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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

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Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (9313)
$31 to $50
Seafood
914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

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2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 89 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 9,313 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 is a seafood haven offering "fantastic food and superb service." Guests rave about the "fresh oysters" and "exceptional dining experiences," with staff praised for their "attentive and friendly" service. The vibrant atmosphere and creative menu make it a standout choice for special occasions, despite being "a bit pricey."
9,313 Reviews

  1. Marileigh

    Atlanta6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was great food and service . It was very cold and hard to enjoy eating with it being so cold. But over all it was a very good experience

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  2. Beth VIP

    Tampa / Central Florida West1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and atmosphere were spectacular. Our waiter, DJ, was courteous, knowledgeable, and fantastic. 

    Is this helpful?

  3. Shamonique VIP

    Atlanta13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jennifer VIP

    Atlanta40 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kinsey

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 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.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jessica

    Alabama5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 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!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Julie

    Atlanta10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    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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  9. Todd

    Atlanta24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

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

    Is this helpful?

  10. David VIP

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 27, 2025

    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.

    Is this helpful?

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 9313 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
11:00 PM
Booked 89 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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