Graduation is one of life’s great turning points. It’s more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration of years of hard work, personal growth, and the promise of new beginnings. Whether you’re honoring a high school senior from American Heritage, Cardinal Gibbons, or St. Thomas Aquinas—or toasting a college grad from Nova Southeastern University, Florida Atlantic University, Keiser University, or Broward College—this moment deserves more than just applause from the crowd. It deserves an experience that feels meaningful, memorable, and worthy of the milestone.
That’s where Boatyard comes in—consistently ranked among the top graduation dinner restaurants in Fort Lauderdale for its unbeatable mix of flavor, setting, and service.
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s yachting capital, Boatyard is the go-to destination for those who want to toast to success with style. With coastal-inspired cuisine, sweeping waterfront views, and a sophisticated yet approachable vibe, Boatyard offers everything you need to mark the occasion.
Mark your milestone with a special graduation dinner at Boatyard, where delicious food, stylish ambiance, and waterfront views make for an unforgettable celebration.
A Dinner Setting That Feels Like a Destination
When you walk into Boatyard, it’s clear this is not your typical restaurant. The waterfront location alone gives the space an effortless elegance, with yachts drifting past and warm light reflecting off the Intracoastal. Inside, the vibe is upscale yet relaxed—an open kitchen, nautical details, and a vibrant indoor bar. Outside, dockside tables under the gumbo limbo tree create a one-of-a-kind alfresco experience.
For graduation dinners, this flexibility is key. Whether you’re booking a quiet table for close family or planning a larger group celebration, Boatyard adapts to the occasion. With a balance of indoor and outdoor seating, the atmosphere always feels lively but never overwhelming.
And if you’re looking to make an entrance? Boatyard’s Dock & Dine program lets you arrive by boat and enter the celebration.
The Dinner Menu: Elevated, Coastal, Crowd-Pleasing
A graduation dinner is as much about the moment as it is about the meal, and Boatyard delivers both with style. Guests can make standard dinner reservations through Boatyard’s website. For reservations of 12 or more, the private events team is available to assist with planning and availability.
The regular dinner menu features coastal-driven entrées like the Dry-Aged Branzino Filet with lemon potatoes and feta, the Surf N’ Turf Filet with jumbo shrimp, mashed potatoes, and au poivre sauce, and the East Coast Seafood Pasta, loaded with lobster, mussels, clams, and shrimp in a garlic scampi sauce.
Private event dinner menus are available for groups of 12 or more, with options for plated or buffet-style service. Entrées include the Roasted B&E Chicken with Tunisian spices and cilantro tahini, Mahi Piccata with caper butter sauce and wilted spinach, and the Manhattan NY Strip, served with garlic mashed potatoes and béarnaise sauce. Buffet menus are available for groups of 25 or more and can include passed hors d’oeuvres, carving stations, and mini dessert displays.
Whether dining with a small group or celebrating with the whole crew, Boatyard offers a dinner experience built to impress.
For the Toast: Wines, Cocktails, and More
No graduation dinner is complete without a proper toast. At Boatyard, the beverage selection is designed to match the moment, offering a thoughtful selection of wines, bubbles, and cocktails that pair effortlessly with the coastal menu and waterfront setting.
Whether you’re starting the evening with a glass of champagne, ordering a craft cocktail with dinner, or simply raising a toast to your graduate, the bar delivers options that feel festive and refined.
For guests not drinking alcohol — whether by choice or age — Boatyard also offers a curated “Free Spirited” menu of zero-proof cocktails. These aren’t just stand-ins, but well-crafted drinks made with premium non-alcoholic spirits and fresh ingredients.
- Knot Nauti – Ritual tequila alternative, strawberry, agave, Fever-Tree yuzu soda, strawberry sea salt foam
- Pier Pressure – Ritual whiskey alternative, mango, citrus, Fever-Tree sparkling Sicilian lemonade
Thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, they’re a great way for everyone at the table to raise a glass and be part of the moment.
Celebrating as a Group? Boatyard Makes It Seamless
For families planning a graduation dinner with a group, Boatyard makes it easy to find the right fit. Parties of up to 11 guests can book standard reservations, with availability shown online for smaller groups and by phone for larger ones. For parties of 12 or more, Boatyard’s private events team offers customized planning and curated menus to elevate the experience.
Private and semi-private dining options are available, accommodating a variety of party sizes. Boatyard’s team is experienced in group dining and will work with you to ensure the evening flows smoothly.
Valet parking is available for all guests, and the Dock & Dine program offers slip reservations for those arriving by boat. That flexibility makes Boatyard an ideal choice for both locals and out-of-town guests looking to do something a little more special.
More Than Dinner—A Milestone Worth Remembering
Boatyard doesn’t just serve dinner; it creates the kind of experience that makes a milestone feel momentous. From the sound of champagne flutes clinking over the table to the soft glow of the waterfront at sunset, everything about the setting lends itself to reflection, celebration, and connection.
Boatyard is the kind of place that redefines what graduation dinner restaurants can be; you don’t have to choose between exceptional food and a beautiful location. You get both, along with service that knows when to step in and when to simply let the moment unfold.
For families honoring the hard work and achievement of a graduate, Boatyard offers something a little more elevated than the average restaurant but never out of reach. It’s thoughtful, memorable, and effortlessly celebratory.Mark your milestone with a graduation dinner at Boatyard—and make it a night to remember. Reserve your table or get in touch with us about a private event today.
Graduation Celebration FAQs at Boatyard
Does Boatyard offer private dining for graduation parties, and how do I book?
Yes! Boatyard has private dining spaces for groups of 12 to 200 guests. To book, visit the Private Events page or call 954.525.9001.
When should I book my graduation event?
Graduation season in Fort Lauderdale typically runs from May through early June, so we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, to ensure availability.
Can Boatyard accommodate dietary needs?
Absolutely. The culinary team can customize menus to meet dietary restrictions. Please let the Events team know your needs when planning.
What about parking?
Valet parking is available for $7 (two hours), plus $3 per additional hour. Complimentary self-parking is also nearby.
