Where To Eat in Downtown Atlanta: A Local-Friendly Guide to the Best Spots

Downtown Atlanta packs a surprising amount of food into a walkable area. Whether you’re here for a game, a conference, a concert, or you live nearby and want new go-to spots, you can eat very well without leaving the neighborhood.

This guide focuses on where to eat in Downtown Atlanta, broken down by what you might be doing and what kind of food experience you want.

Quick Overview: Downtown Atlanta Dining at a Glance

Use this as a fast starting point before diving into details.

Key Downtown Food Hubs You Should Know

Several micro-areas in Downtown Atlanta make it easier to decide where to eat depending on where you already are.

Around Centennial Olympic Park and Attractions

If you’re visiting Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW), World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW), or the College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta St NW), you’ll find:

• Casual sit-down options for burgers, pizzas, and American comfort food.
• Family-friendly restaurants that are used to handling large groups and kids.
• Hotel restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park that offer more polished dining if you want something nicer within walking distance.

This area is one of the easiest spots downtown to find kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and space for strollers.

Peachtree Center and Office Core

If you’re staying or working near Peachtree Street and Peachtree Center Ave, you’re in the middle of a dense cluster of restaurants. Here you’ll find:

• Food court–style quick-service spots (sandwiches, salads, global bowls).
• A variety of grab-and-go breakfast options for commuters and hotel guests.
• A few sit-down restaurants mixed among office towers and hotels.

Peachtree Center is especially useful on weekdays for fast lunch and on rainy days since several options are accessible through indoor walkways.

Around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you’re catching a game, show, or concert at:

• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW)
• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW)

you can expect:

• In-venue dining: upgraded stadium and arena food, from classic hot dogs and nachos to local-style stands (varies by event).
• Nearby bars and grills: ideal for meeting friends before or after events.
• Food trucks around GWCC or tailgate-style setups during big events.

If you want to avoid venue pricing, it often helps to eat in the surrounding streets and hotel corridors before you enter.

What Kind of Food Do You Want? Downtown Options by Style

Classic Southern & Comfort Food

Downtown Atlanta leans into Southern flavors and comfort dishes. In and around the core, you can typically find:

• Fried chicken and chicken tenders
• Macaroni and cheese, collards, cornbread, and yams
• Shrimp and grits and other Lowcountry-inspired plates
• Classic meat-and-three style plates in some casual spots

You’ll usually find Southern-inspired menus near Centennial Olympic Park, Marietta St NW, and within several of the larger downtown hotels. Many hotel restaurants offer:

• Fried or roasted chicken dishes
• Local vegetables and seasonal sides
• Southern-style brunch on weekends

If you want a true “Atlanta” taste without leaving downtown, ask nearby hotel concierges or locals where they go for fried chicken or shrimp and grits; they usually point you to a walkable option.

Barbecue and Hearty Meats

While Atlanta’s biggest barbecue scene spreads into other neighborhoods, you can still find:

• BBQ plates and sandwiches in or near downtown sports districts.
• Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken at select restaurants not far from major venues or connected hotels.

If barbecue is a priority and you’re downtown without a car, it can be easier to:

• Check hotel-adjacent restaurants that include smoked meats on the menu.
• Use a short ride-share to reach nearby neighborhoods with dedicated barbecue spots, then head back downtown afterward.

International and Global Eats

Downtown is more than just burgers and fried chicken. You’ll often find:

• Asian-inspired fast-casual spots: rice bowls, noodles, dumplings, or sushi rolls in Peachtree Center and the office corridors.
• Latin American influences: tacos, quesadillas, and bowls in casual storefronts and quick-service spots near hotels and offices.
• Mediterranean-style counters: build-your-own bowl or wrap with falafel, chicken, lamb, or veggies.

These options are especially helpful if:

• You need vegetarian or lighter choices.
• You’re on a quick lunch break and want something other than burgers.
• You’re traveling with a group and need a menu that fits different tastes.

Burgers, Pizza, and American Staples

For many visitors downtown, the question is simple: Where can I get a solid burger, slice, or wings?

You’ll find:

• Burger-focused restaurants near sports venues and inside some hotels.
• Pizza-by-the-slice and whole pies within walking distance of the Aquarium and convention centers.
• Sports bars and grills that serve:
  • Wings
  • Nachos
  • Sandwiches
  • Appetizer-style sharing plates

These are especially common around:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Marietta St NW
• The blocks between Andrew Young International Blvd NW and MLK Jr. Dr NW

Eating Downtown on a Budget

Downtown Atlanta can feel expensive around big attractions, but there are ways to manage costs.

Look for These Budget-Friendly Options

• Food courts and food halls
  Peachtree Center and other office-linked complexes often have:

  • Sandwich stands
  • Salad bars
  • Global fast-casual counters
    These spots are designed around office-worker lunch prices and can be more affordable than tourist-front restaurants.

• Takeout and counter-service spots
  On streets like Broad St SW or near Georgia State University’s downtown campus, you’ll find:

  • Hole-in-the-wall counters
  • Cafes and coffee shops with simple breakfast and lunch
  • Quick-service chains

• Happy hour and early-bird menus
  Hotel restaurants and bars near Centennial Park and Peachtree Center may:

  • Offer discounted appetizers or bar bites in late afternoon
  • Run game-day specials on food and drinks

Tips for Saving Money Downtown

• ✅ Eat slightly off-peak: Lunch just before noon or early dinner can mean shorter lines, quicker service, and sometimes lower-priced menus.
• ✅ Check for lunch specials: Many downtown spots have a specific midday menu that’s more affordable than their dinner options.
• ✅ Share larger portions: Some Southern and comfort-food spots serve generous plates that can easily be shared.

Best Spots for Specific Situations

Before or After a Game or Concert

If you’re heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the GWCC:

• Aim for restaurants along Marietta St NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, and in surrounding hotel corridors.
• Expect:
  • Busy but energetic atmospheres
  • TVs and sports-focused spaces
  • Menus built around shareable appetizers, burgers, wings, and cocktails

If you don’t want to rush, plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before your event to allow for seating, ordering, and walking to the venue.

Family-Friendly Places Near Major Attractions

If you’re visiting downtown with kids:

• Stick close to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park.
• You’ll generally find:
  • Chain restaurants your kids may already know
  • Menus with kids’ sections, simple pastas, chicken tenders, and fries
  • Host staff and servers accustomed to strollers and larger families

Inside some attractions and museums, there are cafés and snack bars, which are convenient for a quick refuel but can be pricier than nearby street-level options.

Working Downtown: Reliable Lunch Options

If you work or have meetings in downtown office buildings:

• Check Peachtree Center and Broad Street for:
  • Build-your-own bowls and salads
  • Deli-style sandwiches and wraps
  • Coffee shops with light breakfast and lunch

For a working lunch with colleagues or clients:

• Many hotel restaurants offer:
  • Quieter dining rooms
  • Conference-friendly seating
  • Reliable midday menus and coffee refills

When time is tight, consider spots that offer online ordering or call-ahead pickup; many downtown fast-casual places are set up for office workers on a schedule.

Late-Night Eating Downtown

Downtown Atlanta’s late-night food scene shifts depending on:

• Whether there’s a big game, festival, or concert.
• The night of the week.

What you can usually count on:

• Hotel lobby bars and restaurants that serve food later than standalone spots.
• Fast-food and pizza slices within walking distance of the main attractions, especially on busy evenings.
• Street-level bars with limited late-night menus (burgers, wings, fries, nachos).

If you know you’ll be out late, it’s wise to check kitchen closing times early in the evening—bars may stay open longer than their food service.

Navigating Downtown Restaurants: Practical Tips

Getting Around

• Walking: Many dining areas are within a 10–15 minute walk of each other, especially around Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Street, and Marietta Street.
• Public transit (MARTA):
  • Peachtree Center Station and GWCC/CNN Center Station place you close to clusters of restaurants.
  • Trains are useful if you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport and coming downtown for a meal.
• Ride-share and taxis: Helpful if you want to explore a bit beyond the core or return to your hotel late at night.

Parking

If you’re driving downtown to eat:

• Look for covered decks attached to major hotels, office buildings, and the GWCC campus.
• Many restaurants will validate parking in connected garages—ask before you park.
• During big events, expect higher parking rates and more competition for spaces; planning to arrive early for dinner is key.

When to Make Reservations

Consider reservations if:

• You’re planning a nice dinner near Centennial Olympic Park or in a well-known hotel restaurant.
• There’s a major event at the stadium, arena, or GWCC.
• Your group has six or more people, especially on Thursdays through Sundays.

Walk-ins are often fine for:

• Casual lunches
• Quick-service or counter-style spots
• Early dinners on weekdays

Dietary Needs and Health-Conscious Choices

Downtown Atlanta restaurants are increasingly flexible with dietary preferences. You’ll often find:

• Vegetarian and vegan options at:
  • Salad and bowl places
  • Many international fast-casual counters
  • Some hotel restaurants with marked menus
• Gluten-sensitive options:
  • Plain grilled meats and fish
  • Salads (watch dressings, croutons, and toppings)
  • Bunless burgers and lettuce wraps at burger and grill spots

It’s always best to speak directly with your server about food preparation if you have allergies or strict dietary needs, as kitchens vary in how they handle cross-contact.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Visiting for the First Time

When choosing where to eat in Downtown Atlanta, you’ll generally do well if you:

1. Identify your anchor location
   Are you near:

   • Centennial Olympic Park and attractions?
   • Peachtree Center and the office core?
   • The stadiums or GWCC?

2. Match the style to your plans

   • Short on time? Go for food court, counter-service, or hotel lobby spots.
   • Want a sit-down experience? Look to hotel restaurants or highly visible street-level places around the park.
   • On a budget? Target food courts and quick-service storefronts, especially on weekdays.

3. Check same-day information
   While this guide gives you the layout and expectations, downtown can change with events and seasons. Looking at:

   • Today’s hours
   • Game and concert schedules
   • Traffic or road closures
     can help you avoid long waits and closed kitchens.

Downtown Atlanta makes it easy to eat well within a short radius—whether you want Southern comfort, quick international fare, burgers and pizza, or a polished dinner before a big night out. Use the areas and tips above as your map, and you’ll be able to find food that fits your time, budget, and taste without leaving the heart of the city.