The Optimist - Nashville

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

Review summary

1. S

   Susan

   Nashville3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The Optimist is a beautiful restaurant with delicious food. Our server, Gabriel, was attentive without being overbearing. The food was superb —we especially enjoyed the swordfish and mahi mahi.
   

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2. J

   James

   Nashville1 review

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food and Service were excellent. Really great experience.
   

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3. p

   pete VIP

   Los Angeles3 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   We dined at optimist maybe 6 or 7 times in the first couple years you were open. We brought out of town clients and relatives to dine there. It was that impressive. We haven’t been there for probs 2 years. For no other reason than we have been crazy busy. The chef has clearly changed. Less options. New lesser versions of old faves (like the swordfish and short ribs). Poor presentation(the beet salad used to be wow. Yesterday, mediocre at best). And unfortunately our server made four different mistakes on things we ordered that had to be sent back and/or changed. 4 things. One is ok, servers are human after all. But 4, sounds like bad training to me. And what happened to your amazing deserts? We had a bananas foster there once that was to die for. I think you had an incredible creme brulee also. What happened?
   

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4. M

   Marilyn VIP

   Nashville76 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a fantastic Easter Brunch, the food is absolutely delicious but $49 for a tiny piece of halibut with nothing else with it I felt was excessive. Our service was impeccable thank you
   

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5. M

   Mona

   Nashville6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was great! Our server, Amber was super! She was very knowledgeable! Everything was delicious!😋
   

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6. A

   A

   Washington DC13 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   Very welcoming hostesses & overall good customer service from our server who exuded a truly delightful personality. BUT, our ability to enjoy each other's company was constantly interrupted with excessive check-ins that ultimately left us feeling rushed. At one point, I wasn't finished eating when he had asked if I wanted a desert & a to-go box, in which he apologized. Also, as a long-time DC area native , I didn't expect the lobster rolls to contain such an exceptional amount of mayo with a deceptive ratio (e.g., more mayo than lobster) for that price point. A quintessential DC/New England style lobster roll has large chunks of lobster, warm butter on a warm butter roll. That's it, no fillers. But the freshly cut French fries were great; crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, served piping hot & fresh. And the vanilla mocha was also delicious.
   

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7. A

   Amanda

   Nashville4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a fantastic experience all around! We started with drinks and a snack upstairs at Le Loupe. Cocktails were wonderful, the tuna tartare was definitely something to write home about, and the service was unparalleled. Then we went downstairs to The Optimist. Again, the service was top notch (Anita was the best), and the food was so so good. We had The Opportunist, which was a great way to try different things and the Shrimp A La Plancha. It was the best thing we had all night!
   

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8. ET

   ETud VIP

   Nashville4 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 12, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our waiter was awesome..loved her and how she took care of us. The selections on the menu were minimal. I shared the fish and chips with my husband upon her recommendation and it was too greasy. Had a stomach ache from all the grease afterwards. Bread was soaked in butter underneath and was too much. Oysters were tasty but too small. Cocktail was good. Will not be back
   

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9. D

   David

   Nashville2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 12, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   The Arctic Char and Halibut were mediocre at best. The main course is served without any accompanying side dishes. Side dishes are available but cost at least $14 each. Valet parking reportedly is provided but costs $15. The meal was expensive and not worth it. We will not be returning to this restaurant.
   

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10. M

    Mary

    Salt Lake City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The good was fabulous. The cocktails were delicious. Our server Carley was sweet and very attentive. We will be back!
    

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