a great spot to celebrate graduation, especially for those attending Salve Regina University or the U.S. Naval War College. For those coming from the University of Rhode Island, Newport is only about 20 minutes away.

For a whimsical post-commencement celebration late lunch or dinner, Stoneacre Garden is perfect with a hip interior, airy covered patio, and rooftop space that all provide a comfortable yet elegant dining experience. Plus, the menu is delectable and diverse. For those seeking a more private celebration, their sister restaurant, Stoneacre Brasserie, boasts The Chart Room—a chic rustic private dining space that comfortably seats 40 guests. This room is appointed with hand-hewn farm tables, cross-back Napa style chairs, and leather and wood banquettes, creating an intimate and charming atmosphere. Whether you choose the relaxed ambiance of Stoneacre Garden’s patio or the exclusive setting of The Chart Room at Stoneacre Brasserie, both venues offer memorable options to celebrate your special occasion. 

The James Bread recognized Yagi Noodles offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a post-commencement celebration. Located in the heart of downtown Newport, Yagi specializes in ramen that blends Japanese and Chinese culinary techniques. Chef Basil Yu makes every noodle by hand using whole wheat unbleached flour spurred from neighboring Massachusetts. This process takes place in the noodle room, where visitors can watch the master at work through a viewing window. Their menu features inventive dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, providing a unique and flavorful dining experience. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of noodles or exploring their diverse boba tea selections, Yagi Noodles provides a relaxed setting to commemorate your achievement with friends and family.

Mother Pizzeria in Newport is an ideal après-commencement spot, offering a welcoming space designed for gathering with friends and family over exceptional food and drink. Named after the starter, or “mother” used in sourdough baking, this James Beard-recognized restaurant centers its menu around naturally fermented dough made with local stone ground flour, baked to perfection in a Neapolitan-style pizza oven. The warm, casual atmosphere makes it perfect for celebrating milestones, big or small. Recently named one of the best pizzerias in the U.S. by Italy’s 50 Top Pizza and honored with multiple “Best Of” awards from Rhode Island Monthly, including Best Pizza in Newport, Mother is both a local gem and a national standout.

South County: Coastal Charm and Farm-to-Table Dining

In the center of Narragansett, where many URI students live, Celeste offers a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere with a menu that beautifully blends local seafood with coastal European flavors from Italy, France, and Spain. Larger groups can reserve the private Narragansett Room, which comfortably accommodates up to 40 guests for a celebratory experience, or the Pier Patio, which provides an al fresco setting ideal for lunch, brunch, or dinner, in the salty breeze.  

Located in charming Jamestown, Beech is a beloved gathering spot featuring five distinct dining areas to suit various preferences. The menu is a celebration of the harvests of land and sea featuring housemade pasta, robust sandwiches, and just unloaded off the boat fish. Guests can enjoy a lively bar scene for drinks and light bites, dine under the canopy of the signature 150 year old Beech tree adorned with twinkling lights, or relax in cozy, intimate indoor rooms. For larger gatherings, Beech offers a private space perfect for special events. No matter your vibe, Beech’s menu of classic dishes with a contemporary twist is sure to keep you coming back.

To Sum It Up

Rhode Island offers an array of dining options for every post-graduation vibe. From laid-back pizzerias and vibrant ramen spots to elegant private rooms with scenic views, you’ll find the perfect place. Whether you’re in Providence, Bristol, Newport, or South County, these restaurants offer great settings for a memorable celebration.