Where To Eat Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta

Planning a day at the Georgia Aquarium and wondering where to eat nearby? You’re in luck. The aquarium sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, surrounded by restaurants that range from quick casual spots to sit-down meals suitable for date nights, business lunches, or family outings.

This guide walks through restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium, what types of food you can expect, how close they are, and practical tips for planning a smooth visit.

Understanding the Area Around the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta’s tourist core, near:

• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena
• College Football Hall of Fame

Most nearby restaurants are either:

• Within a 5–10 minute walk in Centennial Park / Luckie-Marietta area
• A short rideshare or drive to nearby neighborhoods like Midtown or Westside

If you want to stay close and avoid driving, focus on Centennial Park / Luckie Street / Marietta Street options.

Walkable Restaurants Near the Georgia Aquarium

These restaurants are generally within a comfortable walk from the aquarium, though exact distance can vary slightly by entrance and walking route.

Casual, Family-Friendly Options

These spots tend to be relaxed and convenient for groups, kids, and quick meals between attractions.

1. CNN Center & Centennial Park Area (Check for current tenant mix)
The area around Centennial Olympic Park has historically included a mix of casual chains and quick-service spots. Depending on current tenants and any ongoing developments, visitors often find:

• Burger and sandwich shops
• Pizza and pasta options
• Fast-casual Mexican or Tex-Mex
• Ice cream and dessert counters

Because the mix of tenants can change, many visitors check current listings or walk the area to see what’s open that day.

2. Luckie & Marietta Street Corridor
Along Luckie Street and Marietta Street, just a short walk from the aquarium, it’s common to find:

• Casual American grills with burgers, wings, and salads
• Sports bars that show major games, useful on event days at nearby arenas
• Pub-style restaurants with sandwiches, appetizers, and simple entrées

These can work well if you want a low-key meal and don’t mind a bit of a walk.

Sit‑Down Restaurants for a Relaxed Meal

If you’re looking for something a bit more structured than a quick bite, the blocks around the aquarium and Centennial Park often include full-service restaurants suitable for a relaxed lunch or early dinner.

Common styles you might encounter downtown include:

• Southern or Southern-inspired cuisine
  • Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, cornbread, and classic sides
• Steakhouses and American bistros
  • Steaks, seafood, salads, and shared appetizers
• Italian or Mediterranean-inspired
  • Pastas, flatbreads, antipasti, and wine-friendly menus

These are often within a few city blocks of the aquarium and may sit inside hotels or street-level retail spaces.

Quick Bites and Fast Options Near the Aquarium

If your priority is to maximize aquarium time, fast options can be especially useful.

On-Site and Very Close Food Choices

Inside the Georgia Aquarium and immediately surrounding it, visitors commonly find:

• Concession-style stands with snacks, beverages, and simple hot items
• Grab-and-go counters offering sandwiches, salads, and packaged items
• Coffee, soft drinks, and sweet treats for a quick energy boost

These are ideal if you don’t want to leave the complex, but nearby streets will give you more variety.

Typical Fast-Casual Spots in the Immediate Area

In the blocks surrounding the aquarium, visitors often encounter national fast-casual brands and regional chains offering:

• Burgers and fries
• Chicken tenders or sandwiches
• Pizza by the slice or personal pizzas
• Tacos or burritos
• Salad and grain-bowl concepts

These restaurants are designed for order-at-the-counter, eat-and-go convenience, which can work well for families or large groups moving between attractions.

Neighborhoods Near the Georgia Aquarium With More Dining Choices

If you are willing to walk a bit farther or take a short ride, nearby neighborhoods offer broader choices.

Midtown Atlanta

Distance: Short drive or a longer walk/short transit ride north of the aquarium.

What to expect:

• Upscale and chef-driven restaurants
• Trendy brunch spots
• Sushi, ramen, and pan-Asian concepts
• Bakeries and coffee shops

Midtown can work well if you plan to spend your evening there after a daytime aquarium visit.

Westside / Howell Mill Area

Distance: Typically a short drive or rideshare west from downtown.

What to expect:

• Modern Southern and New American restaurants
• Food halls (in some developments) offering multiple vendors under one roof
• Burger and barbecue spots
• Dessert-focused bakeries and ice cream

This area is popular with locals and can be a good choice if you want to pair the aquarium with a more “local-feeling” dining experience.

Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and BeltLine Areas

These neighborhoods are not right next to the aquarium but are reachable by car or rideshare.

Common features:

• Eclectic, independent restaurants
• Patio seating near the Atlanta BeltLine
• Casual to mid-range global cuisines (Latin American, Asian, Mediterranean, and others)

They suit visitors who want to explore beyond the tourist core after finishing their aquarium visit.

Planning Your Meal Around Aquarium Timing

Because the Georgia Aquarium attracts both locals and tourists, timing your meal can make a big difference in wait times and overall experience.

When to Eat

• 🕐 Before opening or early lunch

  • Many visitors arrive in the morning and take a midday break for lunch. Eating early (for example, before the main lunch rush) can help avoid longer waits.

• 🕓 Late lunch or early dinner

  • Planning your meal for a later afternoon can spread out your day, especially if you’re also visiting nearby attractions like World of Coca-Cola.

• 🌙 Post-visit dinner

  • If you spend the day at the aquarium, you may prefer to leave the complex and dine in Midtown or another neighborhood for a more relaxed evening.

How Reservations Fit In

Some full-service restaurants downtown and nearby:

• Accept reservations, especially during event nights near State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• May experience longer waits when there are sports games, concerts, or conventions nearby

For more formal dinners, many visitors find it helpful to book a reservation in advance, especially on weekends or if traveling with a large group.

Family and Group Considerations

Travelers with kids, school groups, or large family gatherings often have specific priorities near the aquarium.

Kid-Friendly Features to Look For

Many downtown and nearby restaurants are accustomed to serving families. Common kid-friendly features include:

• Simple menu options such as chicken tenders, fries, pizza, and pasta
• Booth seating or large tables for groups
• High chairs or booster seats
• Casual atmospheres where kids’ noise is more accepted

Informal, fast-casual restaurants tend to be especially workable for families with younger children.

Handling Large Groups

For groups like school trips, corporate outings, or extended families:

• Some restaurants near tourist attractions are set up for groups and may offer set menus or group arrangements.
• Calling ahead to confirm group policies can help avoid long waits.
• Food halls or multi-vendor areas can work well if your group has different tastes and wants flexibility.

Dietary Needs and Preferences

Even without specific restaurant names, it’s possible to plan around common dietary patterns near the Georgia Aquarium.

Many downtown and Midtown restaurants now indicate or offer:

• Vegetarian and vegan options
  • Veggie burgers, plant-based bowls, salads, roasted vegetable plates, and some dairy-free items
• Gluten-conscious choices
  • Salads, proteins with vegetables, and occasionally gluten-free breads or pizza crusts
• Lighter or health-forward meals
  • Grain bowls, lean proteins, and vegetable-heavy sides

For more specialized needs or allergies, visitors often:

• Review menus in advance when possible
• Speak directly with staff about ingredients and options

Because each restaurant’s approach differs, it is generally safest to ask directly about how dishes are prepared.

Practical Tips for Eating Near the Georgia Aquarium

Here is a quick-reference overview to help you plan smoothly:

🍽️ Quick Planning Checklist

• ✅ Decide your main priority

  • Fast and convenient?
  • Sit-down and relaxed?
  • Local neighborhood experience?

• ✅ Plan around your aquarium ticket time

  • Eat before if you want a long, relaxed meal.
  • Eat during a mid-visit break if you plan multiple attractions.
  • Eat after if you want to unwind and explore a new neighborhood.

• ✅ Consider a reservations strategy

  • More important for full-service restaurants and peak evenings.
  • Less critical for fast-casual and quick-service spots.

• ✅ Think about your group’s needs

  • Kids: Look for casual, kid-friendly menus.
  • Large groups: Consider calling ahead.
  • Dietary needs: Plan to ask about ingredients and options at the restaurant.

Sample Options by Style and Distance

This simple table outlines how you might think about restaurant choices around the aquarium, without focusing on specific brand names.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Eating near the Georgia Aquarium is less about finding a single “best” restaurant and more about matching the style of dining to your plans:

• If you want to stay close and keep it simple, on-site offerings and nearby fast-casual or family-friendly restaurants will likely cover your needs.
• If you see the aquarium as part of a full Atlanta day, nearby neighborhoods like Midtown, Westside, or BeltLine-adjacent areas can turn your visit into a broader exploration of the city’s food scene.
• For families and groups, prioritizing convenience, seating capacity, and straightforward menus usually leads to smoother experiences.

By thinking through your timing, distance comfort, and group preferences ahead of time, you can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying both the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta’s many dining options around it.