Where to Find the Best Steak and Seafood in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene is known for Southern comfort, global flavors, and serious attention to high-quality meats and fresh seafood. Whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are visiting for a weekend, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak and top-notch seafood in one sitting.

This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia specifically—what neighborhoods to look in, what styles of steak and seafood are common here, and where many locals and visitors go when they want surf-and-turf done right.

How Atlanta Does Steak and Seafood

Atlanta’s best steak and seafood spots typically fall into a few categories:

• Classic steakhouses that also serve lobster, crab, and shrimp
• Seafood-focused restaurants that offer a few high-quality steak options
• Modern Southern and fusion spots that blend steak, seafood, and regional flavors

You’ll see menus that mix:

• Dry-aged and prime cuts (ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon)
• Southern seafood favorites (Gulf shrimp, crab cakes, blackened fish)
• Raw bar options (oysters, chilled shellfish)
• Grill and wood-fire preparations for both steak and fish

Neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, West Midtown, and Inman Park are especially dense with places that specialize in both steak and seafood.

Quick Overview: Popular Areas for Steak & Seafood in Atlanta

Buckhead: Upscale Steakhouses and Classic Surf-and-Turf

Buckhead is often the first stop for high-end steak and seafood in Atlanta. It’s home to many of the city’s most popular business-dinner and celebration spots.

Common features of Buckhead steak-and-seafood restaurants:

• Prime or dry-aged beef
• Lobster tails, crab legs, and seared scallops
• Extensive wine and cocktail lists
• Professional, formal-leaning service

These restaurants are popular for:

• Anniversaries and birthdays
• Client dinners
• Pre- or post-shopping meals near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza

If you’re driving in, most Buckhead spots offer valet or deck parking, and many are a short ride from the Buckhead MARTA Station off Peachtree Road NE.

Midtown: Trendy, Walkable, and Hotel-Friendly

If you’re staying in or near Midtown Atlanta, you have easy access to several steak and seafood options within walking or short rideshare distance.

What to expect:

• Stylish dining rooms near Peachtree Street NE, the Midtown business district, and hotels
• Menus that combine classic steaks with creative seafood dishes like miso-glazed fish, grilled octopus, or roasted oysters
• Lively bar scenes, especially on weekends and after-work hours

Midtown is convenient for:

• Visitors staying near Colony Square, Georgia Tech, or the Fox Theatre
• Locals who want a date-night spot with both steak and seafood choices
• People using MARTA (Midtown, Arts Center, and North Avenue stations)

Downtown & Near the Stadiums: Pre-Event Surf-and-Turf

If you’re headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center, Downtown Atlanta is a practical place to get steak and seafood before or after an event.

Common patterns in this area:

• Steakhouses and seafood restaurants near major hotels and office towers
• Menus built for both larger groups and smaller parties
• Proximity to Georgia State Capitol, Centennial Olympic Park, and tourist attractions

This is especially helpful if:

• You’re in Atlanta for a conference or convention
• You want a more elevated meal before a game or concert
• You’re staying in one of the Downtown or CNN Center hotels

Parking is usually in garages or decks, with easy access to GWCC/CNN Center and Five Points MARTA stations.

West Midtown: Chef-Driven Steak and Seafood

West Midtown (near Howell Mill Road NW and 14th Street NW) has become a hub for chef-driven restaurants with strong steak and seafood programs.

Expect:

• Wood-fired steaks and grilled or roasted seafood
• Creative sides and appetizers (think charred vegetables, inventive grits, or local greens)
• Industrial-chic interiors in converted warehouses

West Midtown is great if:

• You prefer a less formal vibe than Buckhead but still want high-quality food
• You’re exploring the Westside Provisions District area
• You like menus that rotate based on seasonal seafood and local produce

What to Look For on a Steak Menu in Atlanta

When you’re choosing a spot for steak in Atlanta, pay attention to:

1. Cut and Grade

• Common cuts: ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, porterhouse
• Many higher-end places highlight USDA Prime or dry-aged options

2. Cooking Style

• Wood-fired grills and broilers are common in Atlanta steakhouses
• You’ll often be asked for your preferred temperature: rare, medium-rare, medium, etc.

3. Sides with a Southern Touch Expect to see:

• Creamed spinach, mac and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts
• Cheddar or smoked gouda grits
• Sweet potatoes or cornbread-inspired sides

4. Surf-and-Turf Combinations Many menus offer:

• Steak topped with lobster, shrimp, or crab
• Add-on options like grilled shrimp or lobster tail to pair with a steak

What to Look For on a Seafood Menu in Atlanta

Even though Atlanta isn’t on the coast, it is a major transportation hub, so many restaurants work with distributors that bring in seafood daily from the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and beyond.

Key things to note:

1. Freshness Indicators

• Restaurants often list where the fish comes from (Gulf, Atlantic, etc.)
• Seasonal specials can be a good sign of a kitchen working with what’s freshest

2. Classic Southern Seafood Dishes Look for:

• Blackened or grilled fish
• Shrimp and grits
• Crab cakes
• Fried seafood platters in more casual or Southern-style spots

3. Raw Bar Options Many higher-end or seafood-focused places offer:

• Oysters on the half shell
• Chilled shrimp
• Seafood towers for groups

4. Lighter Preparations If you’re not in the mood for a heavy steak, many Atlanta restaurants balance the menu with:

• Pan-seared or grilled fish
• Ceviche or crudo-style dishes
• Seafood salads and bowls

Special Diets and Preferences: What’s Common in Atlanta

If you have dietary needs, Atlanta restaurants are generally used to working with them, but it’s still a good idea to call ahead.

Common accommodations:

• Gluten-sensitive options: Grilled fish or steak with vegetables, avoiding breaded or fried items
• Dairy-light or dairy-free: Customizing sides and sauces, especially in higher-end places
• Shellfish allergies: Many kitchens can prepare steak and non-shellfish dishes separately if they know in advance

Tip: When you call to make a reservation, ask to note any allergies or restrictions. This is especially helpful in busy areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown.

Price Ranges and What to Expect

Atlanta offers a range of price points, but for high-quality steak and seafood in the city, you’ll typically see:

• Mid-range casual:
  • Grilled fish or shrimp dishes and simpler steaks
  • Often found in neighborhood spots and some chain restaurants
• Upscale dining:
  • Prime or dry-aged steaks, lobster, crab, premium seafood selections
  • Common in Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown hotel districts, and West Midtown

When planning:

• Surf-and-turf combinations and raw bar items usually increase the total
• Factor in parking, tax, and tip, especially in busier Metro Atlanta areas

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Experience

Here are ways to make your steak-and-seafood experience in Atlanta smoother and more enjoyable:

• 📅 Reserve ahead on weekends and game days
  Popular spots near Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and stadiums can book up quickly, especially during major events.

• 🚗 Plan your parking

  • Buckhead and Midtown: Expect valet or paid decks.
  • West Midtown: Mix of lots, decks, and limited street parking.
  • Downtown: Garages near Centennial Olympic Park and major hotels.

• 🕑 Consider early or late dining

  • Early evening (5–6:30 p.m.) can be quieter and easier for families or groups.
  • Later seatings after 8:30 p.m. may suit those heading out after a show or game.

• 🍤 Ask about daily seafood specials
  Chefs often highlight their freshest fish or shellfish as nightly specials; this can be one of the best-value ways to enjoy top-quality seafood.

• 🥩 Clarify your steak temperature
  If you’re particular about doneness, most Atlanta steakhouses are happy to help you find the right level (for example, a “warm pink center” instead of just “medium”).

How Locals Choose: Matching the Restaurant to the Occasion

When Atlantans talk about the “best” steak and seafood, they’re often talking about what fits the occasion, not just the food.

Common patterns:

• Date night or anniversary:
  Upscale Buckhead or Midtown steak-and-seafood restaurants with a quieter atmosphere and strong wine lists.

• Client dinner or business meeting:
  Locations near Peachtree Street in Midtown, Buckhead business district, or Downtown hotels, where private or semi-private spaces are available.

• Pre-concert or game:
  Spots in or around Downtown and West Midtown, chosen for reliable timing and proximity to parking and venues.

• Family celebration or visiting relatives:
  Comfortable places where both steak lovers and seafood fans can find something they like, often with a kid-friendly option or two.

Using Atlanta’s Layout to Your Advantage

Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s worth choosing steak and seafood based on where you’ll already be:

• Staying in Buckhead?
  Stick to Buckhead or nearby Brookhaven and Sandy Springs to avoid long drives.

• Staying Downtown or near the convention centers?
  Look for options within walking distance or a short rideshare to avoid parking stress.

• In Midtown or West Midtown for work or sightseeing?
  Plan an early or late dinner in those same neighborhoods to skip rush-hour gridlock.

• Live in the suburbs but heading into town?
  Combine your trip with a visit to Lenox Square (Buckhead), Atlantic Station, or Westside Provisions District, where you can park once and walk to both shopping and dining.

Key Takeaways for Finding Great Steak and Seafood in Atlanta

• Focus on neighborhood first, based on where you live, work, or are staying: Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and West Midtown are the main hubs.
• Expect high-quality steaks (especially in Buckhead and Midtown) alongside seafood like lobster, shrimp, crab, and fresh fish.
• Many Atlanta restaurants combine classic steakhouse style with Southern touches—think shrimp and grits, blackened fish, and rich sides.
• Reservations and parking planning matter, especially on weekends and event days.
• If you have dietary needs or preferences, most Atlanta restaurants are used to accommodating them if told in advance.

With a bit of planning around location, timing, and the style of restaurant you prefer, it’s easy to find some of the best steak and seafood in Atlanta—whether you’re a longtime local or just in town for a few days.