Special Occasion Boston

My daughter is interested in doing her graduation dinner at Top of the Hub in Boston. Seems like it's a "95th at the Hancock" type place, i.e., touristy and awful. I don't want to disappoint her but if we are spending big bucks on a special dinner, I'd really like to enjoy the food too.

Suggestions? And yes, it's a bit early lol, but graduation weeks in Boston are booked waaaaaayyyy in advance lol.

"Craigie on Main" in Cambridge is divine if that's convenient.

My daughter's graduation dinner....

As a former Boston area college student myself (who actually took my now-wife on our first date to Top of the Hub), I will say that your impression of the Top of the Hub is pretty much on point; it has a great view if it is not cloudy and the food is fine though a bit overpriced.

Craigie on Main is a pretty solid call; though I have never been, it is a go-to for friends who still live in town. A couple of other options which might not be as fancy but are places I have enjoyed: Oleana, a great Mediterranean place in Cambridge, and Legal Harborside in the seaport area.

Oleana is not going to be as expensive or fancy as you might be looking for but it has great food and a mezze menu that allows for a lot of interesting food to be shared. It also has lots of vegetarian options, if that is needed.

Legal Harborside is part of the Legal chain, but the second floor of this restaurant has great water views and a more sophisticated menu with an obvious emphasis on seafood (we had our rehearsal dinner here).

Have a great time, graduation weekends in Boston are a hectic whirlwind but hopefully you will have time to enjoy it!

Oleana
134 Hampshire Street
Cambridge, MA
oleanarestaurant.com

Legal Harborside
270 Northern Ave
Boston, MA
legalseafoods.com/restaurants/boston-legal-harborside

When our Terrier graduated 3 years ago, we had several graduation dinners.

Legal Seafoods in Copley Place was a good time for 15 people, with shared appetizers and desserts and individual entrees. On the night of her department's graduation when she received her diploma, we went to the Four Seasons and ordered the bar menu in the dining room. It was celebratory and our waiter gave her a special congratulatory dessert. On the evening of the university wide ceremony, we went to Lucca's in the North End. They have private rooms both there and at another location in Back Bay.

The food and service were good at all, but to me the Four Seasons was the best experience and had a great view of the Public Garden.
Hope this helps and congratulations!!

I loved my meals at Oleana and Craigie on Main.

L'Espalier. An outstanding French restaurant.
Craigie on Main would be a great second choice.

Thanks, was just about to bump up this thread as we are making plans!