Revolving Restaurant Atlanta: Where To Go Now That the Sun Dial Has Stopped Spinning

If you search for a revolving restaurant in Atlanta, you’re almost certainly thinking of the famous Sun Dial Restaurant atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza. For years, it slowly rotated above downtown, giving diners a 360° view of the city.

Today, that’s changed.

The Sun Dial no longer revolves, and as of the latest information, Atlanta does not currently have an operating fully rotating restaurant like some other cities do. But you can still get incredible skyline views, special-occasion dining, and unique experiences that scratch the same itch.

This guide walks you through:

• What happened to Atlanta’s revolving restaurant
• What the Sun Dial offers now
• The best alternatives for skyline views and “wow factor” dining
• Practical tips on reservations, dress codes, and parking around downtown and Midtown

Does Atlanta Still Have a Revolving Restaurant?

In daily conversation, people still say “the revolving restaurant in Atlanta.” But:

• The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

  • Used to rotate; the floor slowly turned so guests got a full view without leaving their seats.
  • The rotation function was disabled and, based on publicly available information, has not been reactivated.

• As of now, no public restaurant in Atlanta offers an active revolving platform.

So if your question is “Where is the revolving restaurant in Atlanta?” the honest answer is:

The Sun Dial Restaurant: What To Expect Today

Even without rotation, the Sun Dial remains the closest thing Atlanta has to a revolving restaurant experience.

Location & Basics

• Name: Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
• Location: Top floors of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel
• Address: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta

You ride a high-speed elevator to the top of one of the city’s most recognizable towers and step out into a ring of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, Midtown, and the wider metro area on a clear day.

Atmosphere & Experience

You can expect:

• Panoramic city views rather than actual rotation
• A more formal, special-occasion feel (birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, celebratory dinners before a show or game)
• A mix of locals and visitors, especially around conventions, major concerts, and sports events
• A restaurant and bar setup, with dining areas plus a more casual lounge-style space depending on the current layout and operations

Menus and concepts can evolve, but the general style is upscale American/modern cuisine with emphasis on presentation and the view.

Reservations, Dress & Timing

Because it’s often treated as a destination:

• Reservations:

  • Strongly recommended for dinner and weekend evenings.
  • Walk-ins may be possible but can involve a wait, especially during events near State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

• Dress code:

  • Generally smart casual to dressy.
  • Many diners wear nicer jeans with a button-down or blouse, or dressier attire for celebrations.
  • Athletic gear, overly casual beachwear, and very worn clothing are often discouraged at upscale spots like this.

• Best time to go for views:

  • Just before sunset: you see daylight, sunset colors, and the city lights turning on.
  • Clear evenings offer the most dramatic skyline, but even cloudy days can be atmospheric.

Parking & Getting There

Being in downtown Atlanta, you have several options:

• Hotel/garage parking:

  • The Westin Peachtree Plaza typically offers self-park or valet in its attached or nearby garages (fees apply and can be higher during events).

• MARTA:

  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line) is the closest rail stop.
  • From there, it’s a short indoor/outdoor walk through the Peachtree Center complex.

• Rideshare:

  • Convenient if you’re staying in another area like Buckhead, Midtown, or the Atlanta Airport district and want to avoid downtown parking.

Top Alternatives to a Revolving Restaurant in Atlanta

If your main goal is a “wow” view, a memorable dining experience, or a skyline photo-op, Atlanta offers several strong options even though none of them revolve.

1. High-Rise & Rooftop Restaurants With Views

These spots don’t spin, but they deliver the same sense of being above the city that people looked for in the revolving restaurant.

Some commonly sought-out categories and areas include:

• Midtown Rooftops

  • Rooftops in Midtown often give you a direct view into the downtown skyline plus neighborhood lights.
  • Many are above hotels or mixed-use buildings near Peachtree St NE, 14th St, and Spring St.
  • Expect a mix of indoor/outdoor seating, city views, and more of a cocktail-forward, social vibe.

• Downtown Rooftops

  • Close to Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • Great for pre-game or post-show drinks and small bites with stadium and skyline views.

• Buckhead High-Rise Dining

  • Buckhead’s high-rises offer views over north Atlanta and, on a clear day, back toward Midtown and downtown.
  • Many high-floor restaurants here feel luxurious and are popular for special-occasion dinners.

When searching online, look for phrases like:

• “Atlanta rooftop restaurant Midtown”
• “Atlanta skyline view restaurant downtown”
• “Buckhead high-rise dining”

Checking recent photos and reviews can help you confirm whether the view and vibe match what you hoped a revolving restaurant would provide.

2. Scenic Bars & Lounges With City Views

If you’re more interested in drinks with a view than a full multi-course meal, consider:

• Hotel rooftop bars around Peachtree Center, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Lounges on upper floors of hotels around Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Cocktail bars with outdoor terraces overlooking Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline

These spaces tend to:

• Be more flexible on dress code
• Offer small plates or bar snacks instead of full dinners
• Frequently host sunset crowds who want photos and a relaxed vibe

3. Non-Restaurant Ways To Get a 360° View of Atlanta

If your real goal is a 360-degree view rather than the restaurant itself, Atlanta has several attractions that serve that purpose.

Popular Viewpoint Attractions

Examples include:

• Piedmont Park (Midtown)

  • Stand on the lake side and look back toward Midtown for one of Atlanta’s most photographed skyline views.

• Public plazas and hotel lobbies with upper-level windows

  • Some downtown and Midtown buildings have accessible floors or lobbies with elevated vantage points. Always follow posted rules about public access.

These spaces won’t offer a meal, but pairing a visit with a nearby restaurant or café can give you an evening that still feels like a special “see the city from above” experience.

When a Revolving Restaurant Might Not Be the Best Fit

Many people come to Atlanta looking for a revolving restaurant because they want something unique and memorable—but aren’t always sure what to expect. A few points to keep in mind:

• Motion sensitivity:

  • Some diners at rotating venues elsewhere find the slow movement disorienting. Choosing a stationary high-view restaurant in Atlanta avoids this issue entirely.

• View vs. food trade-off:

  • In many cities, revolving restaurants are more about the view than the food quality. In Atlanta, you can often get both by choosing a high-floor or rooftop restaurant with a strong culinary reputation.

• Family-friendliness:

  • High-rise or rooftop venues can vary: some feel more like adult date-night spots, while others are amenable to families. If you’re bringing kids, look for restaurants that clearly welcome families and avoid late-night lounge atmospheres.

How to Choose the Best “Revolving Restaurant Alternative” for Your Plans

Instead of focusing only on the spinning aspect (which Atlanta doesn’t currently offer), think about what matters most for your visit.

1. If You Want a Romantic, “Only in Atlanta” Night

Consider:

• Sun Dial for the iconic downtown skyscraper setting
• A Midtown rooftop with a clear skyline view and craft cocktails
• A Buckhead high-rise restaurant for a more intimate, upscale feel

Key tips:

• Book a sunset reservation.
• Ask for a window table when you reserve (not guaranteed, but often noted).
• Allow extra travel time if there’s a game or event downtown.

2. If You’re Entertaining Out-of-Town Guests

You might:

• Combine Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, or the World of Coca‑Cola with dinner at an elevated downtown or Midtown restaurant.
• Ride MARTA to Peachtree Center or Midtown and walk to a spot with views, so guests get a feel for the city layout.

Focus on places with:

• Easy access from major hotels
• Recognizable skyline views for photos
• Straightforward parking or transit options

3. If You’re on a Budget but Still Want a View

You don’t have to spend heavily on a tasting menu:

• Look for rooftop bars with no cover (or minimal cover), then order a drink and maybe one shared appetizer.
• Visit parks and outdoor overlooks like Piedmont Park right before sunset, then grab a more affordable meal at a nearby Midtown or Old Fourth Ward restaurant at street level.

Practical Planning Tips for View-Focused Dining in Atlanta

To make the most of your “revolving restaurant” style evening in Atlanta:

• Check hours and operations in advance.

  • Hours and concepts can change, especially in hotel-based venues. Calling the restaurant or checking their most recent info before you go helps avoid surprises.

• Ask about seating options.

  • Some places separate dining-room seating from bar or lounge seating. If a city view is a priority, mention that when you make a reservation.

• Plan transportation with traffic in mind.

  • Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead can be congested around rush hour and event times.
  • MARTA is often a smart choice if you’re staying near a rail station and visiting downtown or Midtown.

• Be flexible about weather.

  • Rooftop and terrace-heavy spots may adjust seating for rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. Indoor high-floor restaurants like the Sun Dial are more weather-proof.

If your search began with “revolving restaurant Atlanta,” the city no longer offers a spinning dining room—but it does offer panoramic views, skyline dining, and memorable high-rise experiences. By focusing on view, atmosphere, and location, you can still plan a night that feels just as special as a revolving restaurant would have, with the bonus of more options that fit your style and budget.