The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable dining landmarks: a high-rise spot with seafood, steaks, cocktails, and sweeping views of the city skyline. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting downtown, or are planning a special night out, it helps to understand what the Sun Dial actually offers now, how it works, and what to expect.

Where the Sun Dial Is and What Makes It Unique

The Sun Dial sits at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel in downtown Atlanta:

• Address: 210 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Location context: In the heart of downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Peachtree Center MARTA Station.

What makes it stand out:

• Skyline and sunset views over Midtown, Buckhead, and west Atlanta
• A high-floor restaurant and bar with a focus on seafood and upscale American dishes
• A setting often used for anniversaries, date nights, and special occasion dinners

The Sun Dial has historically been known for a rotating dining room; rotation policies have changed at times, so it’s wise to check current details directly with the restaurant or hotel before you set expectations for your visit.

Atmosphere and Dining Style

Vibe and dress code

Sun Dial is generally considered upscale but approachable:

• Typical dress: smart casual (collared shirts, dresses, nice jeans, or slacks)
• Less common: very casual clothes like athletic wear or beachwear
• Common occasions: birthdays, proposals, business dinners, pre-show meals before events downtown

It’s not the kind of place most Atlantans pop into after a Falcons game in a jersey, but it’s also not so formal that you need a suit or evening gown unless you want to dress up.

Layout: Restaurant, bar, and view

Expect three main experiences in the space:

1. Restaurant (dining area)

   • Table-service seating
   • Full food menu, including seafood entrées, steaks, and shareable starters
   • Often the best choice for a full meal or celebration

2. Bar & Lounge

   • More relaxed seating
   • Cocktails, wine, beer, and a smaller selection of bar bites
   • Good for a drink with a view before or after an event downtown

3. Observation-style views

   • Large windows on all sides
   • Views of downtown towers, Midtown skyline, and (on clear days) the surrounding metro area

Seafood at The Sun Dial: What You Can Typically Expect

While the Sun Dial is not a pure seafood house like some coastal-focused restaurants, seafood is a central part of the menu. You can usually expect:

Common seafood options

Menus change over time, but examples of what Atlantans often find:

• Fish entrées such as seared salmon or seasonal white fish, often with Southern or modern American sides
• Shellfish such as shrimp dishes or scallops
• Seafood starters like crab cakes or seafood-based small plates
• Raw or chilled items may appear depending on the current menu

If you are specifically seeking a wide raw bar or ultra-casual seafood boil, Sun Dial is more of a refined, plated seafood experience than a beach-style seafood joint.

Quality and style

Dishes tend to be:

• Presentation-focused, with careful plating and garnishes
• Influenced by Southern flavors (for example, pairing seafood with grits, seasonal vegetables, or regional sauces)
• Balanced with non-seafood options like steaks, poultry, and vegetarian dishes, so it works well for mixed groups

Because menus change seasonally, it’s smart to:

• Call ahead or check the most current menu if you have your heart set on a particular seafood item
• Mention food allergies or shellfish concerns when you reserve or when you arrive

Price Range and Value Considerations

Dining at the Sun Dial is typically considered premium-priced by Atlanta standards, reflecting the combination of:

• Skyline views
• Downtown high-rise setting
• Upscale dining format

You can expect:

• Entrées, especially seafood and steak, to be at a higher price point than typical neighborhood restaurants
• Specialty cocktails and wine by the glass at big-city hotel bar prices
• Added costs like tax, gratuity, and possible parking fees if you are driving into downtown

For many Atlantans and visitors, the main value is the overall experience—a meal plus panoramic views—rather than strictly the food cost alone. If price is a concern, some people opt for:

• Sharing appetizers and having drinks at the bar instead of a full multi-course dinner
• Visiting during earlier hours or on less busy days of the week when it may feel more relaxed

Reservations, Timing, and Best Times to Go

Reservations

Because the Sun Dial is a popular spot for occasions and hotel guests:

• Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially:
  • Weekends
  • Holidays
  • Convention weeks or big event days (concerts, playoff games, festivals)
• You can typically book:
  • By phone through the restaurant or hotel
  • Through common reservation platforms (availability can vary)

If you have a special request—like a window table or birthday dessert—mention it when you reserve. These requests are not guaranteed, but staff can often try to accommodate them when possible.

Best times for the view

A lot of Atlantans plan their visit around the sky:

• Sunset / “golden hour”

  • Very popular; views of the skyline as the lights come on are a major draw
  • These times book up first, so plan ahead if you want this slot

• After dark

  • City lights stand out, and downtown looks especially striking from above

• Clear days

  • On clear afternoons you can often see beyond the core city, out toward the suburbs and, on very clear days, toward the foothills

Weather in Atlanta can shift quickly, so if the view is your top priority, consider having a flexible date if possible.

Getting There: Transportation and Parking Tips

The Sun Dial is in a busy part of downtown. Before you go, think through how you’ll get there and back.

MARTA and transit

If you prefer not to drive:

• Closest rail stop:Peachtree Center MARTA Station
• From the station, you can walk via the Peachtree Center complex and surrounding streets; the Westin Peachtree Plaza is a distinctive cylindrical tower that’s easy to spot.

Using MARTA can help you avoid:

• Downtown event traffic
• Parking garage searches
• Driving after having drinks

Driving and parking

If you drive:

• Expect downtown traffic, especially around:
  • Weeknight rush hour (roughly 4–7 p.m.)
  • Days with events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or nearby venues
• The Westin Peachtree Plaza may offer:
  • Valet parking at the main entrance
  • Access to nearby garages or partner lots in the area

Parking rates can vary based on time of day and events, so many people:

• Check current parking options with the Westin Peachtree Plaza front desk
• Build extra time into their schedule in case garages are busy

Rideshare and taxis are also common; pickup and drop-off areas may be on Peachtree Street or adjacent streets depending on traffic patterns.

Special Occasions, Groups, and Events

Celebrations

Sun Dial is frequently used for:

• Anniversaries and special date nights
• Birthday dinners
• Graduation celebrations for local colleges like Georgia State, Georgia Tech, and others

If you’re planning something special:

• Mention the occasion when you reserve
• Ask whether they can note your celebration on the booking
• Arrive a little early to settle in and enjoy the view before your meal

Group dining and events

For larger parties or business groups, options may include:

• Group reservations in the main dining room
• Special event arrangements through the Westin Peachtree Plaza’s event or catering team

Larger groups should contact the venue well in advance, especially:

• During spring and fall, when conferences and conventions crowd the downtown event calendar
• Around holidays, when private bookings rise

Dietary Preferences and Accessibility

Dietary needs and menu flexibility

For Atlantans with dietary concerns, it helps to call ahead. Common options may include:

• Seafood preparation adjustments (sauces on the side, grilled vs. fried where possible)
• Attention to shellfish allergies or other allergies—always mention these clearly
• Some vegetarian or lighter options, though the menu is primarily modern American with seafood and meat

Menus evolve, so if you are vegan or have complex restrictions, speaking with the restaurant directly before booking can prevent surprises.

Physical accessibility

The Sun Dial is at the top of a tall hotel, so:

• Access is via elevators inside the Westin Peachtree Plaza
• Public spaces in major hotels like this typically include wheelchair-accessible routes and restrooms
• If you have mobility concerns, you can ask:
  • Where the most convenient drop-off location is
  • How best to reach the restaurant from the lobby without stairs

Calling ahead to the hotel or restaurant can help you plan the path that works best for you or your group.

Quick Reference: Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View at a Glance

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

A few final pointers to make your visit smoother:

• 📅 Plan ahead for weekends, holidays, and big event days downtown.
• 🪟 Request a window table when reserving if the view is your priority, understanding it may not be guaranteed.
• 🚌 Consider MARTA or rideshare to avoid parking stress, especially if you plan to enjoy cocktails.
• 💬 Call ahead if you have specific seafood preferences or dietary restrictions to confirm current menu options.
• ⏰ Aim to arrive a little early to allow time for the elevator ride, check-in, and photos of the view before you sit down.

For anyone in Atlanta looking for seafood with a skyline backdrop, the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View offers a distinct blend of elevated dining and elevated perspective over the city.