Where to Eat Near the Omni Hotel Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Nearby Restaurants

Staying at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Downtown Atlanta puts you in the middle of some of the city’s biggest attractions—and a surprisingly wide range of places to eat. Whether you’re here for a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center, a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or a family trip to the Georgia Aquarium, you can easily find good food within a short walk or quick ride.

This guide focuses on restaurants near the Omni Hotel Atlanta and how to navigate your options like someone who knows the city well.

Getting Oriented: Where the Omni Hotel Atlanta Sits

The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is located in Downtown Atlanta, directly connected to State Farm Arena and across from Centennial Olympic Park. From the hotel, you’re within walking distance of:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• The SkyView Atlanta ferris wheel

Most nearby restaurants cluster in a few key pockets:

• Within CNN Center / connected complexes (good for quick, convenient meals)
• Centennial Olympic Park area (park-side spots and tourist-friendly options)
• Downtown streets near Peachtree St NW (more variety, from casual to business-lunch style)
• Short rides to surrounding neighborhoods like Midtown or Castleberry Hill (for more local-feeling experiences)

At-a-Glance: Food Options Near the Omni Hotel Atlanta

Restaurants Inside or Directly Connected to the Omni

If you’re pressed for time or don’t want to leave the building, there are usually food options inside the Omni and the connected CNN Center complex. These can change over time, but you can typically expect:

• Casual counter-service spots for burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks
• Coffee shops for espresso drinks, pastries, and light bites
• Hotel restaurants and lounges offering breakfast, more formal dinners, and room-service-style menus

These are best when:

• You’re attending an early-morning conference session
• Weather makes walking outside less appealing
• You have only a short break between meetings or events

Tip: 🕒 Check operating hours with the front desk or concierge; hours can shift around major events or game days.

Restaurants Around Centennial Olympic Park

Walk just outside the hotel and you’re right by Centennial Olympic Park, which is ringed with restaurants and bars. This area is especially convenient if you’re visiting the nearby attractions.

Family-Friendly & Tourist-Friendly Spots

Around the park, you’ll find:

• Sit-down American restaurants offering burgers, wings, salads, and kids’ menus
• Casual chains and grills that are popular with tourists and groups
• Dessert and ice cream spots for a treat after walking through the park or visiting the aquarium

These work well for:

• Families with kids who need straightforward menus and fast service
• Groups looking for predictable, familiar food
• Visitors who want to sit outside with a park view when the weather is nice

Good for Drinks and Game-Day Vibes

Game days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and events at State Farm Arena bring a lot of energy to the area. Around the park and on nearby streets you’ll usually find:

• Sports bars and grills with plenty of TVs
• Pub-style menus (wings, nachos, sliders, fries)
• Draft beer and cocktails geared toward pre- and post-game crowds

If you’re planning to eat before a big event:

• Expect it to be more crowded than usual
• Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before you really need to be at your seat
• Consider making a reservation if a restaurant offers it, especially on weekends

Downtown Atlanta Restaurants Within a Short Walk

Step a few blocks beyond the park and you’ll find more of everyday Downtown Atlanta, where office workers, students, and locals grab lunch and dinner during the week.

Quick Lunch and Casual Dinner Options

Within a 5–10 minute walk of the Omni, you can typically find:

• Sandwich and salad shops popular with the office crowd
• Pizza places for a fast slice or whole pies
• Cafés and coffee shops with soups, pastries, and grab-and-go items
• Casual international spots offering dishes like tacos, noodles, or Mediterranean plates

These are ideal if:

• You’re attending a convention and have limited time between sessions
• You want something less tourist-focused and more everyday local
• You’re staying several days and want variety without going far

Southern and Comfort-Food Style Restaurants

Downtown also has several spots leaning into Southern or comfort-style food, often with:

• Fried chicken, mac and cheese, and greens
• Shrimp and grits or other Southern-influenced dishes
• Hearty brunch and lunch plates on weekdays or weekends

These are good choices if you’re visiting from out of town and want a taste of Atlanta’s Southern side without leaving the downtown core.

Eating Near the Georgia World Congress Center and Stadiums

Many people staying at the Omni are in town for a conference, concert, or game. Nearby food options adjust around these schedules.

Before or After Events

When something major is happening at:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena

you’ll notice:

• Longer waits at nearby restaurants, especially those closest to the venues
• Restaurants offering simplified or event-focused menus to move diners quickly
• More bar-style, shareable dishes (wings, sliders, flatbreads)

Tips for planning:

• 🍽️ Early meals help – consider eating before typical rush times (e.g., late afternoon instead of right before a 7:30 p.m. event).
• 🧾 Ask about waitlists – many downtown restaurants will let you add your name by phone or in person.
• 🚶 Be flexible on location – walking just a few extra blocks can significantly reduce wait times.

Breakfast and Brunch Near the Omni

If you’re deciding between the hotel breakfast and nearby options, you have a few approaches.

In-Hotel vs. Nearby Breakfast

In the hotel or connected spaces, you’ll usually find:

• A hotel breakfast restaurant with buffet or plated options
• Coffee counters for pastries, yogurt, and quick items

Within a 5–10 minute walk, you can often find:

• Cafés and coffee shops serving breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and pastries
• Sit-down brunch spots (especially busier on weekends)

For business travelers:

• Many grab coffee and a light breakfast from spots close to their office or meeting venue rather than sitting for a full meal.

For families or leisure travelers:

• A sit-down breakfast or brunch near the park can be a nice start to a day of sightseeing, especially on weekends.

Late-Night Food Near the Omni Hotel Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is not a 24-hour food district, but there are still late-night possibilities.

You can often find:

• Hotel lounge or room service running later than most nearby restaurants
• Sports bars or grills near the park or stadiums staying open later on event nights
• Fast-food or quick-service spots within a reasonable walk or short ride

Expect:

• More options earlier in the night, with choices narrowing after about 10–11 p.m. on non-event weekdays
• Later hours on weekends and when major games, concerts, or conventions are in town

If you know you’ll be back late:

• Consider picking up snacks or a simple meal earlier in the evening and keeping it in your room.
• Check with the front desk; hotel staff are usually familiar with which nearby places are open late on a given night.

Taking a Short Ride for More Variety

If you’re staying several days or you’re a local meeting someone at the Omni, you may want to branch out. A short rideshare, taxi, or MARTA trip opens up more of Atlanta’s restaurant scene.

Midtown (North of Downtown)

About 10–15 minutes away, Midtown Atlanta offers:

• A wide range of international cuisines, from Asian and Latin American to Mediterranean and beyond
• Upscale and chef-driven restaurants for special occasions or food-focused outings
• Lively bar and patio scenes, especially along Peachtree Street and near Piedmont Park

Midtown is ideal if:

• You’ve already explored what’s near the Omni and want more variety
• You’re planning a date night or business dinner in a slightly more upscale environment

Castleberry Hill (Southwest of the Omni)

Just on the other side of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Castleberry Hill is a historic warehouse district with:

• Local bars and neighborhood eateries
• A more laid-back, artsy feel than the tourist-heavy park area
• Spots that often draw locals from nearby lofts and apartments

It can be a good option if you want something close to the Omni but less touristy, especially in the evening.

Practical Tips for Dining Near the Omni Hotel Atlanta

To make the most of your food options around the Omni:

• Check hours before you walk – Downtown restaurant hours can differ between weekdays, weekends, and event days.
• Plan around events – If there’s a big game, concert, or convention, assume nearby restaurants will be busier and plan earlier meals.
• Use the hotel staff as a resource – The front desk or concierge are usually up to date on which nearby spots are open, less crowded, or good for specific needs (kid-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, quiet for meetings).
• Consider walking a bit farther – Going just a few extra blocks into Downtown or toward the edges of the park can mean shorter waits and more local-feeling options.
• Account for traffic if you take a ride to Midtown or other neighborhoods—especially around rush hour or major events.

By staying at or meeting near the Omni Hotel Atlanta, you’re well-positioned for a mix of convenient hotel-adjacent options, park-side restaurants, and broader city dining just a short walk or ride away. Whether you need a fast bite between conference sessions or a more leisurely dinner after exploring Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown Atlanta gives you plenty of practical choices nearby.