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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

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Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (9309)
$31 to $50
Seafood
914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

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2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 57 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Good for groups
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.

Dining areas

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 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
    Edward Barrett
  • Private party facilities
    The Optimist has a variety of event spaces that include bar events, restaurant buy outs, with private and semi-private dining for up to 200 guests.
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 9,309 people are saying

The Optimist 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

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist dazzles with its consistently "amazing food" and "superb service." Guests rave about the "phenomenal" oysters and seafood, while standout servers like Donnie and Amanda make dining experiences unforgettable. Although occasionally crowded, the vibrant atmosphere and "great ambience" make this Atlanta gem a must-visit for seafood lovers.
9,309 Reviews

  1. Shamonique VIP

    Atlanta13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had a great experience for my birthday dinner. The food and drinks were delicious and my birthday treat was presented very nicely. The fresh oysters and lobster rolls were my favorite.

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  2. Jennifer VIP

    Atlanta40 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was great. Service was great. Holden did an awesome job. Not sure what Ford was thinking when he painted the bar dark blue. It’s so dark that people coming inside nearly trip and you can barely see anything even during the daylight. New booths are pretty but need to lighten the paint a lot.

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  3. Kinsey

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We really enjoyed our time. The food was great, our server was awesome as he had expert knowledge of the various food menu items and selection of drinks. We ordered more and more throughout the night. An excellent choice.

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  4. Jessica

    Alabama5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I can’t remember my waiter’s name but he was awesome!

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  5. Julie

    Atlanta10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 1
    Our fourth experience at The Optimist. It is LOUD; we were with another couple and had to raise our voices to be heard at our small table and even then we all agreed later that it wasn’t really a conversation at all. Service has been very good in the past but this time around we were never asked if we needed drink refills. Avoid the flounder - even though they do a deboning at the table it is still full of bones. The food is consistently good, but always small servings (3 scallops for an entree) for very hefty prices.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The overall experience was great! The bread was delicious! The wood roasted oysters were tasty but very small. The lobster could have been seasoned a little more. My husband had the redfish, and it was not seasoned well either. Need a little more options for sides since the entrees did not come with one.

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  7. Todd

    Atlanta24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food never disappoints and service this evening was absolutely on point!

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  8. David VIP

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Staff and Chef were very generous accommodating special dietary restrictions and kept the food tasting delicious. Very appreciated.

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  9. LEAH VIP

    Atlanta26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Massive shoutout to the culinary team and our incredible waitress, Raquel, for going above and beyond to accommodate my Whole30 diet—she even researched the program ahead of time and worked with the kitchen to pivot my dish when soy was in the original prep. Truly above-and-beyond service. The Optimist has been a go-to for date nights and special occasions (even a birthday dinner!). It’s definitely on the pricier side—entrées range mid $30s–$40s, with sides $12–$18—but the quality and creativity consistently deliver. Pro Tips: •Grab a seat at the seafood bar from 5–6pm for happy hour drinks and oyster specials. •The complimentary rolls are dangerously good (when not on Whole30, of course). Favorites we’ve loved: •Bluefin Tuna with chimichurri (a fresh, unique twist) •Summer Yellowtail with peach—perfectly sweet and savory •Shrimp A La Plancha •Crispy Haddock •Half-Roasted Chicken (crispy skin, juicy inside) •Char and Sea Scallops are also hits Beautiful space, great for any season. Always a standout experience.

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  10. Allison VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our serveres were phenomenal dont get me wrong, but we were there for over 3 hours and waited a very long time to get our drinks, appetizers, and our main courses. What we thought would be an hour and a half meal turned into three hours with no explanation. Never had that experience at the Optimist before.

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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 9309 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. Atlanta
  4. Atlanta
  5. West Midtown

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 57 times today
Google Map for The Optimist

914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    8th Street
  • Neighborhood
    West Midtown
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
    Edward Barrett
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

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