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 SpotExample Nearby Area / VenueApprox. Distance from HiltonGood For
Food hall / quick eatsPeachtree Center Food Court~5–10 min walkFast, casual, variety
Southern / local flavorDowntown & Castleberry Hill~10–15 min walk / short rideComfort food, soul food
Upscale diningMidtown Peachtree Corridor~5–10 min drive / MARTABusiness dinners, date nights
Sports & bar foodAround State Farm Arena / CNN~15–20 min walk / short rideGames, wings, burgers
Coffee & light bitesDowntown coffee shops~5–10 min walkBreakfast, 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:

  1. Distance & Time

    • Walking vs. quick ride vs. MARTA
    • How much time you have between meetings, events, or tours
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. 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.