It’s never too early: Four graduation restaurants in L.A.

Many of you seniors probably think graduation is far, far away, but as you probably know by now, second semester flies by. Soon enough, your family members will be stressing over finding the best dinner spot on graduation night. Nothing’s better than a delicious meal to celebrate your journey into the real world! Whether you have a small family with particular tastes or a large group of relatives, finding a restaurant that pleases everyone is never a simple task. I’ve compiled a short list of restaurants in the Los Angeles area that should definitely be considered for a graduation celebration dinner. It might be early in the game, but the good restaurants fill up quickly.

Craig’s

This American restaurant is located in West Hollywood. It’s known for its incredible service and  retro vibe. Craig’s offers many American dishes like meatloaf and rib-eye steak, but also has some Italian-style entrees including Linguini Pomodoro and Fettucine Alfredo. The most popular dish on the menu is Honey-Truffle Chicken. The large, diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere make Craig’s a perfect place for a family graduation dinner. You might even see a few celebrities!

Farmshop

This unique restaurant has a warm, barn-like ambience. It serves up healthy, tasty dishes. Farmshop honors farmers and artisans by serving locally sourced, California-inspired dishes. Some popular dishes include Saffron Ricotta Cavatelli and Wild King Salmon. Family members can also enjoy sides like Rustic Sourdough Bread and Crispy Kale from the market. The atmosphere is upbeat, and there’s even a communal table that can be reserved for a large family. Though this restaurant is located a little further from USC in Santa Monica, the flavorful food and family-friendly atmosphere make it worth trying.

Cleo

If your family is looking for a glamourous Mediterranean restaurant, they should look no further than Cleo in Hollywood. All your relatives can gather at a large table and share tons of flavorful tapas. Some favorites include garlic shrimp, brussel sprouts, lamb tagine and artichoke flatbread. The menu has enough options so that everyone can easily find something they like. 

Water Grill

A more traditional, relaxed restaurant than the others, Water Grill is the perfect place to celebrate graduation. The seafood served here is great quality and always fresh. It’s known for seafood but the menu is extensive and will cater to everyone’s tastes. You can enjoy anything from oysters to Pacific swordfish. The restaurant is a Downtown landmark with an inviting atmosphere and charming staff. They also have a Santa Monica location. Many people throw birthday dinners and other celebrations here.