Ray’s in the City: A Local Guide to This Downtown Atlanta Seafood Favorite

If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant in downtown Atlanta with a classic feel, city views, and a broad menu, Ray’s in the City is often one of the first names locals mention. This guide walks through what to expect, what to order, and how to make the most of a visit—whether you live in Atlanta or are here for a short stay.

Where Ray’s in the City Fits in Atlanta’s Seafood Scene

Atlanta isn’t a coastal city, but it has a strong seafood dining culture driven by:

• Fresh seafood shipped in daily from the Gulf and both coasts
• Upscale spots focused on business dinners and special occasions
• More casual neighborhood seafood houses scattered around the metro

Ray’s in the City sits firmly in the upscale, downtown category. It’s designed for:

• Pre-theater dinners near the Fox Theatre or downtown venues
• Business meals close to Peachtree Street offices and hotels
• Date nights and family celebrations
• Visitors staying in central Atlanta who want a polished seafood option

You’ll get a white tablecloth experience without the formality feeling over the top, which is a big part of its appeal for Atlantans who want something “nice” but not intimidating.

Location, Parking, and Practical Details

Ray’s in the City – Downtown Atlanta

• Neighborhood: Downtown / Peachtree Center area
• Typical setting: Street-level restaurant in the heart of the business district

Because this area can be confusing if you’re not used to downtown, it helps to plan:

Getting There

• From Midtown:

  • By car: Head south on Peachtree Street into downtown; expect one-way streets and heavier traffic at rush hours and event nights.
  • By MARTA: Take the Red or Gold Line to Peachtree Center Station; Ray’s in the City is typically a short walk from the station exits along Peachtree Street.

• From the Airport (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport):

  • MARTA’s Red/Gold line runs directly from the airport to Peachtree Center Station, which is usually the most straightforward option for visitors staying downtown.

Parking Tips

In the downtown core, you’ll find:

• Deck parking near Peachtree Street and surrounding blocks
• Hotel garages if you’re staying nearby
• Limited street parking (often metered and time-restricted)

Because of events at State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, or the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, parking prices can rise and decks may fill. For an evening reservation, it often helps to:

• Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes early to handle parking and walking
• Check whether your hotel offers walking directions or a shuttle to Peachtree Street

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Ray’s in the City is best described as classic American seafood dining with a city view vibe:

• Lighting: Dimmer, warm lighting suited for evening meals
• Dress: Ranges from business casual (downtown workers) to smart casual (date nights and theater-goers). Clean jeans and a nice shirt are common, but many guests dress up more.
• Noise level: Moderate—enough buzz for energy, quieter earlier in the evening and during weekday lunches.

For Atlantans, it’s the kind of place you might choose for:

• A client lunch or dinner
• A pre-show meal before the Fox Theatre
• Celebrating birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries
• Impressing out-of-town guests who want “Atlanta downtown” atmosphere

If you prefer a quiet dinner, consider earlier reservations, typically in the 5:00–6:00 p.m. range on busy nights.

The Menu: Seafood Focus with Classic Steakhouse Touches

Ray’s in the City functions as both a seafood restaurant and a steakhouse-style spot, which works well for mixed groups where not everyone wants fish. While the exact menu can change, you can expect a few broad categories.

Common Seafood Starters

You’ll typically find:

• Raw bar options such as oysters on the half shell (availability may vary)
• Shrimp-based appetizers (shrimp cocktail, sautéed shrimp, or Southern-style preparations)
• Crab cakes or other crab-focused starters
• Calamari and seasonal seafood small plates

For many Atlantans, sharing a few starters is a way to try multiple items during group dinners.

Main Courses: Fish, Shellfish, and More

You can usually expect:

• Grilled or seared fish (such as salmon or other rotating selections)
• Shellfish entrées, often including shrimp, scallops, or lobster-based dishes
• Seafood pastas or mixed platters highlighting multiple types of seafood

Most entrées come with:

• House sides (vegetables, potatoes, or rice)
• Options to add or substitute sides with other offerings

If you’re planning a business meal, these more classic entrées tend to be easy crowd-pleasers, avoiding overly experimental flavors while still feeling special.

For Non-Seafood Eaters

For a mixed group, it helps that Ray’s in the City usually offers:

• Steaks (filets, ribeye, or similar cuts)
• Chicken dishes
• Salads and vegetables that can function as lighter mains

That means you can confidently book it as a seafood house even with guests who rarely eat seafood.

Lunch vs. Dinner: How the Experience Changes

Many Atlanta restaurants feel very different at lunch and dinner, and Ray’s in the City is no exception.

Lunch in Downtown Atlanta

Lunch is especially useful for:

• Downtown office workers entertaining clients
• Visitors coming from the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or Centennial Olympic Park and looking for a nicer midday meal

Lunch menus are often:

• Slightly more simplified
• Geared toward time-conscious diners (45–60 minute visits)
• Priced somewhat lower for certain items compared to dinner entrées

If you have limited time between meetings, mention that to your server so they understand your timeline.

Dinner in the City

Dinner shifts the restaurant toward:

• Date nights and celebrations
• Pre- and post-event crowds from nearby venues
• Longer, multi-course meals

If you’re planning a pre-show dinner for the Fox Theatre or another downtown event:

• Make a reservation at least 1.5–2 hours before showtime
• Let your server know your curtain time so they can pace your meal

Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go

Downtown Atlanta’s restaurant demand spikes around:

• Weeknight business dinners
• Weekends
• Event nights (concerts, Hawks or Falcons games, conventions)

To avoid long waits:

• Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as major event nights.
• For walk-ins, arriving early in the dinner window (around opening time) usually offers better odds of getting seated quickly.

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, consider asking the concierge for:

• Directions and the best walking route
• Insight into event schedules that could make the area busier than normal

How Ray’s in the City Compares to Other Atlanta Seafood Options

Atlanta offers a spectrum of seafood experiences:

This makes Ray’s in the City a middle-to-high tier choice: polished enough for special occasions, but still accessible for regular Atlantans celebrating big life moments.

Dietary Preferences and Food Considerations

Like many full-service restaurants in Atlanta, Ray’s in the City typically works with guests on basic dietary preferences, especially if you mention them when you’re seated:

• Lighter preparations: Grilled fish with vegetables, simple salads
• Shellfish or fish aversions: Non-seafood entrées, steaks, or chicken options
• General ingredient questions: Servers can usually clarify how dishes are prepared

If anyone in your party has serious food allergies or strict requirements, it’s wise to:

• Call ahead and ask how the restaurant normally handles such requests
• Mention it again when seated so the server can coordinate with the kitchen

Making the Most of a Visit to Ray’s in the City

For Atlantans and visitors alike, a few planning tips can make your experience smoother:

1. Time your reservation around downtown traffic.

• Rush hour (roughly 4–7 p.m. on weekdays) can be slow in and around Peachtree Street. Build in extra time if you’re driving from Buckhead, Midtown, or the suburbs.

2. Use MARTA when it makes sense. 🚆

• For many visitors staying along Peachtree Street, MARTA to Peachtree Center Station can be easier than finding parking during big events.

3. Pair your meal with a downtown activity.

• Ray’s in the City works well before or after:
  • A show at the Fox Theatre
  • A visit to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or College Football Hall of Fame
  • A stroll around Centennial Olympic Park

4. Consider earlier dinners for a calmer environment.

• Early evening typically feels more relaxed and is often better for conversation-heavy business meetings or quieter date nights.

5. Communicate your needs.

• Let staff know about:
  • Show times or event start times
  • Larger groups or special occasions
  • Any food-related concerns or preferences

For anyone seeking a seafood-focused restaurant in the heart of Atlanta, Ray’s in the City offers a familiar, city-center option with a balance of seafood, steaks, and a classic downtown atmosphere. Planning around traffic, parking, and event schedules will help you enjoy it the way many Atlantans do: as a convenient, polished spot anchored right in the middle of the city.