Your Guide to Restaurants Near Hilton Atlanta in Downtown
Staying at the Hilton Atlanta on Courtland Street and looking for something great to eat nearby? You’re in a prime spot. The hotel sits right between Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, with easy access to classic Southern food, quick grab-and-go options, and higher-end dining—all within a short walk or a quick ride.
Below is a practical guide to restaurants near Hilton Atlanta, organized by walking distance, cuisine type, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Quick Orientation: Where You’re Eating
Hilton Atlanta is located at:
- Hilton Atlanta
255 Courtland St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-2000
From here, you’re close to:
- Peachtree Center (food court + sit-down places)
- Downtown attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park)
- A short ride to Midtown (more nightlife and trendy restaurants)
Most of the options below are either:
- Walkable (5–15 minutes), or
- A short rideshare or MARTA trip from the hotel.
At-a-Glance: Popular Restaurant Options Near Hilton Atlanta
| Type of Spot | Example Nearby Area / Venue | Approx. Distance from Hilton | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food hall / quick eats | Peachtree Center Food Court | ~5–10 min walk | Fast, casual, variety |
| Southern / local flavor | Downtown & Castleberry Hill | ~10–15 min walk / short ride | Comfort food, soul food |
| Upscale dining | Midtown Peachtree Corridor | ~5–10 min drive / MARTA | Business dinners, date nights |
| Sports & bar food | Around State Farm Arena / CNN | ~15–20 min walk / short ride | Games, wings, burgers |
| Coffee & light bites | Downtown coffee shops | ~5–10 min walk | Breakfast, remote work, meetings |
Walkable Options From Hilton Atlanta
If you don’t want to get in a car, you still have solid choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Peachtree Center: Food Court and Casual Dining
Distance: About a 5–10 minute walk via indoor and street-level routes, depending on which tower or section you’re heading to.
What to expect:
- A mix of fast-casual and counter-service restaurants, often open on weekdays and during convention/event times.
- Common options include:
- Sandwich and salad spots
- Asian and Latin-inspired quick service
- Pizza, burgers, and comfort-food counters
- Good for:
- Office workers and convention attendees
- Groups where everyone wants something different
- Quick meals between meetings or sightseeing
👉 Tip: Hours can be lighter on weekends and evenings, so it’s smart to check current hours at the concierge desk or by phone before walking over.
Casual Sit-Down Options in Downtown
Within about a 10–15 minute walk, you’ll find several casual, sit-down restaurants clustered around:
- Peachtree Street NE
- Near Centennial Olympic Park
- Around State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center
Common downtown options you’re likely to find include:
American grills and bar-and-grill style spots
Burgers, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and shareable appetizers.Pizza and Italian-inspired menus
Good for groups, families, and relaxed dinners.Tex-Mex and Latin flavors
Tacos, bowls, nachos, margaritas, and casual happy-hour options.
These restaurants typically cater to:
- Business travelers
- Families visiting the aquarium or World of Coca-Cola
- Sports and concert crowds
👉 Good to know: If the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, or a major concert is in town, wait times and crowds can spike, especially near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Southern, Soul Food, and “Atlanta-Style” Eats
If you’re in Atlanta, you may want to prioritize getting some Southern cooking close to your hotel.
Southern & Comfort Food Near Downtown
Within a short rideshare or quick drive (usually 5–10 minutes), you can reach areas known for:
Southern comfort food
Fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, cornbread, and seasonal vegetables.Soul food and meat-and-three style plates
A protein with a choice of sides—common in the South and widely available around metro Atlanta.BBQ joints
Smoked meats, ribs, pulled pork or chicken, plus classic sides like baked beans and slaw.
Neighborhoods and clusters to consider:
Castleberry Hill (just south of Downtown)
Often has local restaurants and lounges with Southern influence and casual-to-upscale vibes.Edgewood / Old Fourth Ward (short ride east)
Known more for nightlife and bars, with several places that feature Southern-inspired menus and brunch.
👉 Tip: If you want a “locals feel,” ask hotel staff or rideshare drivers where they go for soul food or BBQ—many Atlantans have a personal favorite, and several of those are a short ride from Hilton Atlanta.
Upscale & Business-Friendly Dining Near Hilton Atlanta
If you’re planning a business dinner, client meeting, or date night, you’ll likely head a little north into Midtown or stay at higher-end spots around Downtown.
Midtown Atlanta (Short Ride or MARTA Trip)
Travel from Hilton:
- About 5–10 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic.
- Or take MARTA from Peachtree Center Station north toward Midtown stations (like Midtown or Arts Center).
In Midtown, you’ll typically find:
Upscale American and New American restaurants
Seasonal menus, small plates, steaks, seafood, and inventive sides.Global cuisine
Italian, Asian fusion, sushi, Mediterranean, Indian, and more.Wine- and cocktail-focused spots
Great for after-work drinks, pre-theater dinners (near the Fox Theatre), and weekend evenings.
These restaurants are often:
- Popular with local professionals
- Ideal for corporate dinners and special occasions
- Busier on Thursday–Saturday evenings and on nights with shows at the Fox Theatre
Sports Bars, Pub Food, and Game-Day Eating
If you’re in town for a game or just want a laid-back spot to watch one, the area around State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and CNN Center is your best bet.
Game-Day Friendly Areas
Distance from Hilton Atlanta:
Typically a 15–20 minute walk or a shorter car ride, depending on your route and event-day road closures.
Typical options include:
Sports bars with big screens
Wings, burgers, nachos, sliders, bar snacks.Casual American restaurants
Sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and shareable bites.Grab-and-go spots inside arenas/stadiums
Hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, fries, and local favorites.
👉 Tips for game days and big events:
- Plan extra time for walking or rideshare—traffic can be heavy.
- Many restaurants limit reservations around big events and may switch to simplified menus.
- If you want a guaranteed seat near the game, arrive early (1–2 hours before).
Breakfast, Brunch, and Coffee Near Hilton Atlanta
Whether you’re heading to a conference or out to the aquarium, it helps to know where to grab something in the morning.
Breakfast Options
Near Hilton Atlanta, you’ll commonly find:
Hotel restaurants or lobby cafes
Breakfast buffets, sit-down menus, or a quick coffee-and-pastry setup.Coffee shops within a 5–10 minute walk
Along Peachtree Street and in office buildings, you can usually find:- Espresso drinks
- Basic breakfast sandwiches
- Pastries or baked goods
Southern-style breakfast / brunch spots (short ride away)
Common offerings include:- Chicken and waffles
- Shrimp and grits
- Biscuits, gravy, and breakfast skillets
Brunch Culture in Atlanta
Brunch is a big deal in Atlanta, especially on weekends. In areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park, you’ll likely find:
- Long lines late morning to early afternoon
- Menus with Southern twists on classic brunch dishes
- Cocktail-forward options like mimosas and creative brunch drinks
If you’re staying at Hilton Atlanta and want a popular brunch spot, consider:
- Taking a rideshare to a brunch-focused neighborhood (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown).
- Booking a reservation where available, especially for groups.
Options for Special Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free
Atlanta has increasingly strong choices for plant-based and special-diet eating, though you may need to head slightly outside the immediate Downtown core for the most variety.
Near Hilton Atlanta and Downtown
Many downtown and Midtown restaurants now:
Mark vegetarian and vegan dishes on menus
(such as grain bowls, salads, veggie burgers, and pasta dishes).Offer gluten-conscious options
Such as bunless burgers, salads, certain proteins, and gluten-free sides.Are open to modifying dishes
Swapping sides, holding cheese, or adjusting sauces.
When you sit down, you can:
- Ask your server what veg-friendly or gluten-sensitive options are available.
- Mention any allergies or strict dietary needs clearly at the start of the order.
Plant-Forward Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in and around Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and along the BeltLine often have:
- Dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants
- Health-focused cafes and juice bars
- Menus designed with dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-based options clearly labeled
These areas are typically a short rideshare away from Hilton Atlanta.
How to Choose the Right Restaurant Near Hilton Atlanta
When you’re deciding where to eat, it helps to think about:
Distance & Time
- Walking vs. quick ride vs. MARTA
- How much time you have between meetings, events, or tours
Vibe
- Casual and quick (Peachtree Center, food court, coffee shops)
- Family-friendly (pizza, casual American, BBQ)
- Upscale / business-appropriate (Midtown, select downtown spots)
- Lively / nightlife (Midtown, Edgewood, West Midtown)
Cuisine
- If you want a “taste of Atlanta”, focus on:
- Southern comfort food
- Soul food
- BBQ
- For variety, Midtown and the Eastside neighborhoods offer a wide range of global cuisines.
- If you want a “taste of Atlanta”, focus on:
Crowds & Events
- Check if there’s a game, concert, or large convention near your destination.
- Around State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, expect heavier crowds and possible waits.
Practical Tips for Dining Near Hilton Atlanta
Use the hotel concierge or front desk:
Staff often have up-to-date suggestions and know which nearby restaurants are open late or can handle large groups.Consider MARTA for Midtown:
From Peachtree Center Station, you can ride north for quick access to Midtown restaurants without worrying about parking.Check hours, especially on weekends and late nights:
Some downtown spots cater mainly to office workers and may have reduced evening or weekend hours, while others are busiest at night and on event days.Make reservations for popular spots:
This is especially true for:- Weekend brunch
- Upscale Midtown dinners
- Restaurants near major attractions on busy days
Staying at Hilton Atlanta puts you within easy reach of a wide range of restaurants, from quick conference-friendly meals to memorable Southern dinners and special-occasion spots. With Downtown, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods so close, you can adjust your dining plans to fit your schedule, budget, and the kind of Atlanta food experience you want.
