Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
John Kessler's Downtown Dining Picks
Alma Cocina is one of John Kessler's Downtown Dining Picks.

1. Alma Cocina

8.7
191 Peachtree St NE (Andrew Young International Blvd.), Atlanta, GA
Latin American Restaurant · Downtown Atlanta · 112 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: A smart, sleek modern Mexican restaurant tucked into the lobby of a downtown office tower. Great margaritas and ceviches as well as more involved entrees. The kitchen also makes a mean tamale. Read more.

Lunacy Black Market is one of John Kessler's Downtown Dining Picks.

2. Lunacy Black Market

231 Mitchell St SW (btw Spring St & Forsyth St), Atlanta, GA
Restaurant · South Downtown · 21 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: Like walking into someone’s living room. This super-casual place serves wine, inexpensive small-plates fare. Braised chicken legs and cabbage salad are highlights. Read more.

Ted's Montana Grill is one of John Kessler's Downtown Dining Picks.

3. Ted's Montana Grill

8.6
133 Luckie St (at Spring St NW), Atlanta, GA
American Restaurant · Downtown Atlanta · 149 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: If you’re looking for simple, familiar American food, this is your best option downtown. The floor staff does an excellent job of estimating wait times and getting the food to the table quickly. Read more.

Der Biergarten is one of John Kessler's Downtown Dining Picks.

4. Der Biergarten

7.9
300 Marietta St NW (btw Baker & Latimer), Atlanta, GA
German Restaurant · Downtown Atlanta · 61 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: Some of the entrees are a bit expensive, but the imported beers and sausages won’t fail to satisfy. Read more.

BLT Steak Atlanta is one of John Kessler's Downtown Dining Picks.

5. BLT Steak Atlanta

45 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW (at Spring St NW), Atlanta, GA
Steakhouse · Downtown Atlanta · 45 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: The signature steaks and chops won’t disappoint, but there’s also a French bistro menu if you’re looking for something lighter or more interesting. The lobster Cobb salad makes for a good splurge. Read more.

6. No Mas! Cantina

8.6
180 Walker St SW (Haynes St. SW), Atlanta, GA
Mexican Restaurant · Castleberry Hill · 107 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: A Mexican furniture and handicraft store that doubles as a restaurant. The food is fine rather than great, but the atmospheric setting pulls you in. Read more.

7. Dua Vietnamese Noodle Soup

8.2
53 Broad St NW (at Walton St), Atlanta, GA
Vietnamese Restaurant · Fairlie-Poplar · 59 tips and reviews

AJCAJC: Excellent if tiny Vietnamese restaurant on the downtown strip. Only open for lunch. Try the pho, a beef noodle soup. If the dining area is packed, you can find seating in the basement.