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The Optimist - Nashville, Nashville, TN

The Optimist - Nashville

4.6 (3152)
$31 to $50
Seafood
1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 43 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
  • 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
  • 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

Private dining

What 3,152 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist in Nashville offers an exceptional dining experience with "incredible service" and "delicious food." Guests rave about its seafood selection and vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for special occasions. The restaurant is praised for its "amazing bread," "top-notch cocktails," and attentive staff, ensuring a memorable visit.
3,152 Reviews
  1. Mike VIP

    Nashville31 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We were initially disappointed when the menu was significantly different from what was listed on the web page. Several items that we had planned to order, and were one of the reasons we decided to try this restaurant, did not appear on the menu. I understand menus change, especially higher end places, but there were more than a few areas that were very different from the web page. Ultimately we selected some she crab soup, which was very good. fish and chips where the fish was some of the best we’d ever had. Very crisp on the outside but the inside fish was very moist. Grilled okra was good. Pineapple upside down cake was so so. Probably should have gone with the chocolate pudding cake. The website says valet parking but it doesn’t mention that it was $16 without a tip which I think was excessive considering they park it across the street. Plus the ticket states the only money the attendant makes is from tips! Food and service were good but probably won’t go back just because of the parking. Too many other good places.

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  2. Chad

    Nashville5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It’s the second time I’ve been here & the food is very good. The noise level is high but seems to be expected in Nville these days. We enjoyed a great dinner.

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  3. Mark VIP

    Nashville56 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was good as always. Service was awesome. They are so friendly and helpful.

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  4. Elijah

    South Carolina20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fresh flavors, great service—seafood done right! From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with just the right blend of coastal charm and casual elegance. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel right at home, setting the tone for what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience. Now, let’s talk about the food—because wow. Every dish we ordered was a celebration of fresh, high-quality seafood. The shrimp cocktail was perfectly chilled and served with a zesty, flavorful sauce that had just the right kick. What really stood out was the attention to detail. From the presentation of the dishes to the thoughtful wine pairings suggested by our server, everything felt curated with care. Even the sides—like the garlic butter asparagus and the truffle mashed potatoes—were delicious enough to steal the spotlight. To top it all off, we shared a slice of cake that I’m still dreaming about. If you’re a seafood lover—or even if you’re not—this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back!

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  5. marshall VIP

    Nashville3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Bailey was amazing, and the food and vibe were stellar, as always.

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  6. Tommy

    Nashville6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic experience with my team! Food and service were incredible.

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  7. Marjorie

    Nashville23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The server was FANTASTIC, the food DELICIOUS and the surprises for our wedding anniversary very special! We had a wonderful dinner experience!

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  8. Anna

    Northwest Florida1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible service! Lovely food, presentation, and atmosphere for an anniversary dinner! What a treat!

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  9. amber

    Orlando / Central Florida East2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, cocktails and service were all amazing. Definitely a new favorite for when we’re visiting.

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  10. Jenny

    Phoenix / Arizona2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Gabriel was great. He had lots of great suggestions on the menu and even got us a private table upstairs at the bar after we finished. 

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FAQs

The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.6 stars by 3152 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
11:00 PM
Booked 43 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
  • Phone number
  • 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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