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

Downtown Atlanta has quietly become one of the city’s most exciting places for a refined night out. Whether you’re planning a client dinner near the Georgia World Congress Center, a pre-show meal by the Fox Theatre, or a special celebration near Centennial Olympic Park, there are several upscale restaurants downtown that deliver polished service, elevated menus, and a true “night-on-the-town” feel.

Below is a guide to some of the best upscale restaurants in downtown Atlanta, what to expect at each, and practical tips for choosing and booking the right spot.

What “Upscale” Usually Means in Downtown Atlanta

When people in Atlanta say they’re looking for an upscale restaurant downtown, they usually mean places that offer:

• Full table service with knowledgeable staff
• Refined menus (often Southern, steakhouse, or globally inspired)
• Craft cocktails or well-curated wine lists
• Dressier atmosphere than a casual bar or fast-casual spot
• Reservations recommended—especially on weekends or event nights

Downtown’s upscale spots are clustered around:

• Centennial Olympic Park / State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Peachtree Street corridor
• Fairlie-Poplar Historic District
• Hotel lobbies and rooftop spaces close to major offices and attractions

Quick-Glance Guide to Upscale Downtown Atlanta Restaurants

(The specific venues below are examples of commonly recognized upscale options in and around downtown. Always confirm hours, dress expectations, and menus directly with the restaurant before you go.)

Upscale Steakhouses and Classic Business Spots

1. Downtown Steakhouses Near the Office Core

Around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and the Peachtree Center area, you’ll find several steakhouses and polished American restaurants that cater to office workers, legal professionals, and convention traffic. These spots typically feature:

• Prime steaks and seafood
• White-tablecloth or modern business-casual settings
• Private or semi-private rooms for meetings
• Strong wine and cocktail programs

These are good choices if you’re:

• Hosting a client dinner or team outing
• Looking for a place within walking distance of major office towers
• Wanting a dependable, traditional upscale experience (filet, ribeye, seafood towers, etc.)

☎ When booking:

• Call the restaurant’s main line (usually listed on their official site or reservation platforms) and ask about private dining or group menus if you have more than 6–8 guests.
• On nights when State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center has big events, plan for heavier traffic and make reservations earlier than usual.

Modern Southern & Contemporary American Dining

2. Refined Southern Near Centennial Olympic Park

In the blocks around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’ll find several upscale restaurants that put a modern spin on Southern and regional American cuisine.

Common features include:

• Menus spotlighting local produce, Gulf seafood, and Southern staples
• Elevated takes on classics like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and seasonal vegetables
• Stylish interiors with a mix of tourists, locals, and business travelers

These restaurants are ideal if you’re:

• Hosting out-of-town guests and want them to experience Atlanta flavors
• Planning a pre- or post-event dinner before a concert or game
• Looking for something more creative than a traditional steakhouse

🍽 Tip:
For pre-event meals, aim for a reservation 2–3 hours before showtime so you’re not rushed. Downtown traffic and security lines at stadiums can be unpredictable.

Hotel-Based Upscale Restaurants and Rooftops

3. Upscale Dining Inside Downtown Hotels

Several of downtown Atlanta’s higher-end hotels host upscale in-house restaurants that are open to the public. These are especially popular with:

• Convention attendees staying nearby
• Business travelers who want a quality meal without getting in a car
• Locals who appreciate predictable service and professional atmospheres

Common hotel-restaurant perks:

• Consistent quality and professional service
• Comfortable seating and quieter corners for conversation
• Often valet parking or easy access from common parking garages

Many of these hotel restaurants emphasize:

• Contemporary American menus
• Steak and seafood
• Elegant bars and cocktail lounges attached to the dining room

☎ Practical step:
If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, call the front desk or concierge and ask:

• “What’s your on-site upscale restaurant, and do I need a reservation this evening?”
  They can often help book a table or suggest nearby alternatives if the in-house restaurant is full.

4. Rooftop and View-Focused Upscale Options

While Midtown and Buckhead are better known for rooftop dining, downtown has a handful of rooftop lounges and restaurants attached to hotels or mixed-use buildings. These can be great if you want:

• Skyline views of downtown and the stadiums
• A more festive atmosphere with cocktails and small plates
• A photo-friendly spot for birthdays and visiting friends

These venues often lean toward:

• Dressy casual or “smart casual” dress codes
• Reservation-only or limited walk-in availability on weekend nights
• Later hours compared with traditional dining rooms

🎉 Tip:
On busy weekends and big event nights, rooftop spots can turn into standing-room-only bars. If you want a sit-down dinner, ask when you book whether they have table-service dining or if the experience is mostly lounge-style.

Upscale Restaurants Near Theaters and Attractions

5. Near the Fox Theatre and Midtown Edge

Strictly speaking, the Fox Theatre sits just into Midtown, but many Atlantans looking for upscale restaurants “downtown” are aiming for this broader central area. Near the Fox and along Peachtree Street NE, you’ll find several refined restaurants that focus on:

• Prix-fixe or pre-theater menus
• Seasonal American cuisine
• Intimate, romantic settings

These are strong choices if you:

• Have tickets to a show and want to walk from dinner to the theater
• Need a special-occasion spot that still feels convenient to downtown hotels and offices

⏰ Timing tip:
When you reserve on a show night, mention you’re seeing a performance at the Fox or another venue so staff can help pace the meal.

Dress Codes, Etiquette, and What to Expect

Dress Code: How Fancy Is “Upscale” in Downtown Atlanta?

Most upscale restaurants downtown fall into business casual or smart casual. Typical expectations:

• Men / masc-presenting guests: Collared shirt or dress shirt, nice jeans or slacks, closed-toe shoes. Jackets are welcomed but rarely required.
• Women / femme-presenting guests: Dresses, skirts, or stylish pants with blouses or tops; flats or heels.

Many restaurants discourage:

• Athletic wear or gym shorts
• Very casual flip-flops
• Extremely distressed clothing

If in doubt, call and ask:

Reservations and Wait Times

In downtown Atlanta, reservations are strongly recommended for upscale spots, especially:

• Thursday–Saturday evenings
• Nights with major events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center
• Holiday periods and large conventions

Reservation options usually include:

• Phone calls directly to the restaurant
• Online booking through common reservation platforms
• Requests for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries) noted in the booking comments

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying near Centennial Olympic Park, consider:

• Booking restaurants within a 5–10 minute walk of your hotel to avoid parking stress and rideshare delays.

Parking and Transportation for Upscale Downtown Dining

Parking Considerations

Downtown Atlanta can be busy, but with a little planning it’s manageable:

• Hotel restaurants often provide valet service or connected garages.
• Many standalone upscale restaurants validate parking in nearby Decks or garages; ask when booking.
• During events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, some decks switch to event pricing—confirm expected rates and timing.

If you’re driving, allow extra time to:

• Locate the correct entrance to tall parking garages
• Navigate one-way streets in the Fairlie-Poplar and Centennial Olympic Park areas

Public Transit and Rideshare

For many locals and visitors, using MARTA or rideshare is the simplest way to enjoy an upscale dinner without parking headaches.

Key downtown MARTA stations for upscale dining corridors:

• Peachtree Center Station (N1) – convenient to many office-core restaurants and nearby hotels
• Five Points Station (Five Points) – hub station; short walk to parts of Fairlie-Poplar
• Civic Center Station (N2) – helpful if you’re slightly north of the core, heading towards Midtown/Fox Theatre area

🚇 Tip:
Plan your train route in advance and check typical evening headways so you’re not rushed leaving the restaurant.

How to Choose the Right Upscale Restaurant Downtown

When you’re comparing upscale restaurants in downtown Atlanta, it helps to focus on a few key questions:

1. What’s the occasion?

   • Business dinner → Consider steakhouses or hotel-based restaurants with quieter spaces.
   • Romantic date → Look for intimate, dimly lit spaces, possibly with a view.
   • Group celebration → Ask about large tables, shared plates, or private dining rooms.

2. Where will you be before and after?

   • Near a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center? Choose something you can reach on foot.
   • Heading to a concert or game? Prioritize proximity to your venue and factor in security lines.
   • Coming from a downtown office? Look at Peachtree corridor spots reachable in a short walk.

3. What style of cuisine do you want?

   • Classic steak and seafood
   • Modern Southern / regional American
   • Mediterranean or globally inspired menus

4. What’s your comfort level with price?

   • Nearly all of these restaurants are on the higher end for Atlanta; check sample menus online ahead of time so there are no surprises.

Helpful Local Contacts and Info

While restaurants themselves can change names or concepts over time, these stable local resources can help you navigate the downtown dining scene:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 521-6600
  Can provide current lists of recommended downtown restaurants and help with group planning.

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning (for zoning / business districts)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3350
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 330-6070
  Useful if you’re researching the broader development of dining districts downtown.

For specific restaurants, it’s best to:

• Call the restaurant directly using the phone number on its official website.
• Confirm hours, menu highlights, dress expectations, and parking on the day of your visit, especially around large events.

Upscale restaurants in downtown Atlanta offer a strong mix of refined food, professional service, and city energy, all within reach of major offices, hotels, and attractions. With a clear sense of your occasion, preferred cuisine, and transportation plans, you can narrow your choices quickly and enjoy a smooth, memorable night out in the heart of Atlanta.