Famous Restaurants in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Eat in the Heart of the City

Downtown Atlanta packs a surprising amount of dining into a relatively compact area. Whether you are catching a game at State Farm Arena, staying near Peachtree Street for work, or exploring Centennial Olympic Park, you are always close to some of the most famous restaurants in Atlanta.

Below is a practical guide to well-known spots in downtown Atlanta, what they are known for, and how to choose the right place for your meal or night out.

Quick Snapshot: Famous Downtown Atlanta Restaurants

Note: Some of these are just outside what locals might call the “strict” downtown grid, but they function as downtown dining anchors for workers, visitors, and event-goers.

Iconic Skyline & Special-Occasion Dining

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

• Location: Atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, near Peachtree St & Andrew Young International Blvd
• Vibe: Upscale, dressy-casual, “this is my view of Atlanta” experience

The Sun Dial is one of the most recognizable famous restaurants in downtown Atlanta because of its location in the cylindrical Westin tower. Diners go for:

• Panoramic city views of downtown, Midtown, and beyond
• A setting that works for anniversaries, celebrations, and business dinners
• Convenient access if you are staying in one of the major downtown hotels

If you are planning to eat here on a busy weekend, for a graduation, or during major conventions, reservations are strongly recommended. Locals often suggest timing your visit around sunset for the best atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Parking downtown can be expensive; if you are staying in a nearby hotel, walking or using MARTA is often easier than re-parking your car.

Classic Downtown Spots Near Hotels & Offices

Ray’s in the City

• Location: Near Peachtree St and Ellis St
• Vibe: Polished but not stuffy, popular with convention visitors

Ray’s in the City is widely known downtown for:

• Seafood and steak in a setting that works well for clients or out-of-town guests
• A central location that is walkable from many Peachtree Street hotels
• A menu that feels comfortable for mixed groups (business, family, or date night)

If you are attending a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center or staying near Peachtree Center, this is one of the better-known “safe choices” when someone asks, “Where can we grab a nice dinner nearby?”

Peachtree Center Food Court & Surrounding Spots

• Location: Around Peachtree Center Ave, indoors and street-level
• Vibe: Fast-casual, lunch-focused, office worker heavy on weekdays

While not a single “famous” restaurant, Peachtree Center is a well-known hub for:

• Quick lunch options if you work downtown or are heading to meetings
• Indoor walkways (the “skywalk” system) that help in bad weather
• A mix of chain and local spots, mostly aimed at daytime crowds

If you are staying downtown without a car, this is a reliable area to walk around and find fast, no-reservation food during the day. Evenings can be quieter, especially outside of events and peak tourist seasons.

Southern & Soul Food Institutions Close to Downtown

Paschal’s (Castleberry Hill / Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

• Location: 180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Vibe: Sit-down Southern and soul food, steeped in Atlanta history

Paschal’s is one of the most historically significant names associated with soul food in Atlanta:

• Connected with the Civil Rights Movement era
• Known for fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and other Southern staples
• Convenient if you are going to a Falcons game, United match, or big concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena

Many locals recommend planning around event times; on game days and concert nights, both parking and wait times can increase significantly.

Busy Bee Cafe (Short Trip from Core Downtown)

• Location: 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Vibe: Cozy, no-frills, iconic soul food spot

While not in the center of the skyscraper district, Busy Bee Cafe is frequently mentioned in conversations about famous Atlanta restaurants close to downtown:

• Known for fried chicken, Southern sides, and classic desserts
• Often has a wait during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends
• About a short drive or rideshare from downtown hotels and attractions

If you want a meal that feels like a local tradition rather than a tourist-only stop, many Atlantans point visitors toward Busy Bee at least once.

Pizza, Burgers, and Casual Crowd-Pleasers

Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria (Centennial Olympic Park Area)

• Location: Near Luckie St NW and Marietta St NW, close to the Georgia Aquarium and CNN Center
• Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, pre- and post-event spot

Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is known for:

• Coal-fired pizzas and Italian-American comfort food
• Being a go-to for groups visiting Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, or the College Football Hall of Fame
• A relaxed setting that works for kids, friends, and sports fans

If you are downtown for daytime sightseeing, this is a practical, well-known option where you can walk in (though big weekends and events can be busier).

CNN Center / State Farm Arena Vicinity

The area around State Farm Arena and the former CNN Center has historically offered:

• Sports-bar style restaurants for pre-game and post-game bites
• Quick spots where you can get burgers, wings, and drinks before walking into the arena
• Options that are more about convenience and energy than long, leisurely meals

When there is a major event, these places can be packed, so plan extra time for lines and service if you are trying to make tipoff or a show start.

Market-Style Dining & Local Flavor

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

• Location: 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (near Georgia State University and the MLK Jr. Historic District)
• Vibe: Indoor food market with multiple stalls and small eateries

Sweet Auburn Curb Market is a historic public market that has become known for:

• A range of food stalls offering everything from BBQ and burgers to global street food
• A mix of long-time local vendors and newer concepts
• A casual environment where you can walk around and sample different things

This is a good stop if:

• You have a group with different tastes or dietary needs
• You want something more local and low-key than a hotel restaurant
• You are already exploring the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park or Georgia State University area

Fine Dining & Date Night Near Downtown

Some of the city’s finest restaurants sit just beyond the strict downtown core but are still very convenient by car or rideshare. Many locals staying downtown will head slightly north toward Midtown or along major corridors for a more expansive dining scene.

While not all of these are technically within the downtown block grid, they are often treated as part of the broader “in-town” dining circuit for downtown visitors:

• Steak and seafood houses a short ride up Peachtree
• Upscale spots in nearby Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park that many hotel concierges recommend

If you are focused on walking only, you will still find solid date-night options within downtown itself, but for truly wide-ranging fine dining, consider whether a short rideshare broadens your options.

How to Choose the Right Famous Restaurant in Downtown Atlanta

When deciding where to eat downtown, it helps to narrow by:

1. Purpose of Your Visit

• Pre-game or pre-concert: Look near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Centennial Olympic Park (Max’s, nearby sports bars).
• Client or business dinner: Consider Ray’s in the City or high-floor views at The Sun Dial.
• “Real Atlanta” comfort food: Look toward Paschal’s or Busy Bee Cafe.

2. Transportation & Timing

Downtown Atlanta can be heavily influenced by events:

• Check if there are major games, concerts, or conventions the day you plan to eat out.
• If you are driving, factor in parking garages and walking time.
• If you are using MARTA, downtown stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, and GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center put you within walking distance of many well-known spots.

3. Budget & Atmosphere

• Budget-conscious: Food courts, Sweet Auburn Curb Market, and quick-service downtown options.
• Mid-range sit-down: Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, some Peachtree Center and Centennial Park–area restaurants.
• Special occasion:The Sun Dial, Ray’s in the City, and higher-end hotel restaurants around Peachtree Street.

Practical Tips for Dining in Downtown Atlanta

• Reservations:

  • Helpful or essential for Sun Dial, Ray’s in the City, and popular spots on weekend evenings or during major events.
  • Often not needed for lunch, but it can help if you are on a tight schedule.

• Parking:

  • Expect pay garages, lots, and limited street parking.
  • If you are already staying downtown, walking or using rideshare can be simpler than moving your car.

• Safety & Walking:

  • Most visitors and workers comfortably walk between downtown hotels, restaurants, and attractions, especially in daylight and early evening.
  • Like any large city, staying aware of your surroundings and sticking to well-lit, busier streets is recommended.

• Event Days:

  • Allow extra time for traffic, lines, and seating near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center.
  • Consider eating earlier than usual if you want a relaxed meal before a big event.

If you are staying, working, or sightseeing in the city center, downtown Atlanta offers more than enough famous restaurants and local institutions to fill a weekend—or a full week of meals—without leaving the neighborhood. Focusing on what kind of experience you want (skyline views, soul food history, casual pre-game, or polished seafood) will quickly point you to the right downtown spot.