Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Downtown Atlanta

By Muriel Vega

Published May 23, 2026

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Downtown Atlanta has quietly become a much better place to eat. The neighborhood that most visitors pass through on their way to the Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena has developed a dining scene worth slowing down for. The ongoing revitalization of South Downtown and Underground Atlanta has only added to the momentum, bringing locally owned coffee shops, great restaurants and new energy to a part of the city that’s been finding its footing for years. Whether you’re here for a game, a conference or just passing through, Downtown Atlanta’s dining scene is worth a bite or two or three.

Alma Cocina 

Alma Cocina reopened in 2022 right in Peachtree Center with its signature contemporary Mexican menu. The menu pulls from traditional regional Mexican and Latin American cooking, with enough creativity to keep things interesting. We’re talking guajillo grilled octopus, pork belly with charro beans and handmade tortillas, or roast chicken mole and fresh crudo with burnt nori-avocado puree. Tacos and tamales are on the menu, too, for those seeking more familiar dishes.

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Atlanta Breakfast Club is one of the most popular breakfast spots in downtown Atlanta, and its location directly across from the Georgia Aquarium makes it a natural first stop before a day of sightseeing. The menu covers all the expected morning staples — pancakes, chicken biscuits, omelets — but the real draws are the signatures: gulf shrimp and creamy grits, peach cobbler French toast and salmon croquettes. There’s also a secret menu worth asking about, with standouts like a lobster tail and an egg-topped waffle. Aim to arrive early or visit on a weekday to walk right in, otherwise be prepared for a serious wait.

Aviva by Kameel

Tucked inside the food court at Peachtree Center, halal Mediterranean stall Aviva has been drawing a loyal crowd since 2012 with shawarma and falafel wraps, build-your-own bowls and comforting plates of 12-spice rosemary chicken with hummus and grilled vegetables. You’re in for a treat while waiting in line when owner Kameel Srouji walks in and offers samples along with his vibrant smile.

By George

By George sits on the ground floor of the historic Candler Hotel on Peachtree Street, and the circa 1906 French brasserie setting makes even a casual lunch feel a little fancy. The menu is American contemporary. Heirloom tomato salad, steamed mussels, wild mushroom ragout pappardelle and a grilled Berkshire pork chop are among the highlights. For something more low-key, the grilled cheese and tomato soup or classic burger and fries both hit the spot. Save room for the Coconut Tres Leches.

Capolinea

Capolinea is inside the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, on the fourth floor directly across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with unobstructed views of the Downtown skyline. The Italian menu from chef Christopher Li is the real draw — handmade pastas like Tagliatelle Alle Vongole with littleneck clams, two-day proofed Neapolitan pizzas and starters such as burrata with roasted beets and brioche served with cacio e pepe butter. The tableside martini cart is a fun addition, too. 

Dolo’s Pizza

Dolo’s Pizza owners Alyson Williams and chef Yusef Walker bring a unique Caribbean-influenced approach to the menu — think pies topped with callaloo, Jamaican ackee sauce, jerk chicken and plantains alongside more familiar combinations. The Black Pizza is the one to order: charcoal pesto, spinach, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella on a striking jet-black crust. If the dolita sandwiches or sweet doughnut-like dolitas with hibiscus icing are available, get those, too. 

The Food Shoppe

The Food Shoppe is a small Creole spot within easy walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena. The menu covers the classics — jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and mac and cheese bowls topped with barbecue. Breakfast is served on weekdays for anyone starting their morning in the area. The space is compact with just a couple of dine-in tables, so most people grab a Walk and Eat Bowl and take it to go. Centennial Olympic Park is right around the corner and makes for a great spot to sit down and dig in. Just make sure you add a bread pudding to your order. 

Park Bar

Park Bar is a go-to for downtown Atlanta locals and sports fans alike. The menu covers comfort food classics — burgers, patty melts, chicken tenders and potato skins — alongside more substantial options like a New York strip and grilled mahi mahi. The whiskey and bourbon selection clocks in at more than 60 bottles, and the beer list is equally robust. Catch a game on one of the many TVs and settle in.

Skol Brewing Company

Skol is a Nordic-themed sports bar in downtown Atlanta dedicated to the Minnesota Vikings — and yes, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds. The menu leans into Midwestern comfort food with the Jucy Lucy — two beef patties stuffed with molten American cheese; brisket poutine with cheese curds; and Valhalla smoked wings. Large screens cover every wall, and there’s ax-throwing in the back if you need something to do between plays. It’s an experience.

Spiller Park

Spiller Park’s Downtown location is tucked inside the Sylvan Building, part of Hotel Row — a historic block of early-20th-century buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The setting alone makes it worth a stop, but the coffee is the real draw. Expect high-quality espresso drinks, teas, toasts, pastries and a lunch menu that rotates daily. The Reuben is a must if it’s available.

Tyde Tate Thai Kitchen

Tyde Tate Thai Kitchen is located on a revitalized stretch of Mitchell Street just across the Nelson Street pedestrian bridge from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Sibling owners Sai Untachantr and Bank Bhamaraniyama built the menu around family recipes — the chicken curry puffs and basil chicken are standouts, alongside Thai street food dishes such as chicken satay and crab-stuffed cheese rolls. The cocktail list is worth exploring, too, particularly the Passion Fizz with rum and passion fruit nectar.

Wild Leap Atlanta

Wild Leap was the first business to open at Centennial Yards and takes up more than 15,000 square feet across two levels of a historic building that once housed Norfolk Southern Railroad, with a taproom, multiple bars and a patio with direct views of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The full Wild Leap lineup is on tap alongside cocktails and spirits from the distillery. Smash burgers and loaded fries are worth ordering while you’re at it.

Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based bilingual freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience covering technology, culture and innovation. Previously, she served as managing editor at Hypepotamus, and her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Eater, Dwell, Outside, Atlanta Magazine, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Bitter Southerner, among others.