- Play Hard
- 2nd Jul 2026
- 0
- 8 minutes
The best restaurants for graduation meals in Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham this summer
Graduation season is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, and whether you’re graduating from Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Durham University or the University of Sunderland, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with a memorable meal.
From celebratory lunches with the family to special dinners with friends, many of the North East’s best restaurants are pulling out all the stops with exclusive graduation menus, complimentary prosecco and stunning settings for your post-ceremony celebrations.
Whether you’re looking for Michelin-worthy tasting menus, stylish rooftop restaurants, vibrant sharing plates or elegant waterfront dining, we’ve rounded up the very best restaurants to book for graduation meals in Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham this summer.
THE BEST NEWCASTLE RESTAURANTS TO BOOK
3SIXTY
27 Rutherford St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BJ
Celebrate above the clouds at one of Newcastle’s highest restaurants. Perched on the rooftop with sweeping city views, 3SIXTY is made for milestone moments. Whether you opt for lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch or an indulgent evening meal, every table comes with a spectacular backdrop. Graduates receive a complimentary glass of prosecco, and parties of six or more will also receive a £20 dining voucher to use on the day – the perfect way to toast all your hard work.
SANCO
The Forge, Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AA
If Italy is your love language, book a table at Sanco. One of Newcastle’s newest dining destinations, it’s bringing a taste of La Dolce Vita to the city with authentic Neapolitan pizzas, fresh Italian dishes and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re gathering with family or heading out with friends afterwards, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed graduation celebration.
THE FRENCH QUARTER
Arch 6, Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 1SA
Transport yourself to Paris without leaving Newcastle. This cosy French wine bar specialises in beautifully crafted small plates, artisan cheeses and carefully selected wines, making it an excellent choice for smaller graduation celebrations where good food and conversation are top of the agenda.
CAFE ANDALUZ
87-89 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6EG
Looking for somewhere everyone will love? Café Andaluz brings a taste of Spain to Newcastle city centre with colourful interiors, vibrant tapas and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for family celebrations. Their graduation offer includes three tapas dishes and a dessert for just £24.95 per person, making it one of the best-value ways to celebrate your big achievement.
DAKWALA
42-44 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JG
Celebrate graduation with bold Indian flavours at Dakwala. Their special Graduation Menu includes four delicious courses from £25 per person, complete with a complimentary glass of prosecco. Expect everything from sweet chilli cauliflower to rich Old Delhi butter chicken, alongside plenty of dishes inspired by India’s vibrant street food scene.
THE BOTANIST
Monument Mall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AL
Home to one of Newcastle’s best rooftop terraces, The Botanist is always a popular choice for celebrations. Enjoy famous hanging kebabs, seasonal dishes and botanical cocktails while taking in views across the city centre. Their Graduation Celebration Menu also includes a complimentary glass of prosecco for everyone dining – perfect for raising a toast to the graduate.
BLACKFRIARS
Friar’s Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 4XN
Celebrate inside one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings at Blackfriars. Combining award-winning British cooking with beautiful medieval surroundings, it’s a memorable setting for marking such a special occasion. Their seasonal menus showcase the very best local produce, while the peaceful cloister garden is perfect for sunny graduation lunches.
LOVAGE
115 St George’s Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2DN
Fresh Mediterranean flavours, colourful seasonal dishes and sharing plates make Lovage a perfect graduation destination. Husband-and-wife team Kleo and Lisa have created one of Jesmond’s most welcoming restaurants, where every dish is designed to bring everyone around the table together.
KILN
4 Hume Street, Byker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE6 1LN
For something a little more relaxed, Kiln serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates in a laid-back neighbourhood setting. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, it’s a brilliant choice for celebrating with a mixed group.
21 NEWCASTLE
1 Trinity Gardens, Pandon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 2HH
A Newcastle institution, 21 Newcastle continues to impress with elegant modern British cooking inspired by French classics. Sophisticated without feeling stuffy, it’s the ideal place to mark one of life’s biggest milestones.
THE FACTORY KITCHEN
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart St, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN
Between 7th – 18th July 2025, The Factory Kitchen is offering a specially designed two-course lunch menu from 12noon each day. Expect an elderflower peach bellini on arrival, and fresh, flavour-led dishes to choose from. You can either eat inside, or on the rooftop terrace (our favourite), with far-reaching views over Ouseburn Valley.
NEST
258-260 Chillingham Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 5LQ
One of Newcastle’s most exciting dining experiences, Nest is known for its immersive tasting menus that combine inventive cooking with theatrical touches. Expect beautifully presented seasonal dishes, playful surprises and an experience that’s unlike anything else in the city – ideal if you want your graduation meal to be every bit as memorable as collecting your degree.
ST VINCENT
29 Broad Chare, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3DQ
Wine lovers should look no further than St. Vincent. This stylish Quayside wine bar serves seasonal sharing plates, charcuterie and one of the city’s best wine lists, creating a relaxed setting for an intimate graduation celebration.
BABUCHO
Lower, 26 Side, Dean St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JA
A Quayside favourite, Babucho’s Graduation Celebration Menu makes family dining easy. Choose two courses for £22.95 or three for £26.95, with everything from fresh pasta and pizzas to steak frites and slow-cooked beef on the menu.
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN SUNDERLAND TO BOOK
EMBER, SHEEPFOLDS
Sheepfolds, Easington Street, Sunderland, SR5 1ZZ
Located within the beautifully restored Sheepfolds development, Ember has quickly established itself as one of Sunderland’s standout restaurants. Refined cooking, fantastic service and views across the River Wear make it a brilliant destination for graduation celebrations.
SIX PIER POINT
6a Pier Point, Marine Walk, Sunderland, SR6 0PP
Celebrate by the coast at Six Pier Point, where elegant interiors meet uninterrupted sea views. Expect fantastic wines, seafood, charcuterie and a relaxed atmosphere overlooking Roker beach.
NORTH, SEABURN
Whitburn Bents Road, Sunderland, SR6 8AD
Fresh seafood, tapas-style sharing plates and a carefully curated wine list make North, Seaburn a fantastic choice for a relaxed graduation meal by the sea.
THE BEST DURHAM RESTAURANTS TO BOOK
JOZEF’S RESTAURANT AT RADISSON BLU
Frankland Ln, Durham DH1 5TA
Celebrate in style at Jozef’s Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the River Wear and Durham Cathedral. This graduation season, they’re serving a dedicated Graduation Menu, making it one of the city’s top spots for marking the occasion with family. Elegant surroundings, seasonal dishes and excellent service make this an easy choice after the ceremony.
RESTAURANT FARU
29 Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RD
Restaurant Faru has quickly become one of Durham’s must-visit dining destinations. Its beautifully crafted tasting menus take diners on a journey through local produce and creative cooking, all within a relaxed, informal setting where the food takes centre stage.
COARSE
Reform Place, North Road, Durham, DH1 4RZ
Coarse has earned a loyal following for making tasting menus affordable, accessible and fun. Head chef and co-owner Ruari MacKay showcases seasonal local ingredients across an ever-changing six-course menu, currently featuring dishes including burrata with strawberry, BBQ beef with smoked potato and elegant summer desserts. At £54 per person, with optional £35 wine pairings, it’s exceptional value for such a memorable dining experience.
WHITE CHURCH
29 Church Street Head, Durham DH1 3DN
One of Durham’s most stylish restaurants, White Church is welcoming graduates with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout graduation week. Elegant interiors and contemporary menus make it a brilliant choice for celebrating with family.
MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE
Old Shire Hall, 9 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL
If a classic steak dinner is more your style, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is running a dedicated graduation menu throughout the season. Expect premium steaks, indulgent desserts and a complimentary glass of prosecco in sophisticated surroundings overlooking Durham.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.