Best Upscale Restaurants in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Book Your Next Night Out

Downtown Atlanta has quietly become one of the city’s most interesting areas for upscale dining. Whether you’re staying near the Georgia World Congress Center, catching a game at State Farm Arena, or you live in one of the nearby high-rises, you’ll find everything from white-tablecloth steakhouses to sleek hotel restaurants and chef-driven Southern spots.

This guide focuses specifically on upscale restaurants in Downtown Atlanta (and the immediate surrounding core like Centennial Park District and Castleberry Hill) so you can plan a polished date night, business dinner, or special celebration without guessing.

What “Upscale” Means in Downtown Atlanta

When locals talk about upscale restaurants downtown, they usually mean places with:

• Refined menus (steaks, seafood, creative Southern, or globally inspired dishes)
• Thoughtful atmosphere (dim lighting, stylish décor, quieter than a sports bar)
• Professional service (reservations, host stand, attentive servers)
• Higher price point (most entrées typically in the mid to upper range)

Dress codes in Atlanta are usually smart casual:

• Button-downs or nice tops, slacks, dresses, or upscale jeans with good shoes
• Jerseys and flip-flops are often out of place, especially at night

Downtown also has many casual spots, but this list sticks to places that feel elevated enough for meetings, anniversaries, and pre-show dinners.

Quick Overview: Notable Upscale Restaurants in Downtown Atlanta

Use this as a starting point, then narrow down by vibe, location, and parking.

Upscale Steakhouses and Classic Fine Dining

If you want white-tablecloth service, big steaks, and polished cocktails, Downtown Atlanta offers several options, many within walking distance of hotels and major venues.

Traditional Steakhouse Experiences

These spots are popular with business travelers, convention groups, and special-occasion dinners:

• Steak-focused restaurants near Peachtree Center and Centennial Park
  You’ll find multiple classic American steakhouses in and just around downtown, often located inside or next to major hotels. They typically offer:

  • Prime cuts of beef (filet, ribeye, New York strip)
  • Large seafood options (lobster tails, raw bar, crab cakes)
  • Extensive wine lists and classic martinis
  • Private or semi-private rooms for corporate events

  Many are within a short walk or quick rideshare of:

  • Peachtree Center office and hotel complex
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

💡 Local tip: If you’re headed to a big event (Falcons, Hawks, or a concert), aim for a reservation at least 90 minutes before start time. Traffic and parking around the stadiums can be intense.

Modern Southern & New American Upscale Spots

Atlanta shines when chefs reinterpret Southern flavors in a modern way. Downtown is no exception, especially near Centennial Olympic Park and the hotel corridors.

Elevated Southern-Inspired Restaurants

Look for menus that feature:

• Local ingredients with Southern touches
• Modern takes on fried chicken, shrimp and grits, pimento cheese, collard greens, and biscuits
• Seasonal vegetable sides and creative small plates
• Sophisticated cocktails featuring bourbon, rye, and regional flavors

These restaurants are ideal if you want something that feels like Atlanta, not just any big city. Many locals pick these spots for:

• Date nights for couples who live in Midtown or Old Fourth Ward but want a different scene
• Pre-show dinners before a performance at the Fox Theatre (a short drive up Peachtree) or a concert downtown
• Impressing out-of-town guests with “Atlanta-style” food that’s a step above casual soul food

Hotel Restaurants Worth Visiting (Even If You’re Local)

Downtown Atlanta’s big hotels (especially along Peachtree Street and around Centennial Olympic Park) host some surprisingly good upscale restaurants. These are not just for tourists:

Why Local Diners Use Hotel Restaurants

• Consistent quality: Large hotels tend to keep chefs, service standards, and menus at a consistent level.
• Convenience: Easy parking (valet or connected garages), plus close to MARTA stations like Peachtree Center and Five Points.
• Extended hours: Many serve later than independent spots, especially on weekends and during large conventions.

In these hotel-based restaurants, you’ll typically find:

• Modern American menus with steaks, seafood, and vegetarian options
• Lunchtime business-appropriate settings (quiet enough to talk)
• Bar seating for solo diners who want something upscale but not formal

If you live in Atlanta, these can be smart choices when:

• You want a reliable brunch downtown before or after visiting the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola
• You’re meeting someone flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and staying downtown
• You prefer valet instead of street parking

Scenic and Special-Occasion Dining Downtown

Some of downtown’s restaurants deliver more than just good food – they offer views, architecture, or a unique setting that sets the tone for celebrations.

Restaurants With Standout Atmospheres

You’ll find:

• Rooftop or high-floor dining rooms

  • Panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, especially beautiful at sunset
  • Often a more lounge-like, cocktail-forward experience, with shareable plates

• Historic or repurposed buildings

  • Loft-style interiors in areas like Castleberry Hill
  • Exposed brick, art on the walls, and a more creative, neighborhood feel

These are prime picks for:

• Anniversaries and birthdays
• Out-of-town guests who want city views with their meal
• Romantic nights that feel different from the standard hotel-restaurant setting

🎉 Planning tip: Many of these restaurants honor special-occasion notes in your reservation (like birthdays or anniversaries). Include that information when booking if a small dessert or acknowledgement matters to you.

Best Areas Downtown to Focus Your Search

Instead of chasing a specific name, it helps to know which pockets of downtown tend to have upscale options clustered together.

1. Peachtree Center and the Core of Downtown

Roughly centered on Peachtree Street NE and surrounding blocks, this area has:

• Major hotels, office buildings, and MARTA access
• Several steakhouses and polished American restaurants
• Upscale hotel dining rooms ideal for business lunches and dinners

Who it’s best for:

• Business travelers staying in the immediate area
• Locals meeting coworkers from midtown or the suburbs
• Anyone wanting easy access by MARTA (Peachtree Center Station)

2. Centennial Olympic Park / State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Centennial Park District is popular for people going to:

• Sports games and big concerts
• Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Dining here leans toward:

• Upscale casual – modern menus, good bar programs, nice interiors
• Pre- and post-event crowds, so reservations are important on game and event nights
• Walkable options if you’re staying at a hotel around the park

Best for:

• Pre-game and pre-concert dinners
• Out-of-town visitors combining attractions with a nice meal
• Locals who want a more energetic atmosphere on weekends

3. Castleberry Hill

Just southwest of the core, Castleberry Hill is an artsy, loft-filled district.

Expect:

• A smaller number of restaurants, but a distinct, creative feel
• Upscale spots that blend Southern, global, or modern American flavors
• A more neighborhood-style experience than the convention district

Best for:

• Date nights for locals looking beyond Midtown and Inman Park
• Small groups who appreciate an urban, gallery-district vibe
• Pairing dinner with a walk through the neighborhood’s murals and historic buildings

Practical Tips for Dining at Upscale Restaurants Downtown

1. Reservations Are Often Essential

Demand in downtown can spike due to:

• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Games and shows at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Large corporate events at nearby hotels

To avoid long waits:

• Book online early, especially Thursday–Saturday evenings
• If you’re flexible, consider earlier seatings (5:00–6:30 p.m.) for same-day availability
• For large parties (6+ people), call the restaurant directly to ask about group policies

2. Parking, MARTA, and Getting Around

Downtown Atlanta is manageable once you know your options:

• MARTA rail

  • Peachtree Center, Five Points, and GWCC/CNN Center stations put you near many upscale restaurants.
  • Useful if you want to avoid parking fees and traffic.

• Parking garages and surface lots

  • Common near Centennial Olympic Park, around Peachtree Street, and by the stadiums.
  • Rates increase for major events, so budget extra time and cost.

• Valet parking

  • Available at many hotel-based restaurants and higher-end venues.
  • Convenient if you’re dressed up and don’t want to walk far at night.

🚗 Local tip: On nights with major events, consider parking a little outside the stadium zone (or taking MARTA) and walking 5–10 minutes to your restaurant.

3. Dress Code and Atmosphere

Most upscale downtown spots are:

• Smart casual: nice jeans or slacks, dresses, skirts, button-downs, or polished tops
• Jackets and ties are rarely required but won’t look out of place at finer steakhouses

To fit in comfortably:

• Avoid athletic wear, team jerseys, flip-flops, and overly casual outfits, especially after 6 p.m.
• If you’re unsure, calling ahead and asking about dress expectations works well.

4. Timing Around Events and Attractions

If you’re planning to eat near:

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Fox Theatre (technically Midtown but close enough to pair with a downtown meal)

Keep in mind:

• Kitchens can get slammed 60–90 minutes before showtime
• Some restaurants may offer a shortened event menu to handle crowds faster
• To linger over dinner, pick a reservation two or more hours before the event, or plan to eat after (kitchens in hotel restaurants often stay open later)

How to Choose the Right Upscale Restaurant for Your Occasion

When scanning options in Downtown Atlanta, narrow your search by:

1. Purpose of the meal

• Business dinner: Look for quieter spaces, private rooms, and refined service.
• Romantic date night: Seek mood lighting, strong dessert and wine lists, and scenic or intimate spaces.
• Group celebration: Ask about set menus, group seating, and noise levels.

2. Food preferences

• Steak & seafood for traditional fine dining
• Modern Southern for a sense of place
• Global or New American for adventurous palates and sharable plates
• Check menus for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-friendly options if needed.

3. Location & logistics

• Staying near Centennial Park? Focus there to enjoy a short walk.
• Coming by MARTA? Target restaurants near Peachtree Center, Five Points, or GWCC/CNN Center stations.
• Driving from the suburbs? Look for easy garage or valet parking and verify event nights that may slow traffic.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, downtown’s upscale restaurant scene offers more variety and quality than many expect. By focusing on the right districts, planning for parking and timing, and matching the restaurant’s style to your occasion, you can reliably find a spot that feels special—whether it’s a polished steakhouse, a creative Southern kitchen, or a skyline-view destination in the heart of the city.