Graduation week has come around again, and with it comes an age-old dilemma for the city’s students – where in Brighton can you take your family to really impress them?

Of course the day is a celebration of your achievements, but for lots of students it’s also a chance to say thanks to their families for helping them through the minefields of university funding, accommodation and independent living. And they have to sit through two hours of clapping for a five second glimpse of you on stage. So they probably deserve somewhere nice to eat afterwards.

As usual, Brighton Dome is hosting the ceremonies this year, offering a spectacular theatre space for the show and large reception rooms for mingling. So here’s what’s nearby for before and after your graduation...

-        Small Batch Coffee Company (Jubilee Street). This Brighton-born business offers high quality ethically sourced coffee from their Hove roastery. Better than any of the chain coffee shops (in my opinion), a mid morning coffee before the ceremony might be a good way to recover from the drive down and the (inevitable) parking nightmare.

-          Chilli Pickle (Jubilee Street). I’ll admit, you’re probably unlikely to get a table for this year’s graduation week, but it’s definitely worth a try. Just around the corner from the Dome, the restaurant offers a range of quirky main courses inspired by South East Asia. 

-          Pinocchio (New Road). Part of the Donatello chain, Pinocchio is a fast-paced bustling Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere. Settle into your red-checked table and choose a main course from their extensive menu – every pizza, every pasta, every sauce. It’s also good for a smaller budget – let’s face it, you spent all your ‘well done for graduating!’ money on those robes...

-          Las Iguanas (Jubilee Street). The only chain restaurant to have made it into my recommendations, this place is a colourful mixture of fiesta and fine dining. You can get two for one cocktails Sunday to Wednesday, and the South American menu is all encompassing. There’s beef, chicken, seafood, tacos, burritos, burgers, curries, skewers, and sharing platters. 

-          Casa don Carlos (Union Street). My choice for a post-graduation dinner with my parents, this little tapas restaurant is just off of Meeting House Lane. Another one for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, order as many rounds of tapas and sangria as you like – they’re all delicious.

Happy Graduation Day. Enjoy your feast!

(Photo by Dominic Alves)