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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

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Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (9290)
$31 to $50
Seafood
914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 78 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Charming
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 9,290 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 offers "fantastic food and superb service," with a "welcoming and appreciated" atmosphere. It's praised for its "fresh, expertly prepared seafood," especially the oysters, and "exceptional" cocktails. Some find the portions small, but the "quality of food and service" keeps guests returning. A "must-try" for Atlanta dining.
9,290 Reviews

  1. Kathy VIP

    Atlanta19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Outstanding service. We will be back.

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  2. Tom VIP

    Atlanta145 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible performance as always!!! Ten years and still going strong. A packed Saturday beautiful crowd full of youthful energy. Despite it being our waiters 3rd day she was friendly professional and hard working!! The swordfish in duck fat is no longer on menu:(… but lobster, flounder, redfish all satisfied!!! The roasted oysters, the she crab soup all warm and delicious. Finally the beignets hush puppies are still awesome!! FORD FRY still rocks as another 2nd quarter of the 21st century starts!!! Thank you 🙏.

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  3. Michael

    Atlanta7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I asked to be seated in the larger dining area where the bar is. Front desk said it would not be a problem. When they started taking me to our table they were trying to seat us in the front street side of restaurant on the backside of the bar, where I had asked specifically NOT to sit in. I have nothing against children in restaurants but this is the area where most are seated & I wanted an adult evening. So, front desk actually listening & executing was off. Once seated, the server appeared to have too many tables to provide an enjoyable service. Everything was rushed. The food is always great at The Optimist but the overall experience was disappointing.

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  4. Anne

    Toledo / Northwest Ohio3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service! Prompt seating upon arrival @reservation time. Staff was well acquainted with the menu and ready with suggestions.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nathan VIP

    Dallas - Fort Worth29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place was great. We were in Atlanta with some friends for a weekend. The optimist did not disappoint. The grouper cheeks were awesome. If you’re in Atlanta the optimist will not disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Dwight

    Atlanta3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an incredible experience!! The food was fantastic!!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Joshua

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great staff- waiter was knowledgable and helpful. Great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Eric

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our recent visit was outstanding!!! The food was great and our waitstaff was great!!! I tried two dishes I had not tried before and I was extremely pleased on how well the food tasted. I ordered the Red Fish and a side of Fried Scallops; both dishes were really good. The planting of the food was very pleasing as well. And the complementary bread was amazing. Our server Amanda made us feel right at home and was a joy to meet. Amanda even surprised Bri with a birthday tray that included drinks & dessert. I will be visiting this restaurant again in the near future.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Inde

    Atlanta3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great location. Staff friendly and cozy atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Colin VIP

    Greater Boston12 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great as always. Service was incredibly slow. Took at least 30 minutes after sitting down to get water. Had to ask numerous times to order another bottle of wine. Ultimately, this was a loss to the Optimist because we would have ordered more if we had the opportunity.

    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 9290 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
7:00 PM
Booked 78 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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