The 3 Best Dining Experiences in Atlanta
Atlanta isn’t just about southern hospitality and historic sites—it’s also a city that offers memorable dining adventures. Its vibrant neighborhoods, iconic skyline, and rich history set the perfect backdrop for unique food experiences. Whether you want to see the city sparkle at night while sampling local cuisine, indulge in a prohibition-era themed dinner, or explore historic plantations and enjoy Southern dishes, Atlanta has something to satisfy every appetite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three most exciting dining experiences—each with its own style and appeal. From scenic city lights tours paired with dinner stops to immersive historic dinners, you’ll find options that fit different tastes and schedules. Read on to discover which of these Atlanta dining adventures will turn your visit into a true culinary memory.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best Atlanta dining experiences covers a range of styles: a city lights night tour with dinner at Krog Street Market (see details), a prohibition-themed progressive dinner at downtown hotspots (more info), and a plantation tour with a Southern dinner (details here). Each offers distinct flavors of Atlanta—urban, historic, and culinary—and is worth considering depending on your interests and time available.
1. Atlanta: City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop
For those who love sparkling city views, this 3-hour night tour combines sightseeing with a dinner break. Starting at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, you’ll cruise past landmarks like The King Center, Ponce City Market, and Centennial Park, all lit up against the night sky. This tour is truly about capturing Atlanta’s vibrant cityscape—and what better way than from the Jackson Street Bridge or Atlantic Station?
What makes this experience stand out is the seamless blend of sightseeing and dining. The tour includes a stop at the popular Krog Street Market for a 55-minute food market visit, where you can sample local eats. The itinerary features iconic photo stops at the Jackson Street Bridge and scenic drives around Centennial Olympic Park and the Mercedes Benz Stadium, giving you a comprehensive view of Atlanta’s dynamic skyline.
Guests rave about the lively guides and the insider knowledge they share—one reviewer called their guide “awesome” and appreciated the lively commentary. The value here is excellent: for $69, you get a well-paced, informative tour with a substantial dinner stop, making it perfect for travelers new to Atlanta or those wanting to see the city sparkle at night.
Bottom Line: An engaging, well-reviewed way to see Atlanta’s illuminated landmarks while enjoying a hearty dinner and great photo opportunities.
2. Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner
If you’re intrigued by Atlanta’s 1920s history and love gourmet food and cocktails, this prohibition-themed progressive dinner is a fantastic choice. Priced at $275 per person, it’s a more indulgent experience that lasts about 2.5 hours and takes you through downtown hotspots with exclusive access to some of the best local eateries and secret spots.
The tour kicks off at By George restaurant, where you’ll enjoy shrimp and grits, buttermilk biscuits, and a classic old-fashioned cocktail. Next, a visit to the Candler Hotel grants you access to the famed Coca-Cola vault, where you’ll learn about the secret recipe while exploring. The journey continues at Alma Cocina for tacos, esquites, and a margarita, then to the Red Phone Booth, a members-only speakeasy where you’ll sample the “corpse reviver” cocktail. The final stop, Polaris, offers breathtaking views from a rotating rooftop restaurant, topped with their signature Blue Dome dessert.
This tour is highly rated for its themed storytelling, quality food, and exclusivity. It’s ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and gourmet bites with a lively, immersive atmosphere. Since the guide adopts a fun 1920s persona, it adds an extra layer of entertainment.
Bottom Line: An upscale, interactive dining experience perfect for history buffs and lovers of craft cocktails and regional cuisine, especially if you want a sophisticated night out.
3. Atlanta Plantation Tour with Southern Dinner
For travelers wanting a more historic and cultural experience, this plantation tour combines exploring Georgia’s antebellum architecture with a hearty Southern dinner. Lasting approximately 4 to 7 hours, it takes you to Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall, and the Archibald Smith Plantation Home in Roswell, a town with a small-town feel outside Atlanta.
The tour begins at Barrington Hall, a grand estate used during the Civil War, and continues with Bulloch Hall, once owned by Theodore Roosevelt’s mother. The highlight is Archibald Smith Plantation Home, offering a true glimpse into plantation life. Each site comes with detailed guided tours that reveal the architecture and stories behind these historic homes. Afterward, a complimentary Southern dinner completes the day—think comfort foods like fried chicken, biscuits, and regional favorites.
This experience is praised for its knowledgeable guide and authentic atmosphere. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts and those interested in the social and cultural aspects of the South. The longer duration makes it less suitable for travelers with limited time but perfect for those wanting an immersive, educational outing.
Bottom Line: A thorough deep dive into Georgia’s plantation history with a delicious Southern meal to end a meaningful day of exploration.
How to Choose Your Perfect Atlanta Dining Experience
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. The city lights tour offers a fantastic mix of sightseeing and dinner at a reasonable price and is ideal if you want to see Atlanta’s skyline and iconic landmarks at night. For a more luxurious, themed experience, the prohibition dinner combines history, gourmet cuisine, and cocktails—great for couples or friends wanting a special night. If history and culture are your focus, and you have extra time, the plantation tour with Southern dinner provides a deeper understanding of Georgia’s past with a hearty meal to match.
When booking, consider the duration and cost—the city lights tour is shorter and more budget-friendly, while the prohibition dinner offers an upscale experience, and the plantation tour is the most immersive but also lengthiest. For the best experience, book early, especially for popular tours like the prohibition dinner or plantation visit, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta offers a diverse array of dining experiences that reflect its history, modern vibrancy, and southern charm. For a quick, scenic overview of the city with a delicious meal, the City Lights Night Tour is hard to beat. Those interested in history and Southern cuisine should consider the Plantation Tour with Southern Dinner, which provides insight into Georgia’s past along with authentic regional fare. Meanwhile, food and cocktail lovers keen on a themed, upscale night will find the Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner a memorable choice.
No matter which experience you choose, Atlanta’s vibrant food scene and welcoming atmosphere make for a memorable culinary adventure. Be sure to book your preferred tour early to avoid missing out—these popular experiences fill up quickly. Happy eating and exploring!