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The Optimist - Nashville, Nashville, TN

The Optimist - Nashville

4.6 (3151)
$31 to $50
Seafood
1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 42 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 3,151 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

                      Noise • Moderate

                      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.
                      3,151 Reviews

                      1. Chad

                        Nashville5 reviews

                        4.0

                        Dined 3 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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                      2. Mark VIP

                        Nashville56 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined 3 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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                      3. Elijah

                        South Carolina20 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined 5 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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                      4. marshall VIP

                        Nashville3 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined 5 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.

                        Is this helpful?

                      5. Tommy

                        Nashville6 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined 6 days ago

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

                        Is this helpful?

                      6. Marjorie

                        Nashville23 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined 7 days ago

                        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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                      7. Anna

                        Northwest Florida1 review

                        5.0

                        Dined 7 days ago

                        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!

                        Is this helpful?

                      8. 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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                      9. 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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                      10. Joe VIP

                        Nashville11 reviews

                        5.0

                        Dined on June 21, 2025

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 4
                        We had booked for outside seating. It rained before we arrived so they had already moved us indoors. Our server was incredible with plenty of details about the menu. Rolls were brought to our table first and they were good. We ordered shrimp appetizer that was on bread. It was incredible. I had the halibut and my wife had the char. I don’t think you can go wrong with either dish. The character of the old building is neat. I would highly recommend The Optimist and we will be back!!!

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                      FAQs

                      The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.6 stars by 3151 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
                      9:30 PM
                      Booked 42 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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