Rays in the City Menu in Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for “Rays In The City menu Atlanta GA”, you’re probably trying to figure out what’s on the menu, how fancy it is, and whether it fits your plans in downtown Atlanta—maybe before a game, a show, or a special night out.

Ray’s in the City is a well-known seafood and steak restaurant in downtown Atlanta, just a short walk from major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and State Farm Arena. While the exact menu can change, there are some consistent menu categories, signature dishes, and price ranges that you can reliably expect.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the Ray’s in the City menu, what people typically order, and how to plan your visit.

Quick Overview: What the Ray’s in the City Menu Is Like

Ray’s in the City in Atlanta typically offers:

• Fresh seafood (grilled fish, crab cakes, shrimp dishes, oysters)
• Steaks and chops (filets, ribeyes, sometimes surf-and-turf)
• Sushi and raw bar items (rolls, nigiri, sashimi, raw oysters)
• Classic sides (creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies)
• Lunch-friendly items (sandwiches, lighter fish dishes, salads)
• Desserts and a full bar (cocktails, wine, classic sweets)

It’s a white-tablecloth, business-casual kind of place—popular with downtown office workers at lunch and locals/visitors at dinner, especially before and after events.

Typical Menu Categories at Ray’s in the City (Atlanta)

While the specific dishes can change seasonally, you’ll usually see the menu divided into categories like:

• Appetizers & Starters
• Raw Bar & Sushi
• Soups & Salads
• Seafood Entrées
• Steaks & Chops
• Sandwiches & Lighter Fare (more common at lunch)
• Sides
• Desserts
• Wine, Beer, and Cocktails

Here’s a simple at-a-glance summary designed around what you’re likely to encounter in Atlanta:

Starters and Appetizers: How People in Atlanta Use This Part of the Menu

For many Atlanta diners—especially those heading to a concert, Hawks game, or show at the Fox—Ray’s in the City is a spot to grab:

• A couple of appetizers to share
• A drink or two
• Then walk to the nearby event

Common types of appetizers you’re likely to see:

• Crab cakes – Often one of the most popular starters at an Atlanta seafood spot like this.
• Calamari – Fried or lightly breaded, served with house sauces.
• Shrimp-based starters – Shrimp cocktails or grilled shrimp dishes.
• Dips and spreads – Spinach and artichoke dip or seafood spreads with bread/crackers.
• Seafood samplers – A mix of shrimp, crab, oysters, or smoked fish when available.

If you’re dining with a group before an event downtown, ordering 2–3 appetizers for the table is common and lets everyone try something without committing to a full entrée.

Raw Bar and Sushi: A Downtown Atlanta Option for Lighter Seafood

Ray’s in the City is one of the downtown Atlanta restaurants where you can find both traditional seafood and sushi on the same menu.

You can typically expect:

• Raw oysters – Often ordered by the half-dozen or dozen.
• Sashimi and nigiri – Simple, fish-forward pieces.
• Specialty sushi rolls – Rolls that combine fresh fish with sauces and toppings.
• Seafood tower or mixed raw bar platters (when offered) – A more indulgent, shareable choice.

This part of the menu works well if:

• You want a lighter meal before walking around downtown.
• Someone in your group wants sushi while others want cooked seafood or steak.
• You’re meeting coworkers from nearby offices and just want small bites and drinks.

Soups and Salads: Lighter Choices for Atlanta Lunch or Early Dinner

If you work or stay near Peachtree Street or the downtown business district, Ray’s in the City often serves:

• Soup options – Commonly seafood-focused (like chowder or bisque).
• House salads – Mixed greens with seasonal toppings and house dressings.
• Caesar salad or specialty salads – Often with the option to add grilled shrimp, salmon, or chicken.

These are popular with:

• Atlanta office workers at lunch who want something lighter but still “sit-down.”
• Visitors in town for conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center who want a quick meal that isn’t fast food.

You can often make a full meal by pairing a cup of soup + side salad, or selecting a protein-topped salad.

Seafood Entrées: The Heart of the Ray’s in the City Menu

For many Atlanta diners, the main draw at Ray’s in the City is the seafood entrée section. While specifics may change with the seasons and availability, you’ll usually see:

• Grilled or blackened fish – Such as salmon, grouper, or similar white fish dishes, often with a sauce and sides.
• Shrimp and grits – A Southern favorite that regularly appears on seafood-focused menus in Atlanta.
• Sea scallops – Seared scallops served with vegetables, risotto, or other accompaniments.
• Crab cakes as an entrée – Larger portion than the appetizer version, with sides.
• Mixed seafood plates – Combinations like fish + shrimp, or seafood pasta dishes.

This is the part of the menu most people choose from for:

• Date night in downtown Atlanta
• Pre-theater dinners if you’re headed to a performance
• Family celebrations where seafood is the focus

If you’re visiting from out of town and want a “classic Atlanta seafood dinner”, this section is usually where you’ll order from.

Steaks and Chops: For Non-Seafood Diners in the Group

Many Atlanta restaurants that specialize in seafood also keep a strong steak section, and Ray’s in the City is generally no exception. You can typically expect:

• Filet mignon
• Ribeye or New York strip
• Sometimes surf-and-turf style combos (steak plus shrimp, crab cake, or lobster tail when available)

These entrees are:

• Popular with business diners downtown who want a traditional steakhouse-style meal.
• A good option if part of your group doesn’t eat seafood, but you still want a seafood-focused restaurant atmosphere.
• Often served with classic potato and vegetable sides.

If you’re going to a nearby office function or client dinner, choosing from the steak side of the menu is very common.

Lunch-Friendly Items: How the Menu Shifts Midday in Atlanta

During lunchtime—especially on weekdays—the Ray’s in the City menu typically adds or emphasizes:

• Fish tacos
• Seafood or chicken sandwiches
• Burgers
• Smaller-portion entrées
• Salads with added protein

This makes it easier for:

• Downtown employees to fit a meal into a lunch break.
• Conference attendees to have a sit-down meal between sessions.
• Visitors to grab something satisfying but not as heavy as a full multi-course dinner.

If you’re trying to keep lunch under a certain price or want to eat lighter before walking around downtown Atlanta, the lunch portion of the menu is often the best fit.

Sides and Add-Ons: Customizing Your Meal

Most entrées at Ray’s in the City come with at least one side, and you can usually choose or add extras from a side menu. Typical choices include:

• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Rice or risotto
• Seasonal vegetables
• Creamed spinach or sautéed greens
• Grits or cheesy grits
• French fries or similar

Atlanta diners often:

• Share extra sides family-style, especially for group meals.
• Upgrade to heartier sides for a more filling dinner before a night out.

If you’re planning a special occasion meal in downtown Atlanta, adding a couple of shared sides is a simple way to make the table feel more abundant.

Desserts: Classic Finishes for an Atlanta Night Out

After a meal and possibly a visit to a nearby show, many people cap off the night with dessert at Ray’s in the City. You can usually expect:

• Cakes or pies – Often rich, chocolate-forward, or citrus/key lime style.
• Cheesecake or layered desserts
• Ice cream or sorbet-based options

This part of the menu works well for:

• Date nights where you want to linger a bit longer.
• Celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries in the city.
• A sweet stop after an event, especially if you had a lighter dinner beforehand.

Drinks: Cocktails, Wine, and the Downtown Atmosphere

Though you’re likely searching for the food menu, drinks are a big part of the experience in this part of Atlanta.

You’ll usually find:

• Cocktails – Classic and house specialties, often with a seafood-friendly profile (citrus, herbal, light and refreshing).
• Wine list – With options that pair well with both seafood and steak.
• Beer selection – Including some regional or local options, along with domestic standards.
• Non-alcoholic beverages – Mocktails, sodas, iced tea, coffee, and more.

This is useful if you:

• Want a pre-event drink spot close to venues like State Farm Arena or the Tabernacle.
• Are hosting clients or colleagues from out of town and need a polished environment but central location.

Practical Tips for Using the Ray’s in the City Menu in Atlanta

Here are some Atlanta-specific ways to approach the menu so your visit fits your plans and your budget:

1. Think About Why You’re Downtown

• Before a game or concert:
  • Consider starters, sushi, and lighter seafood dishes so you’re not overfull walking to the arena or venue.
• Business lunch:
  • The soup, salad, and lunch entrée sections are usually the best balance of time and portion size.
• Special occasion dinner:
  • Look at seafood entrées, steaks, and a shared dessert to match the atmosphere.

2. Ask About Seasonal or Market Specials

Seafood menus in Atlanta often adjust based on what’s freshest. It can be helpful to ask:

• Which fish is being featured that night
• Whether any local or regional items are highlighted
• If there are chef specials that aren’t printed on the main menu

3. Consider Atlanta Traffic and Event Timing

Since Ray’s in the City is in downtown Atlanta, plan your meal around:

• Rush hour traffic if you’re driving in from Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs.
• Event start times at nearby venues; on big game or concert nights, it’s wise to:
  • Reserve earlier or later than the main rush when possible.
  • Order more straightforward menu items if you’re tight on time.

Locating Ray’s in the City in Atlanta

Ray’s in the City is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, within walking distance of:

• Peachtree Street hotels and offices
• MARTA rail stations serving downtown
• Major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the CNN Center

If you’re coming from:

• Midtown Atlanta – You can take MARTA or a short rideshare downtown.
• Buckhead – Factor in potential traffic on Peachtree or GA-400/I-85, especially at dinner.
• Suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Sandy Springs – Consider using MARTA from a park-and-ride, or leave early to allow for city-center congestion and parking.

For the current menu, hours, and reservations, it’s best to check directly with the restaurant by phone or through its official channels before you go, as items and availability can change.

How to Get the Most Out of the Ray’s in the City Menu in Atlanta

To make your visit smoother and better matched to your plans:

• ✅ Look up the latest menu the same day, since seafood offerings can rotate.
• ✅ Decide your “style” of meal in advance—full entrée, shareable small plates, sushi-focused, or steak-centric.
• ✅ Match your choices to your evening plans, especially if you’re pairing dinner with a downtown event.
• ✅ Ask about seasonal or chef specials, especially if you’re celebrating or want something beyond the standard items.

With this Atlanta-focused breakdown of the Ray’s in the City menu, you can walk into your reservation—or decide whether to make one—knowing what kind of dishes to expect, how the menu usually works, and how to align your meal with everything else you’re doing in downtown Atlanta.