Graduation season has arrived in Harrisonburg, bringing a wave of caps, gowns, and well-earned celebrations. As students across the city prepare to walk the stage this month, now is the time to start planning where to toast their success. Many local restaurants are rolling out the red carpet with special menus and exclusive reservation options to make your gathering memorable. From elegant three-course meals to cozy brunches, Harrisonburg’s dining scene offers a variety of choices to suit every taste and party size. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today and ensure a delightful dining experience for your graduate and guests.
Bella Luna
Located in downtown Harrisonburg, Bella Luna offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Their hand-crafted menu features farm-fresh, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and seasonal salads, paired with local microbrews, artisan cocktails, and wines. During graduation weekend, they will double their oven capacity to serve more guests, operating on a first-come, first-served basis — so be sure to arrive early to enjoy their delicious offerings.
Illyria Mediterranean
Celebrate graduation with a Mediterranean feast at Illyria Mediterranean. They are offering a Graduation Buffet featuring a variety of salads, entrees like Grilled Flank Steak and Seared Salmon, hearty sides like saffron rice and green beans with bacon, and a selection of Mediterranean desserts. Seating is available throughout the weekend with specific time slots, and reservations are required to secure a place. It’s the perfect option for families and groups wanting a lively and flavorful meal to mark the occasion.
Joshua Wilton House
For a truly elegant experience, the Joshua Wilton House offers refined Virginia farm-to-table cuisine in a beautifully restored historic inn. Guests can choose to dine inside the gracious, cozy dining rooms or outside on the picturesque patio. With an extensive wine list and impeccable service, Joshua Wilton House is a popular choice for those looking for a memorable fine-dining experience. Reservations are open now through their website, with a special graduation menu to be announced soon.
Local Chop & Grill House
Located in downtown’s historic City Produce Exchange building, Local Chop & Grill House focuses on creative meals crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. For May graduation weekend, they will offer a special three-course menu priced at $65 per person, thoughtfully created by Executive Chef Ryan Zale to highlight the freshest local produce and meats. Reservations open on January 14, 2025, and must be made by phone. Be sure to mention any accessibility needs at the time of booking, as the main dining room is up a full flight of stairs.
Magpie Diner
Magpie Diner combines the charm of a classic diner with a modern twist, serving a standout breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch menu. Signature dishes like Southern Poutine, Bravas Tartine, and Sweet Cinnamon Swirl French Toast are crowd favorites, and their in-house bakery produces fresh breads and pastries daily. This year, Magpie is accepting graduation reservations via email at hello@magpiediner.com — a great option for those looking for a cozy, upbeat place to start or end their celebration.
Monty’s
Just minutes from James Madison University, Monty’s is an upscale casual restaurant known for its modern takes on comfort food, all sourced from local ingredients. They will offer their regular dinner menu early in the week, but from May 15–17, they will present a special Graduation Dinner Menu featuring standout dishes like filet and crabcake surf and turf, bacon-wrapped stuffed pork loin, and blueberry and lemon cheesecake. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure a spot, though walk-ins will be accepted if space allows.
The Ridge Room
Celebrate your graduate with a meal overlooking the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains at The Ridge Room, located atop Hotel Madison. During graduation weekend, they will serve their regular menu featuring shareable items, flatbreads, snacks, and an elevated brunch with specialties like Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast and Toasted Coconut Waffles. With limited space for larger parties, early reservations via phone or OpenTable are highly encouraged to enjoy this stunning setting.
Rocktown Kitchen
For an intimate yet casually elegant dining experience, Rocktown Kitchen offers seasonal American cuisine crafted with the finest local ingredients. Their ever-changing menu features fresh, elevated dishes, complemented by a curated wine list and local craft beers. With options for both standard and semi-private dining, Rocktown Kitchen is a wonderful choice for smaller celebrations seeking top-notch service and memorable food without the stuffy atmosphere.
More Restaurants
In addition to the standout venues already mentioned, Harrisonburg boasts even more exceptional restaurants that are perfect for celebrating this special milestone with loved ones. Clementine Café offers a lively downtown vibe with creative cuisine and often live music, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Just a few steps away, Jimmy Madison’s brings bold Southern flavors and an extensive whiskey selection in a stylish, upbeat setting. For a modern, upscale feel, Beyond Restaurant & Lounge delivers globally inspired dishes in a sleek, contemporary atmosphere ideal for a more sophisticated celebration. And the list doesn’t stop there—Harrisonburg is full of hidden gems ready to welcome your party. To explore even more options and find the perfect fit for your graduation gathering, be sure to visit our dining page.
Night Cap
After an exciting day of celebrations, keep the party going with a night cap at one of Harrisonburg’s five craft breweries or its downtown cidery. Whether you’re craving a crisp hard cider, a smooth lager, or a bold IPA, you’ll find a welcoming spot to raise a glass to your graduate’s success. Places like Feel the Rain Brothers Brew Co., Pale Fire Brewing Co., The Friendly Fermenter, Three Notch’d Valley Collab House, and Sage Bird Ciderworks each offer their own unique atmosphere, rotating taps, and often live music or special events. If wine is more your style, Rootstock Wine Bar is a cozy spot to relax and savor a thoughtfully curated selection of wines by the glass or bottle — the perfect way to toast to new beginnings.