The Best Restaurants in Downtown Atlanta
You may think of Downtown Atlanta, the city’s tourist center, as a mecca of chain restaurants that cater to tourists — but that’s not the case at all! Downtown Atlanta has plenty of fantastic local restaurants that you’ll want to add to your foodie checklist. Check out the top places to eat in Downtown Atlanta.
Top Downtown Atlanta Restaurants
1. Aviva by Kameel
Aviva by Kameel is a highly-rated downtown lunch spot hidden in the food court at the Mall at Peachtree Center. This restaurant specializes in fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine with sit-down quality food at fast food prices.
You can choose from a menu of hormone-free meats and seafood, freshly squeezed juices, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
225 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303
2. Atlanta Breakfast Club
If you’re looking for possibly the best breakfast in Atlanta, then head to the aptly named Atlanta Breakfast Club.
At this popular restaurant, you can expect a breakfast menu of French toast, pancakes, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, breakfast tacos, and a classic southern breakfast plate. Prices hover around $15 or less per plate, making this a great affordable breakfast option in Downtown Atlanta.
249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
3. The Food Shoppe
The Food Shoppe is a great option for locals and tourists alike. This counter-serve restaurant within walking distance from downtown’s popular Centennial Olympic Park and the surrounding tourist sights.
On the menu, you’ll find Creole and Cajun classics like shrimp jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and red beans and rice. Their famous Walk and Eat Bowls are perfect grab-and-go meals for your busy day in Downtown Atlanta, whether you are out exploring the city or on your lunch break. The Food Shoppe is also open for breakfast.
123 Luckie St NW #108, Atlanta, GA 30303
4. Poor Calvin’s
Poor Calvin’s is a modern, intimate eatery that combines Asian cuisine with Southern influences. You can expect plenty of seafood dishes on the menu that will make your mouth water.
This means amazing creations like Fried Green Tomato and Korean Beef, Crab Meat Grilled Cheese, Sweet and Sour Baby Back Ribs, and more. And you won’t want to miss their impressive dessert menu with one-of-a-kind delectables made in house, like the Suspension Cake and Fuji Apple.
510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
5. Alma Cocina
Alma Cocina serves Downtown Atlanta with contemporary Mexican fare. This restaurant combines contemporary Mexican and Latin American cuisine for delicious dishes you can’t find anywhere else in Atlanta.
On the menu, you can expect to find items like tortas and taquito spreads, seasonal guacamoles and salsas, and traditional chicken mole Oaxaca. They also have the most diverse tequila selection in the city, for a truly happy Happy Hour.
191 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
6. Der Biergarten
Der Biergarten offers an authentic German experience in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. This beer garden and restaurant features cuisine prepared in true German tradition alongside a dozen draft beers representing various regions of the country.
On the menu, you can find German dishes like Bratwurst, Wiener Schnitzel, Käsespätzle, and more.
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
7. Park Bar
Park Bar is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-game meal or beer, or a spot to watch Atlanta United and the Falcons play if you didn’t score tickets.
The two-story exposed-brick bar serves elevated comfort food like burgers, patty melts, chicken tenders, and potato skins along with New York strip steak and grilled Mahi Mahi. The bar also boasts a large whiskey and bourbon selection with over 60 bottles.
150 Walton St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
8. Just Around the Corner
Just Around the Corner is a tiny counter-serve spot plastered in Coca-Cola advertising. There is a small amount of diner-style counter seating inside and sidewalk seating outside.
Located in the heart of the tourist district, this Downtown Atlanta eatery is the perfect spot to grab a quick cheeseburger, onion rings, wings, or a pastrami sub to-go and bring to Centennial Park for a picnic.
76 Ted Turner Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
9. Aamar Indian Cuisine
Another tiny counter-serve spot in downtown, Aamar Indian Cuisine is a hidden gem serving unpretentious Indian dishes.
On the menu, you will find modern interpretations of classic dishes like vegetable biryani, spicy curries, and saag paneer made using only high quality, fresh ingredients. This restaurant is open late and offers limited indoor and outdoor seating.
100 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
10. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks offers some of the best cheesesteaks in Atlanta. On the menu, you’ll find plenty of meaty cheesesteaks.
Try Big Dave’s modern take on the classic cheesesteak with the “Dave’s Way” Cheesesteak, which comes with beef or salmon stuffed with three types of cheese, sweet peppers, banana peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Other popular menu items include the beef, chicken, and salmon cheesesteak egg rolls.
57 Forsyth St NW Suite 63, Atlanta, GA 30303
Where to Stay in Atlanta
- Top Hotel: The Candler Hotel
- Great Value: Hampton Inn & Suites Perimeter Dunwoody
- Unique Stay: Stonehurst Place
Craving More Atlanta Activities?
If you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:
- How to Spend a Day in Downtown Atlanta
- 2 Days in Atlanta, Georgia: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
- Top 10 Atlanta Food and Drink Tours
Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
- Save on Attractions: Save 42% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite restaurants in Downtown Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!
Great list! Alma Cocina is calling my name.
It’s so delicious!
Thanks for sharing! I will keep it in mind should I visit Atlanta!
Happy to help!
I visited Atlanta Georgia around 3 times but never got a chance to explore the food culture of ATL. Thanks for sharing these awesome restaurants. The food Explora in me can’t wait to revisit Atlanta next year.
There are also some great food tours you should check out next time you’re in Atlanta so you can really get into the culture in a short amount of time!