Where to Dine for Graduation in San Diego
Graduation season is upon us, and with that, the celebrations will commence! Families are gathering and toasting to the success of their graduates while experiencing San Diego’s immaculate food and dining scene. Below we’ve highlighted the best spots to dine for graduation in San Diego, able to accommodate large parties and provide excellent service, dishes, and experiences.
Photo Credit: Dustin Bailey
Puesto
With three locations in San Diego, Puesto has become a local staple bringing a contemporary and innovative flare to Mexican cuisine. Not only does Puesto serve up tasty tacos wrapped in crispy cheese and delicious margaritas, but each of the venues in San Diego are available for large party hostings. At each of its locations, Puesto can host a range of 20-400 guests, whether the graduate wants an intimate dinner or a family-style fiesta. A lively reception with tray-passed tacos and margaritas can fill the bright and energetic space, sure to deliver a celebration to remember.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
Cardellino
Cardellino Italian Chophouse is a story steeped in fire, char, steak… and parmesan and truffles. Chef Brad Wise’s Mission Hills establishment bridges cuisine and tradition by way of flavors from Midwest chophouses and Italian trattorias, creating a restaurant that embodies the adventurous spirit of Trust Restaurant Group. Graduates and their families can indulge in the Cardellino experience at one big table with a custom menu, relax outdoors on the mood-lit patio, or buy out the entire space for a huge party. The tucked-away dining room boasts a long, communal table for an enchanting meal with up to 16 guests, the patio allows approximately 50 guests to sip, snack, and converse in the warmth of the evening, and the full buyout option allows for lively parties of over 200. Reservations can be made here.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cannonball
Cannonball
San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop Cannonball serves sushi with a splash, boasting the best views in the city while giving graduates and their loved ones a quintessential beach dining experience. Able to host graduation parties ranging from large dinner reservations to venue buyouts, Cannonball flaunts charming firepits, live music accommodations, a house sound system, craft cocktails, and specially crafted sushi demos. Graduates can celebrate their achievements as the sun is setting on Mission Beach, enchanted by the sounds of the waves and the lively energy of the adjacent Belmont Park. Paired with fresh sushi, tasty cocktails, and the love of friends and family, Cannonball’s ambiance is truly unparalleled, the perfect spot for a graduation celebration. Guests can learn more here.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rare Society
Rare Society
With two locations situated in University Heights and Solana Beach, Rare Society focuses on premium proteins grilled on an open flame, paying homage to the infamous retro steakhouses that once claimed the Las Vegas Strip. Rare Society can accommodate a variety of parties, from full buyouts to intimate family meals. Each space features design touches such as black marble, tufted leather boots, and gold-paneled ceilings, allowing graduates to celebrate their accolades in style. Rare Society also offers a full-service bar and wine cellar for special events, ensuring a fantastic time in an opulent yet comfortable space. Guests can reserve the Rare Society space for their special day here.
Photo Credit: Roxanne Edwards
Ironside
Consortium Holdings’ seafood and oyster extraordinaire Ironside is a unique dining experience that will leave guests feeling like they are about to set sail on a 19th-century ocean liner. Located in Little Italy, one of the oldest and most iconic historic areas of San Diego, the maritime-themed restaurant can host graduation parties of up to 20 guests between vintage, nautical-themed walls, with garage doors swung open welcoming in a salty breeze and the vibrant, urban energy of India Street. Perfect for the seafood-loving graduate parties, Ironside reintroduces a rich oyster culture in San Diego, famous for their fresh raw oysters served with a balanced acidic-sweet mignonette, but the shrimp, rockfish, clams and lobster are equally as popular. Paired with a cocktail from a list of over 50 deliciously creative concoctions or a selection of wines that have been thoughtfully paired with the menu, the food and ambiance of Ironside are sure to deliver a memorable celebration. Guests can secure their spot here.
