Best Hot Spot Restaurants in South Atlanta

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

AtlantaDeKalb

Neighborhoods

Brookwood HillsBuckheadDecaturDowntownMidtownMorningside-Lenox Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Ray's in the City

4.5

Awesome(7006)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 57 times today

Ray's in the City offers seafood flown-in-daily, prime steaks & chops, an award-winning wine list, hand-crafted cocktails, and a professional service staff. We look forward to serving you!

A photo of Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint restaurant

2. Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

4.3

Awesome(2062)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Downtown

Booked 27 times today

Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is the continuation of a deep history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Located in the former Macy’s building in the heart of downtown Atlanta at the iconic 200 Peachtree St. address, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint brings to the city a place to relax while enjoying live entertainment and exceptional cuisine. A per person entertainment fee will be applied to your bill, this does not apply on Sunday's. Historically, juke joints originated in the rural outskirts of many southern towns to give African American communities a place to kick back and unwind after a long week of work. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint represents diverse culture, featuring music across all genres and popular hits throughout American history. An imaginative menu makes Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint a staple in Atlanta’s downtown restaurant scene and the allure of traditional juke joints is showcased in the restaurant’s design.

A photo of Alma Cocina - Downtown restaurant

3. Alma Cocina - Downtown

4.7

Exceptional(2487)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Alma Cocina’s refreshing new approach to contemporary Mexican cuisine has delighted guests since 2011 while continuing to evolve today. Traditional Latin American ingredients make for vibrant and flavorful dishes that showcase a familiar yet always new dining experience. Beyond a superior menu, they offer a unique range of tequila and cocktails with Atlanta’s Best Margarita. You won’t find this anywhere else but Alma. We are positioned perfectly for downtown corporate and social groups and private dining.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Atlanta (CNN Center) restaurant

4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Atlanta (CNN Center)

4.1

Excellent(4424)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Visit McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks in Atlanta's exclusive and interactive entertainment venue, the CNN Center, also home to the luxurious Omni Hotel and Cable News Network's global headquarters. Visitors and locals can visit the 21 acre Centennial Olympic Park - home to the 1996 World Olympics, the World Congress Center, the State Farm Arena, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coke Museum, and the Georgia Dome, all conveniently located next to McCormick & Schmick's.From fresh seafood and shellfish to Steak and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expectations.As our guest, you will experience culinary excellence at its best. Our menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. We also source products from local ranches, farms, and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes.

5. Capolinea

4.6

Exceptional(162)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Where indulgence is found in a perfectly chilled Martini, prime cut steaks, or delectable handmade pasta. Located on the fourth floor and featuring a vibrant bar scene, sprawling skyline views, and a convivial outdoor terrace, our Signature Restaurant is a destination in its own right. House-made seasonal gelato and sorbet, and Chef-prepared regionally-sourced antipasti pairings make our Italian inspired kitchen the place to be and be seen. When you’re looking for delectable dining in downtown Atlanta, let Capolinea be your final stop.

A photo of Amalfi Cucina + Mercato / Downtown Atlanta restaurant

6. Amalfi Cucina + Mercato / Downtown Atlanta

4.1

Excellent(1317)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 34 times today

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Amalfi Cucina & Mercato - Downtown Atlanta is a traditional Neapolitan trattoria centered around an open kitchen featuring a 6,000 pound wood-burning brick oven imported from Italy. The 170 seat dining room also has large semicircular booths, custom wrought iron chandeliers along with Juliet balconies overlooking an Italian-inspired entryway. Originating in and the true pizza of Naples in the 1600s, Vera Pizza Napoletana is 12 inches or less in size, made from simple fresh quality ingredients from the Campania region of Italy and cooked at temperatures in excess of 900 degrees in approximately 60 seconds. Just launched, a new menu which includes many fresh pastas, salads, appetizers and desserts, including beautiful imported gelato. Enjoy a full bar with local beer on tap, exclusive wine list and specialty cocktails in beautiful Downtown Atlanta.

7. Marcel

4.8

Exceptional(4330)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Midtown

Booked 96 times today

Marcel is a first-rate steakhouse and bar in Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District. Named after Marcel Cerdan, the iconic French fighter and romantic, Marcel transports guests to the days when people appreciated every moment, when dull care was forgotten, when love lingered over the best meals – including, pound-for-pound, the best steaks money can buy. Indulge in our award winning wine list, recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants.

8. The Optimist

4.7

Exceptional(9179)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • West Midtown

Booked 96 times today

The Optimist brings a seaside fish camp experience to landlocked Atlantans. The ever-changing menu features high-quality, sustainable seafood masterfully paired with fresh, local ingredients. From sophisticated, daily-catch dishes to crudos and beachside classics, chef-owner Ford Fry’s the Optimist transports guests to their favorite coastal haunts.

A photo of Tiny Lou's - Hotel Clermont restaurant

9. Tiny Lou's - Hotel Clermont

4.5

Awesome(2025)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Poncey-Highland

Booked 22 times today

Within the walls of Atlanta’s forthcoming Hotel Clermont lies Tiny Lou’s, a 100-seat French-American brasserie. The French-remix presents a playful approach to French favorites, utilizing Southern ingredients and complemented by a Francophile-friendly wine list.

10. La Grotta

4.9

Exceptional(3105)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Buckhead

Booked 40 times today

Serving the finest in Northern & Regional Italian Cuisine, La Grotta offers old world charm and friendly, first class service and is located in the heart of Buckhead. A local favorite since 1978, La Grotta has received Best of Atlanta Award from Atlanta magazine since the mid 1980’s, prestigious DiRONA and AAA Four Diamond Awards since the early 90's. La Grotta is tucked away in the heart of the Buckhead residential district and overlooks the lush gardens of the condo courtyard in which it is located. La Grotta literally means "the cave" in Italian and was named such for its cavernous and warm setting. The La Grotta staff is also well known and regarded for its vast knowledge of its customers, the food, diverse knowledge of languages (our staff speaks Italian, Spanish, French & German) and attention to detail. The menu specializes in Northern Italian cuisine with seasonal changes to reflect freshness of ingredients with a focus on locally grown produce.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Janet
Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is not your Taco Bell type of food, but if you want fantastic food that you may have never tried before, this is your place. The service was great; the waiter took time to explain the dishes and made recommendations. I brought a large group, and everyone really enjoyed their dinner.
More info
Alma Cocina - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Downtown
•
4.7
A
Andrew
Philadelphia County •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We were the 1st table to sit. So service was good appetizers were out of this world good. Their were three of us and we all said our meals were top ten
More info
CapolineaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6
F
Frank
Washington, D.C. Area •12 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
My first time eating her. The food and service were very good. My ribeye steak was seasoned to perfection.
More info
Ray's in the CityPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.5
N
Nichole Y
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great Dining Experience and service with Asia! She has the best smile and spirit. She k owns the menu and gives great recommendations! My husband Ron and I loved the shrimp kisses and Redfish! Thanks Asia!
More info
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Atlanta (CNN Center)Price: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.1
T
Tiffany
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Vibe and food was great. Staff were friendly and attentive. The live music was a bonus with the band being interactive. I recommend this place and would return if visiting ATL in the future. Also thanks for our anniversary song request!
More info
Sweet Georgia's Juke JointPrice: Moderate• Southern• Downtown
•
4.3

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