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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.7
4.7
8397 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Top Tags:
The Optimist brings a seaside fish camp experience to landlocked Atlantans. The ever-changing menu features high-quality, sustainable seafood masterfully paired with fresh, local ingredients. From sophisticated, daily-catch dishes to crudos and beachside classics, chef-owner Ford Fry’s the Optimist transports guests to their favorite coastal haunts.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 77 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (404) 477-6260
  • Website
    https://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/atlanta
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Brian Horn
  • Private party facilities
    The Optimist has a variety of event spaces that include bar events, restaurant buy outs, private dining up to 20 guests, semi-private dining for up to 50 guests.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator : (404) 355-5311 ext. 212
  • Location
    914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318
  • Neighborhood
    West Midtown
  • Cross street
    8th Street
  • Parking details
    $5 Valet service is offered through the Brady parking garage, located on property. Additional surface street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, as well as additional lots in the area.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Featured in

What 8,397 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta Metro

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Most Booked

8,397 Reviews

  1. AUIE

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyable meal and great service. I would dine here again.

    Is this helpful?

  2. AnnyR

    Atlanta Metro

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing. The red fish, halibut, fried rice and broccolini were to die for. Chef Brandon is amazing! The desserts were delicious as well.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Phong

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The oysters were fresh, the whole flounder was cooked perfect, and the lobster was delicious. Incredible place for a night out. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Virginia was Amazing!! Thanks so much Rocket Farm family!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. CraigE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a splendid evening. The oyster menu was very informative. We had the seafood tower to start. We loved the smoked fish dip and the ceviche. Our main courses were great. You won't find better halibut or scallops. I didn't try the lobster roll, but it looked "to die for." The best part of the evening was our server SELMA! She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Great night.

    Is this helpful?

  6. CedricM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    &Had the raw oysters, extremely small and come with high price. The overall quality of food was average.

    Is this helpful?

  7. ScottR

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    perfect food, service and ambience! Broiled maine lobster was outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  8. NancyF

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding. Especially the lobster we had both lobster dishes

    Is this helpful?

  9. TruBlu2

    Atlanta Metro

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for an anniversary celebration and were served and treated with care and recognition. We enjoyed a great meal with excellent service.

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  10. NickC

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect. The Spanish Octopus was great, the burger is amazing too.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    It was a great spot to celebrate my anniversary. We were acknowledged for our celebration at host counter and on menu. Wait staff tended to our needs before we could speak it. Plus the food and drinks were delicious

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  12. JimW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great food. Pricey but good. Especially once you've paid for drinks and valet. Really noisy once the place fills up; not what you'd look for in a quiet date dinner setting. Would help if the lame music was turned down probably. Overall good though.

    Is this helpful?

  13. DowntownDiners

    Seattle

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Salmal was terrific! Everything was perfect. She guided us through the entire meal with spot-on recommendations.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    If you're looking for a slightly high end date night in Atlanta - this is your spot. We have been waiting a long time to go to The Optimist.. and it was well worth the wait. We went here for my wife's birthday and everything was top notch, from start to finish. They had "happy birthday" printed on the menu they provided my wife - which was a simple yet brilliant touch in terms of customer experience! Our servers were attentive and well versed with the menu. Their recommendations were on point and they made sure we had a great overall experience. Now, coming to the food, we ordered oyesters, the grilled octopus and the shrimp for appetizers. The shrimp was finger licking good! The oysters were fresh and flavorful and the octopus was well balanced in flavor. For our entree we got the red snapped and some garlic parmesan potatoes. The red snapped was a good sized portion (just enough for 2 people) and the garlic parmesan potatoes were crispy fried and packed with flavor. Will I go back - Hell yes!!

    Is this helpful?

  15. JeffreyG

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend this restaurant for all of the right reasons. Excellent food, great service, very friendly staff, and a great overall experience. The pace of the meal was fantastic as well. Well done Optimist! I look forward to future visit.

    Is this helpful?

  16. RJCeenit

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious and AK walked us newbies through the process like a pro. I haven’t had such wonderful service in a long time. Thank you AK for making this a successful adventure 🩷

    Is this helpful?

  17. Kandj

    Phoenix

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent seafood, from the good selection of raw oysters to the octopus appetizer and then onto the entrees. Loved the redfish and poached swordfish. Lobster was good, but not as interesting. Service was very good. Sat outside on rather uncomfortable chairs rather than inside, where the noise level is quite high. Still one of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta.

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  18. MahoganyN

    Miami

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We visited this location while traveling in ATL. It’s was on the must visit and tops list for seafood. The food was good but coming from Florida I felt the value for offering was not aligned. It’s a hot spot and they make amazing drinks. But I love seafood and was looking for a wow so I’m not sure we’d return but it’s worth a try.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Nicole

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    So so delicious, great vibe, friendly staff. Loved the oyster bar! Our waiter forgot about us a couple of times, but otherwise excellent and thoughtful experience - they even separated the soup into two separate servings because we said we planned to share.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fabulous. The food is fresh as fresh to death.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Atlgirl

    Atlanta Metro

    35 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    This is usually one of our favorite places for seafood anywhere in Atlanta, but this night was awful. We came here to celebrate my dads 83rd Birthday as it’s his favorite. We started off with the seafood tower with 1/2 a lobster, and a shrimp cocktail for the other party member. All of the shrimp were over cooked. The manager came out with more which were overcooked and still could not get the peelings off, so you just maybe could eat 1/2 of a whole shrimp. The lobster was also overcooked. The oysters were very small but ok. As a whole the tower we had last year didn’t even compare, far better. After seeing the issues and not wanting to make a big deal for my dad’s birthday, we left hungry and disappointed. If Optimist is trying to make money by cutting corners it’s not going to work! Please look at what you had, a fantastic Atlanta seafood restaurant, loved by so many locals! I hope this was an off night, but by the looks of what the standards were I question it.

    The OptimistResponded 1 day ago

    Hello, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and provide us with feedback about your visit, we truly appreciate it. I would love the chance to speak with you about your experience and see where we can make improvements for the future. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at mdiesso@rocketfarmrestaurantscom I look forward to speaking with you soon. Kindly, Melissa Diesso General Manager, Rocket Farm Restaurants

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  22. EastCobbMom

    Atlanta Metro

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed a birthday dinner here, and really enjoyed the experience. All the dishes we tried were outstanding. The Branzino was my favorite, but redfish and scallops were delicious as well. Banana pudding cake was scrumptious along with the hush puppies and dinner rolls. Would love to eat here again!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great experience overall, but the music did not match the vibe. I recommend a better playlist.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Optimist, a seafood haven nestled in midtown Atlanta, and it was a delightful experience. The food was nothing short of excellent, with the oysters stealing the spotlight as the absolute best I've ever tasted. Our server, Rob, added a wonderful touch to the evening with his exceptional service. To top it off, The Optimist's old fashioned cocktail was superbly crafted, leaving a lasting impression. With outstanding seafood, impeccable service from Rob, and killer cocktails, The Optimist has firmly established itself as a must-visit spot in Atlanta. I can't wait to return and savor the experience all over again!

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to eat! IMO Best seafood menu in the city

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  26. Emma

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the optimist!! Our server Layton was great and made great recommendations. We will definitely be back

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  27. Kiko

    Atlanta Metro

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great food, very good service. It was packed and a little too noisy for me

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  28. JamesM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    I was there for oyster happy hour in the bar. I was raised on Gulf oysters, so west coast are very small by comparison, but also very tasty. Had the arctic char with crispy potatoes. The char was delicious with really crispy skin, but the potatoes were divine! Crisp outside and creamy inside with a saffron aioli and parm cheese. Outstanding! Finished with coconut pie/tart. Very good.

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  29. Shari

    New York Area

    45 reviews

    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, presented beautifully. Service was stellar. Enjoyable experience all around.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic! Best seafood place in Atlanta. I always make it a point to go when I am in town

    Is this helpful?

  31. DETW

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Food was hot and miss. Half the dishes were great and the other half mediocre. Shrimp on the seafood platter was overcooked and dry, and the chocolate layer cake was TERRIBLE!! Cold stale & lacking in flavor.

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  32. JanaM

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Valet parking always goes smoothly with minimal wait times. The music was unusually loud last night making it hard for me to hear conversations without raising our voices. The Optimist is ALWAYS on my list of go-to places for dinner. We will be back. It never disappoints.

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  33. JonathanT

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my favorite place to eat in Atlanta> Service is alays great, food outstanding, I love to feel of the place, although a bit pricey for the quality you get what you pay for. Keep it up its tough out there.

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  34. Yuki

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome seafood and deserved service. I will definitely visit this place again.

    Is this helpful?

  35. TamiG

    Nashville

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This is our second time visiting Optimist and the food is always great. Great selection of oysters and the appetizer of hamachi crudo was amazing. My halibut was over cooked but the sauce and flavors were on point. The only reason for 4 stars was the halibut but the scallops were perfect. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Falcon

    Atlanta Metro

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Fish was dry despite being poached in duck fat server was gracious and nice

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  37. NormaD

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service provided by Alexis! Food is always amazing and the entire staff is so welcoming and accommodating.

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  38. PIETROC

    Guadalajara

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Pasamos una noche muy linda, el ambiente es muy bueno, buena la comida (un poco menos los postres).

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  39. MarkF

    Atlanta Metro

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Fantastic food. Clearly there is a shortage of trained staff.

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  40. StephenS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely a meal that I will never forget. Everything was a 10/10 and looking forward to visiting again.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Optimist offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (404) 477-6260.

The Optimist is rated 4.7 stars by 8397 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 77 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Optimist

914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

Additional information

  • Cross street
    8th Street
  • Neighborhood
    West Midtown
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    $5 Valet service is offered through the Brady parking garage, located on property. Additional surface street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, as well as additional lots in the area.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Brian Horn
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/atlanta
  • Phone number
    (404) 477-6260
  • Private party facilities
    The Optimist has a variety of event spaces that include bar events, restaurant buy outs, private dining up to 20 guests, semi-private dining for up to 50 guests.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator : (404) 355-5311 ext. 212

Featured in

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