This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

The Optimist - Nashville

Name: The Optimist - Nashville
Address: 1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN, United States, 37208
Telephone: (615) 709-3156
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2526 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

The Optimist brings a menu of casual, wood-fired fare with a focus on sustainable seafood to Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. The Optimist transports landlocked Tennesseans coast side to experience super-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood from the region’s most responsible purveyors. As the sounds of coastal-inspired bands fill the air, each dish perfectly blends together classic and modern seafood favorites, while adventurous yet simple cocktails of the season and an extensive outdoor patio and “game” area help to complete the full experience.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 3, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 73 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
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, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,526 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

2,526 Reviews

A
Anne
Louisville
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Iris was wonderful and knowledgeable. Food was delicious - we had an amazing experience!!
Is this helpful?
AH
AndyH
Detroit
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food2service5ambience3
Had high expectations here based on reviews. Had just a drink here previously and looked nice to eat. Sat outside and got chowed by mosquitoes. You'd think they'd fog there, but guessing not. Was quite miserable smacking bugs every minute. Also, the music outside goes full tilt for a minute and then fades out, repeatedly. Someone needs to fix the wiring because it was quite annoying. Ordered the gumbo, which had great taste but was more like broth than a thick roux. The girl next to me said the same thing about hers and was not into it. Hushpuppies good. The seafood platter was a bit underwhelming, but the smoked fish dip was great. Drinks were good also. It's unfortunate the outdoor dining features were such a drag. If you go, definitely eat inside.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food1service1ambience2
Very disappointing. Service terrible. Portions tiny. Tea spoon of lobster on $42 lobster roll.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dined here last night with my Mom. So fantastic! Service amazing, Ambience incredible, food delicious ! Oysters are a must ! Travis was knowledgable and took the time to talk us through the menu and accomodate our dietary needs!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server Iris was great and extremely helpful. We look forward to visiting again.
Is this helpful?
AD
AmberD
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was worth every penny! We had great service and the bread is delish!
Is this helpful?
KK
KennedyK
Miami
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unreal experience! The food, the service, the drinks, the timing. All was so wonderful! And a special birthday treat!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to celebrate my dear friends birthday and couldn’t not be more overjoyed with the service. It was my first time there and my friends first time returning. My expectations were exceeded. The hostess were BRILLIANT and helped me to orchestrate everything from finding/setting the perfect table and organizing our desert. Our server Jordan was so attentive and gave by far the best presentation I’ve had at a restaurant in a very long time, it was refreshing. We will be returning and definitely introducing this restaurant to our family and friends. Thank you Optimist team for a wonderful night.
Is this helpful?
JB
JoshB
Unspecified
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
They were out of my first 2 choices, but our waitress Rebecca was fantastic. Tables very close together.
Is this helpful?
JW
JessicaW
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time, and it didn't disappoint. Food and service at the bar was fantastic. The hangar steak was a bit too expensive for what was given on the plate, but it tasted great. Spent $300, after the tip, on 2 people. Will definitely be back for drinks and appetizers next time we are in town.
Is this helpful?
R
Raychows
Indiana
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, ambiance and service! Can't wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
KK
KKolWea
Nashville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
The food is seasoned beautifully. Everything tastes like it was made just for you! We loved the variety of oysters you could order and got 4 different flavors. All were great! As a starter, we got the Spanish octopus- hands down the best thing ever!! We got scallops and the lobster roll for dinner. The lobster roll was subpar- for a seafood place I was hoping for something different than a standard roll. The scallops were beautiful. We got the pole beans, broccolini, and hush puppies as sides and we devoured those. We wished the dinner portions offered a little bit more for the price, but they were up front about the size when we ordered. We would go back with some specific orders in mind!
Is this helpful?
MG
MisseyGSmith
Nashville
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another spectacular dinner and service at The Optimist. If you have not yet been...what are you waiting for???!!! The redfish is divine, the oyster selection is unmatched in the city and the service is phenomenal. Do not leave without having the coconut pie.
Is this helpful?
R
Rivieravixen
Los Angeles
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Treated myself to nice solo dinner while friends at a raucous party. Service very good and had some delicious fish as an alternative to BBQ. Hamachi crudo fresh with a tangerine garnish. They are known for their scallops and black truffle oil which was well deserved. Had the chocolate pudding cake, tender and not too sweet. Lucked out to catch last set of a band in their lounge for Americanafest
Is this helpful?
BS
BrianS
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The team at The Optimist went above and beyond to make our anniversary dinner a memorable one! The seafood was spectacular and masterfully prepared. Service was top notch and genuine. We can’t wait to go back for The Refuge and Hushpuppies. This place is a gem.
Is this helpful?
GG
GGFoodie
Western NC
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Garth was a wealth of knowledge and a fun waiter ! Thank you
Is this helpful?
H
Happylife
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and our server was very attentive and had really good recommendations.
Is this helpful?
M
Milnadgreat
Indiana
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best food, best service, best environment. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
AG
AmandaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely incredible. The flavors were divine, the quality of the fish and oysters was so so good, the servers were kind and knowledgeable, and I am blown away. Can’t wait to go back.
Is this helpful?
AY
AngeliaY
Nashville
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food and nice, contemporary atmosphere. One of my favorites in Nashville. The reason they don't get five stars for me is because I am not crazy about their wine selections.
Is this helpful?
m
madison1223
Nashville
223 reviews
vip
1.0
223 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience4
No longer kid friendly- they used to have kid options and with menu changes stopped. Further they had no ketchup and fries that came with the lobster roll were burnt. The lobster roll was all bun and no lobster after we were sold on how much lobster came with the roll. You mainly taste the bread. The mahi mahi was underwhelming and the kale salad overly spicy and too much dressing. We were not warned it would be so spicy and nothing was done to correct it despite making this known. We were there for a birthday and saw what other patrons had as a birthday extra something that we failed to also get- maybe the server was just busy? We had to ask for seafood forks and drink refills. This is not the first time we show up to be told they are out of items. This will be our last time dining at the Optimist with all the other options available and better service. Some of the peel and eat shrimp were over cooked- oysters were the only good item.
Is this helpful?
TM
TheMrs
Nashville
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My food was phenomenal. The service was spectacular.
Is this helpful?
TJ
TimmyJ
Nashville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great. The ambience was great. Everything about our experience was top-notch. Would highly recommend The Optimist!
Is this helpful?
A
Anthony
Atlanta Metro
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was excellent, looking forward to returning very soon. P.S. order the octopus!!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal waitress, I wish I have her name. Tall nice lady.
Is this helpful?
NN
NativeNashvillian
Nashville
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
The patio at The Optimist is one of our faves. There's nothing else like it in Nashville!
Is this helpful?
DM
DawnM
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brian helped us to choose outstanding food and was wonderful to talk with!! Thank you for a great evening!!
Is this helpful?
RM
RMLS
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We approach any restaurant expecting to be disappointed, but The Optimist was a delight. Food was excellent as was service. Every bite was delicious. Oysters, tuna and hamachi crudo, ricotta toast, halibut all fantastic, but the eggplant side WOWed us. A few assumptions about who was drinking the fruity drink made us laugh, but overall one of the best meals we have had in Nashville in close to 20 years.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a perfect dinner celebrating our anniversary! Noam was friendly and helpful in picking our dishes. From a Vino Verde from Portugal to oysters, gumbo, scallops and halibut (omg… indescribable!) and finally a delicious coconut pie… I mean really stellar. Thank you Samantha and Noam for a wonderful evening. See you soon!!!!
Is this helpful?
TG
TomG
Charleston
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
The restaurant itself is nice in the food is consistently good. Although the upside down pineapple cake leaves a lot to be desired our server did not have answers to several of our questions, and we were disappointed in that yeah she had to check several times for questions we had.
Is this helpful?
KG
KathleenG
San Antonio
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Chefs selections are spot on and the semmollier’s suggestions were perfect.
Is this helpful?
EG
EllenG
Nashville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kody was our waiter and suggested some amazing food. We sat outside and it was perfect. Thanks for a great anniversary evening!
Is this helpful?
e
edwardf
Salt Lake City
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing evening. Great service, food. We will be back!
Is this helpful?
MG
MisseyGSmith
Nashville
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you have not been to The Optimist...what are you waiting for???!!! From start to finish this is the best dining experience. The Management, the servers, the food!
Is this helpful?
BS
BradleyS
Nashville
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful menu and setting for any occasion. The oysters, shrimp appetizer, and entrees were excellent with great service. A top 5 restaurant in Nashville.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service, drinks, and ambiance. We will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
South Dakota
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was exceptional, would definitely recommend and will return. Our server was friendly and very knowledgeable about the food and had great wine recommendations.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience1
Food and service was excellent (Kevin was our waiter) however they sat us at a booth right by the service bar when the restaurant was not even busy . We suggested that we would like to move however nothing was done for us. The host that seated us was not very accommodating so our dinner was not very pleasant as servers where coming and going all night in front of us.
Is this helpful?
D
Dinerus
Philadelphia
64 reviews
vip
5.0
64 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding Restaurant! The food and service was exceptional. I highly recommend the octopus, shrimp and the Coconut pie.
Is this helpful?
JM
JanetM
Nashville
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Food was delicious, however was not served as hot as it should have been in my opinion. It was not cold, but was not hot. Just warm. I have eaten at the Optimist several times, and the food has always been delicious and hot, however, this time not so much. I ordered the fish chowder, fish fried rice and scallops. Chowder and rice were dishes that seemed to just be on the warm side.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Optimist - Nashville offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (615) 709-3156.

The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.7 stars by 2526 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 3, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 73 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Additional information

Neighborhood
Germantown
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, 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

This restaurant now offers Takeout

The Optimist - Nashville

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Popular dishes

Lobster Roll "Twins"

Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi

Smoked Fish Chowder

Menu

Start

Smoked Fish Chowder$12.00

Shrimp and Oyster Gumbo$14.00

Plateaux

The Opportunist$52.00

The Refuge$74.00

Fish and Meat

Lobster Roll "Twins"$30.00

Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi$31.00

Sides and Such

Shaved Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Smoked Fish Fried Rice$13.00

Desserts

French Almond Cake$8.00

Coconut Pie$8.00

What 2,526 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does The Optimist - Nashville offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Optimist - Nashville restaurant rated?

Is The Optimist - Nashville currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information