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The Optimist - Nashville, Nashville, TN

The Optimist - Nashville

4.6 (3136)
$31 to $50
Seafood
1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 65 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Good for business meals
The Optimist transports landlocked Tennesseans to the coast for super-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Our menu weaves together classic and modern seafood favorites, cocktails of the season complement the fare, and an extensive outdoor patio and “game” area complete the full experience.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (615) 709-3156
  • Website
    http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mike Parhm
  • Private party facilities
    We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
  • Private party contact
    Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506
  • Location
    1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208
  • Neighborhood
    Germantown
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

Private dining

Menu

The Optimist - Nashville's menu was last updated on 2/1/2022.

Start

  • Smoked Fish Chowder$12.00

    Old bay oyster crackers

    • Shrimp and Oyster Gumbo$14.00

      Andouille sausage, "potluck" garlic bread

      Plateaux

      • The Opportunist$52.00

        6 oysters, 6 shrimp, ceviche, smoked fish dip, tuna poke

        • The Refuge$74.00

          12 oysters, 12 shrimp, ceviche, smoked fish dip, tuna poke, half lobster

          Fish and Meat

          • Lobster Roll "Twins"$30.00

            New England style, hand cut fries

            • Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi$31.00

              A la talla, vegetable escabeche

              Sides and Such

              • Shaved Brussels Sprouts$10.00

                Shiitake mushroom, ginger

                • Smoked Fish Fried Rice$13.00

                  Chili, peanuts, herbs

                  Desserts

                  • French Almond Cake$8.00

                    Macerated strawberries, vanilla cantilly

                    • Coconut Pie$8.00

                      Chantilly cream, toasted coconut

                      Last updated: February 1, 2022

                      What 3,136 people are saying

                      The Optimist - Nashville reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                      Overall ratings and reviews

                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                      4.6
                      4.6 based on recent ratings
                      • 4.7Food
                      • 4.6Service
                      • 4.7Ambience
                      • 4.2Value

                      Noise • Moderate

                      Review summary

                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                      The Optimist in Nashville offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "fresh seafood," particularly the swordfish and ceviche. Attentive staff ensure a delightful dining experience, making it a "fantastic place" for special occasions. The "bread service is legendary," elevating each visit.
                      3,136 Reviews

                      1. Denise

                        Iowa1 review

                        5.0

                        Dined 1 day ago

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 4
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 4
                        Dinner was quite good. Had the warm lobster in butter sauce and duck fat pouched swordfish. Both were exceptional. Sides were a bit heavy, the proper chips and the okra. Was a little disappointed they didn’t offer more classily simple vegetable side dishes. Our waitress Bailey was exceptional. She was knowledgeable, attentive and just an all around vivacious energy.

                        Is this helpful?

                      2. Hannah VIP

                        San Francisco Bay Area1 review

                        3.0

                        Dined 6 days ago

                        1. Overall 3
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        portions were on the smaller side but food was good

                        Is this helpful?

                      3. Jeffrey

                        Portland / Oregon9 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined 6 days ago

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Great seafood selection excellent server and ambience was very nice.

                        Is this helpful?

                      4. David

                        Nashville2 reviews

                        3.0

                        Dined 6 days ago

                        1. Overall 3
                        2. Food 3
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 4
                        Food has been more fresh previously. Beet salad was great as were the drinks. But the oysters and fish were both very salty. Made me think that the seafood this time wasn’t as fresh as previous.

                        Is this helpful?

                      5. Caroline

                        Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill1 review

                        5.0

                        Dined 7 days ago

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        The food is so good - especially the bread, yellowtail tuna, and warm butter lobster. They also go above and beyond for birthdays with a hand written card, cake, and a special menu.

                        Is this helpful?

                      6. Veronica

                        Nashville5 reviews

                        4.0

                        Dined on June 6, 2025

                        1. Overall 4
                        2. Food 4
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 4
                        The wait staff was great and management was very attentive to our needs.

                        Is this helpful?

                      7. William VIP

                        Nashville24 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined on June 3, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Swordfish and the ceviche were standouts, but as usual everything is good here!

                        Is this helpful?

                      8. Candy

                        Dallas - Fort Worth5 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined on June 1, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        It was FANTASTIC all around!!! Service, food, ambience, price. Wish we had one in the DFW area! Can't wait to go back!!!

                        Is this helpful?

                      9. Cindy VIP

                        Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined on May 31, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 4
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Food was a bit salty. Server too chatty but overall good time

                        Is this helpful?

                      10. Samantha VIP

                        Nashville7 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined on May 27, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        I have dined at The Optimist 3 times now. Each time it has been absolutely amazing.

                        Is this helpful?

                      FAQs

                      The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.6 stars by 3136 OpenTable diners.

                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                      1. Home
                      2. United States
                      3. Nashville
                      4. Nashville
                      5. Germantown

                      Make a reservation

                      2 people
                      7:00 PM
                      Booked 65 times today
                      Google Map for The Optimist - Nashville

                      1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

                      Additional information

                      • Neighborhood
                        Germantown
                      • Hours of operation
                        Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
                      • Price
                        $31 to $50
                      • Cuisines
                        Seafood
                      • Dining style
                        Casual Elegant
                      • Dress code
                        Casual Dress
                      • Parking details
                        Valet
                      • Payment options
                        AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
                      • Executive chef
                        Mike Parhm
                      • Additional
                        Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine
                      • Website
                        http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
                      • Phone number
                        (615) 709-3156
                      • Private party facilities
                        We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
                      • Private party contact
                        Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

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