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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.8
4.8
8183 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
11:30 PM
Booked 85 times today

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 8,183 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta Metro

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Most Booked

  1. Daniel

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful experience. We even spotted a few A-list actors ;)

    Is this helpful?

  2. DeeH

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was excellent and the lobster and potatoes with braised greens were superb! Very nicely done!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sheila626

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Excellent venue for couples, family, or work dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing restaurant. Delicious food with outstanding customer service.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Service was excellent. Waiter Sid was 5 stars. Food was delicious. Music was death metal and loud. Ambiance not good because of that.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the optimist ambiance whether daytime or nighttime 🥰 bartenders are artists and chef’s are spectacular. Can’t wait til the hot rolls arrive at my table!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. traniecew

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time at The Optimist. We came for date Night. This place definitely exceeded my expectations. Food, service and ambiance was Amazing. Date Night was a success..Thank You

    Is this helpful?

  8. WilliamB

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food4service5ambience5
    Bar service was horrible. Bar staff, I understand busy, but honestly rude. The older female was incredibly rude and I’m not sure why she is allowed to interact with customers.

    Is this helpful?

  9. FoodieGirl

    Tampa

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Loved the vibe of this place. Great for a date night. Don’t miss the Whole Shrimp A La Plancha, which is a fabulous appetizer to be shared. We also loved the whole branzino paired with the basmati fried rice. The curries on both pair beautifully.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Wife ordered the Georgia Peach salad as an appetizer. The salad actually contained about 1/2 of a quarter of a peach. I know costs are up, but it was a very subpar attempt at living up to the apps actual name. She also ordered a tuna appetizer as her entree and it was very skimpy as well. However, my redfish and the sides were excellent. Overall, all tasted great, just felt a bit cheated by the meager portions. Our server was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  11. ZachI

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Excellent appetizers, good cocktails but the fish entrees were just so-so. Maybe consider the po'boy.

    Is this helpful?

  12. RyanW

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. Server Layton was one of the best we’ve had anywhere - very personable and great descriptions and recommendations.

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  13. MalWill404

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service! Delicious food. Our server was knowledgeable and personable. He really guided us through the menu. Beautiful space. And yes the food —perfectly prepared and presented!

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The food is always delicious, but wish it wasn’t so pricey.

    Is this helpful?

  15. ArmandoB

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fantastic. They treated my wife and I like family.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Yuppy

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, CJ, was truly excellent. He suggested three off-menu items, each of which was wonderful. The food is also top notch; the Optimist always has the best scallops of any restaurant I can recall.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Caleb

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is fantastic. Starting with a superb service by CJ and the food was fresh and delicious. An unforgettable experience at a place we plan to come back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely amazing here. This has been on my list of restaurants to try for a while and I am so glad that I took my guests from out of town here! The rolls, She Crab soup, hush puppies, and peel & eat shrimp, and the tuna crudo was fabulous!

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service, and atmosphere, as always!

    Is this helpful?

  20. girlwonder1980

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    LOVE it here! Consistently delivers on great drinks, great food, and great service! Can't wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  21. EphrianC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    The starters except the oysters, weren't satisfying. The gumbo and chowder was more soup than anything. "Where was the meat, fish etc.?"

    Is this helpful?

  22. koop

    Atlanta Metro

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a fav for many years. Still never disappoints!!

    Is this helpful?

  23. MarcD

    Tallahassee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. Super service. Definitely order the fried oysters. Unique twist in a swordfish dish.

    Is this helpful?

  24. IkeB

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic time with my wife and nephew. The food and drinks were on point. Love this place!

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was great! It was my wife’s birthday and I brought my 6 year old which I was hoping wouldn’t be awkward. He immediately connected with my son. All along the way he made sure to make my wife feel special and create an indelible experience! Thanks so much!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    Food is still outstanding. Service was extremely slow. Also the price has gotten pretty steep.

    Is this helpful?

  27. MarkR

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The very best seafood in town. Highly recommend for locals or visitors.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Annie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food & drinks were fantastic! Winnie, our server, was amazing :) Will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always get the Shrimp La Plancha, everything else is good to, but always get the shrimp…

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was fantastic especially the greens, carrots and roasted oysters. My scallops were so tender and the dessert was light and the perfect way to end our meal. Our waitress was attentive and made splendid recommendations and explained the difference between the raw oysters. Will definitely return

    Is this helpful?

  31. NickB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolute gas every time. Not the biggest fish eater but their dishes are incredible

    Is this helpful?

  32. saffoodiegirl

    Atlanta Metro

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food2service3ambience5
    Our entrees came slightly warm. Broccoli was a bit oily. But really not good cold. Our server was great but delivery of food not so great. Still love optimist. Will be back

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food great atmosphere  great service. A very fun place to dine in Atlanta.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Diamond

    Atlanta Metro

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Overall good experience, any issues corrected quickly.

    Is this helpful?

  35. KeeshaH

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely Fabulous Mother's Day dinner at the Optimist. The food was spectacular from start to finish. We tried the fried oysters, Georgia Scallops, and the vanilla bean strawberry crumble cheesecake. Delicious!! Our service was wonderful. We will definitely be back to try other things on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  36. BritBrit

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Hates the Mothers Day menu; otherwise I love this place

    Is this helpful?

  37. TiffanyD

    Orlando

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s always an enjoyable time when I’m able to dine here!! The food and ambiance are top tier! 💯

    Is this helpful?

  38. ShannonO

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Mother's Day Brunch!! Service was outstanding and food was even better! Valet was a bit backed up, but not a big deal.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Chik

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This was our second visit. The food didn't disappoint and the service was fabulous. Upon arrival, there was only one poor fellow at Valet so there was a long line and long wait just to get in the door. But once in, it was great.

    Is this helpful?

  40. JohnG

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Excellent food and our server was extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Very cool inside. The cadence was slow from the start -- took far too long to be greeted at our table and then waited an hour plus between appetizer and entrée. I imagine this is just a staffing shortage issue so hopefully they are able to solve.

    Is this helpful?

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 4.8 stars by 8183 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 85 times today
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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