Celebrate Your Graduation at Ichibantei
Celebrating a graduation in NYC? We make it easy to host a group dinner or reception with Japanese comfort food, warm hospitality, and flexible setups—perfect for families, friends, and classmates. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a lively celebration with your entire class, Ichibantei provides the ideal venue with professional service and customizable menus tailored to your vision.
Why Choose Ichibantei for Your Graduation Celebration
25+ Years of Event Excellence: We’ve successfully hosted thousands of celebrations and understand what makes graduation parties memorable. From intimate 15-person family dinners to lively 60-person celebrations, our experience ensures every detail is handled professionally.
Perfect Location in Union Square: Located at 100 3rd Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, our restaurant offers convenient access for guests from across New York City. The Union Square area provides excellent transportation and is ideal for pre- or post-dinner gatherings.
Completely Private Dining Spaces: Your graduation celebration deserves privacy and focus. All our event spaces are completely private, allowing you to celebrate without distractions and ensuring confidentiality for speeches, toasts, and special moments.
Flexible Group Menus from $60/person: Our course-style group menu starts at just $60 per person, with premium options up to $125+. Every menu can be customized to match your preferences, dietary restrictions, and budget.
Your Perfect Graduation Party Setup
Choose Your Celebration Style
We’ll recommend the best setup based on your headcount, timing, and the vibe you want to create.
Seated Dinner Setup (11-40 guests)
Best for a full meal and relaxed conversation. This format allows guests to enjoy a complete three-course menu at their own pace. Ideal for family graduations, classmate celebrations, and intimate dining experiences. Perfect for speeches and toasts.
Typical group: 11–30 guests | Menu: $60-85 per person
Standing / Mixed Reception Format (20-60+ guests)
Great for mingling and a lively flow. This format combines standing appetizer reception with a seated dessert course, encouraging guest interaction and networking. Ideal for larger celebrations with classmates, post-ceremony gatherings, and festive atmospheres.
Typical group: 30–60 guests | Menu: $70-95 per person
Select-Date Buyouts (40+ guests)
Exclusive use of our entire venue for your celebration. Ideal for larger graduation receptions or milestone events. May be available with a minimum spend depending on the date and time.
Customizable Menu Options
Graduation Menu Tiers
Classic Celebration Package ($60-75 per person)
- Welcome beverage (sake, beer, or wine)
- Two appetizers (edamame, gyoza, or house specials)
- Entrée choice: Teriyaki chicken, grilled salmon, or vegetarian option
- Rice and seasonal vegetables
- House dessert and tea
- Full table service and server staff
Premium Party Package ($85-95 per person)
- Welcome beverage including champagne
- Three appetizers (premium selections)
- Two entrée options (premium cuts and specialty dishes)
- Seasonal side dishes and house-made specialties
- Choice of two desserts
- Sake, beer, wine, and soft beverage selection
- Full service staff and venue setup
- Table decoration with centerpieces
Signature Celebration Package ($100+ per person)
- Champagne welcome service
- Chef’s special appetizer selection
- Premium multi-course menu
- Customized entrée options with premium ingredients
- Premium beverage package (full bar)
- Sake and wine pairings
- Multiple dessert choices
- Dedicated server service
- Full venue decoration with floral arrangements
Add-On Enhancements
Special Touches for Your Celebration: Make your graduation party unforgettable with these enhancements:
- Custom cake service (bring your own, or we can recommend bakeries)
- Professional photo backdrop area with lighting
- Special dessert presentations and candle ceremonies
- Premium beverage packages (craft cocktails, premium sake selection)
- Live background music or DJ coordination
- Customized table decorations (balloons, centerpieces, signage)
- Private karaoke room options (additional fee)
Success Stories & Celebrations
Case Study: Class of 2025 Celebration (45 graduates and families)
The Situation: A graduating class wanted to celebrate together with families in an elegant but relaxed setting. They needed a space that could accommodate their full group without feeling crowded, and wanted professional service without a stuffy atmosphere.
What We Provided: Mixed seated-standing format with our Premium Party Package. We set up a photo moment area with soft lighting, allowed speeches during dessert service, and provided champagne for toasts. Our bilingual staff coordinated timing seamlessly.
Result: “Ichibantei made our graduation celebration perfect. The staff was incredibly attentive, the food was delicious, and our families loved the intimate yet festive atmosphere. Multiple guests asked for the restaurant information for their own events!” — Class President
Case Study: Family Graduation Dinner (18 family members)
The Situation: A graduate’s family wanted an intimate dinner to celebrate this milestone. They had several dietary restrictions and needed a private, quiet space for family conversation.
What We Provided: Completely private dining room with our Classic Celebration Package, customized to accommodate three dietary restrictions. Our chef prepared special vegetarian and allergy-free options without compromising flavor or presentation quality.
Result: “We felt like we were the only people in the restaurant. The staff remembered every detail, and the food was outstanding. This is exactly what we wanted for this special family moment.” — Family Member
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Parties
How many guests can you accommodate?
We host group dining for 11+ guests. Typical seated events accommodate 11–50 guests comfortably. For larger receptions or exclusive buyouts, please inquire with your estimated headcount and preferred format.
What is the starting price for group menus?
Our course menu starts at $60 per person for parties of 11+ (plus tax & service). Premium options range from $85 to $125+ per person with enhanced menus and beverage packages.
Can we bring our own cake?
Yes. Please include details (size, timing, candles, refrigeration needs) in your inquiry so we can confirm guidelines and ensure proper setup.
How do you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?
We take allergies and dietary needs seriously. Please list all requirements in your inquiry. Our chef will create customized dishes to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, shellfish-free, and other restrictions without compromising on quality or flavor.
Do you require a deposit?
Depending on the date, time, and group size, a deposit may be required. We’ll confirm all terms in your proposal, and payment can typically be arranged flexibly.
Can we do decorations or special setups?
Absolutely. We welcome decorations, special seating arrangements, and custom setups. Include your vision in your inquiry so we can confirm what’s possible and provide suggestions based on our experience with similar events.
Book Your Graduation Celebration Today
Ready to celebrate? Submit your event details and we’ll reply with availability and a customized proposal within 24 hours.
Quick Details for Your Inquiry:
- Preferred date and start time
- Estimated guest count
- Celebration format (seated / standing / mixed)
- Dietary restrictions or allergies
- Budget goals (if you have one)
- Special touches or decorations
- Beverage preferences
Submit your graduation party inquiry here: Private Event & Group Dining →
For immediate questions, call us or visit our menu options to see pricing details. Want to explore other event types? Check out our birthday party and corporate event options.
Interested in learning more? Explore our full event options →
Plan Your Celebration: Our event planning team specializes in graduation celebrations, working with you to create a memorable experience that exceeds your guests’ expectations. From cocktail receptions to formal dinners, we tailor every detail to match your vision and budget.