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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.8
4.8
7333 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
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 104 times today
Experiences are available.

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

    $3 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

Experiences

  • Ring in the New Year with The Optimist!

    $125.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2022 only
    To celebrate the New Year we are excited to offer a special four course menu from Chef Brian Horn, priced at $125 per person. Available wine Pairings from our amazing beverage team are sure to be the perfect accompaniment, only an additional $50.

  • Valentine's Day Prix Fixe at The Optimist!

    $125.00 per person

    Feb 14, 2023 only
    The best way to spend the evening with your special someone is "coast side!" Celebrate Valentine's Day at The Optimist with a four-course prix fixe menu Executive Chef Brian Horn for $115 per person. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, coastal inspired cuisine and much more! We look forward to celebrating with you!

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 7,333 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta / Georgia

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Best Service

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

Sort by

Filters

  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server, Andy was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and offered some amazing recommendations from the food menu and wine menu. These days it’s refreshing to encounter someone working in the service industry with such a great level of customer service! Andy exhibited an amazingly positive vibe of personality and energy! It was our first time at the optimist, and my friends first time in Atlanta and her only night in town. Overall, we at exceptional night of great food, customer service and atmosphere! It was definitely a five-star experience!

  2. WG

    WhitneyG

    Atlanta

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    The food was Good and we received Great service from Winnie.

  3. c

    charliev

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolute S+ tier experience. Matthew was fantastic. I only took pictures of our apps because when that Lobster Roll came out I obliterated it in milliseconds.

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Optimist is always a great time! The food is great and the service is top tier! A for sure gem

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food and service were amazing. Our server, Josh, was great!

  6. MC

    MelissaC

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    David made the experience - he was attentive and gave exceptional service

  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service.

  8. JR

    JanineR

    Atlanta

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    The ambiance, I love. I feel the food was way over priced. We go scallops ($32) for only 4 average size scallops. The flavor was delicious though. The lobster ($36) had good flavor but was over cooked. The veggies were recommended by the waiter but I did not enjoy.

  9. WA

    WilliamABill

    Atlanta

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Every thing was up to par except I could not sleep. Think the coconut pie must have had white chocolate in it and I am unable to tolerate caffeine in any form.

  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food1service2ambience3

    Bar was great. Very noisy place, so very difficult to have a conversation. Service was OK. Took a very long time to get a glass of wine. We were several minutes into the appetizer when the wine came. Octopus was perfectly cooked, too bad the sauce took away from the flavor. Other dishes were over sauced and killed the flavor of the seafood. Scallops were quite poor actually. The Brazino was nice , but unfortunately the salt was a bit too much and the cilantro was over used and also took away from the dish. In general we were disappointed and would not go back for the food, but a lively place.

  11. V

    Vancer

    Fort Lauderdale

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and atmosphere

  12. AS

    ArtS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and good service. Our waiter was spot on with his recommendations and took the time to answer our questions. We'll be back for sure. Can't wait to visit their other locations.

  13. NN

    NooksNCandy

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Small portions but delicious. Our server was great. Don't miss the delicious She-crab soup.

  14. WT

    WilliamTC

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a wonderful dining experience. The food and the service was outstanding.

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Austin our server was excellent and he made our Anniversary dinner special! The food was great and the drinks were on point. Can’t wait to get back.

  16. RS

    RhindaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was great and service was awesome. Just right for the occasion

  17. AG

    AshleyG

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a must stop every time we visit Atlanta. One of the most curated and refined restaurants in all our travels. I could sing the praises of the service, food, attention to detail and so much more, all day. Our waiter recently took a class on oysters and it shows how much this restaurant prides itself on being one of the best. It has stood the test of time and isn’t just another trendy restaurant.

  18. BF

    BahamianFoodie

    Atlanta

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My bday celebration was great !!

  19. m

    markk

    Atlanta

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience2

    We walked out of the restaurant after waiting 1 hour and 45 minutes for our main course. We did have appetizers that did come out after 20 minutes. Problems in the kitchen we were told, but the restaurant was only 3/4 full. Our server never told us there were issues and just kept us waiting. Finally we called her over and asked for the check. The manager came over and apologized. Very disappointing.

  20. JW

    JessW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience1

    Went to The Optimist thinking it would be a fine dining experience. My husband and I were celebrating an anniversary. The restaurant was so loud, we could not hear each other talk. The neighboring tables, which we had to turn sideways to get between were loud and distracting. The scallops themselves were excellent, however, there were maybe three sauces and strangely prepared asparagus on the plate which did not pair well with the scallops. My husband had the swordfish and that was good. Great service, as one would expect the food prices. The ambiance was less than ideal, due to how loud the restaurant was.

  21. EM

    ErikM

    Atlanta

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience4

    The oysters and drinks were amazing. Believe it or not, the opti burger is really good too. The last two times I went, the fish entrees were just okay. The peel and eat shrimp were so salty we almost couldn't eat them. I think I'll stick to the fresh oysters and drinks next time. It's hit or miss.

  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great time celebrating a birthday. Katie, our server, was fantastic. Food was divine!

  23. SH

    ScottH

    Atlanta

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for my wife’s birthday and were treated superbly by all of the staff. Food and drinks were excellent especially the Redfish.

  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Craig was great! He recommended great food and drink options. Hamachi crudo was excellent and super fresh. Also you can never go wrong with the octopus and the shrimp a la plancha!! Great and fresh seafood and spectacular service!

  25. m

    mlgeezy

    Atlanta

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    This was not my first visit to the Optimist. The cocktails were very good. The food was good as well...not as good as I've had previously, but still good.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything about the experience was excellent. The service was top-notch, the ambience was warm and welcoming, and the food was fantastic.

  27. CW

    ConnieW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent server, Jessie I think? She had a knack for being there when needed but not hovering or being too chipper which I hate. Food and drinks all stellar, fun place.

  28. SD

    StevenD

    Key West

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Made a reservation in advance and asked for a good table for a birthday date. Got jammed into Gen Pop in a row of tables for two about 16 inches apart. Impossible not to hear the awkwardness of neighboring conversations and impossible to have any privacy or meaningful conversation without spilling your business to neighboring diners. Server was inattentive and uninterested at best. Food was just OK. I was severely disappointed as I had heard so many good things about this restaurant before going there.

  29. E

    Earl

    San Antonio

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent seafood and service. Amber took really good care of our table. All the employees work as a team to make sure every table is taken care of. This place is a bit pricey for everyday dining but is great for special occasions or celebrations.

  30. MM

    MoMo

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food and awesome service every time we go!

  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best service and best oysters I have ever had! Will definitely be back!

  32. D

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service was absolutely phenomenal! I will definitely be coming back soon!

  33. BL

    BrianL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Appetizers, main coarse and service was outstanding. Large selection of fresh sweet oysters. Celebrated my wife and daughters birthday. Liked the atmosphere for a birthday celebration. Will definitely visit again.

  34. CB

    CoolBreeze

    Atlanta

    14 reviews

    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Ate here when they first opened & the food was amazing. This visit the food was less than appealing & was a disappointment.

  35. MG

    MaryG

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food was excellent, as always. We were excited to share the amazing dinner rolls with my mom, who had never eaten at The Optimist before. I tried the octopus appetizer and was amazed by how crispy the outside and tender the inside was. The restaurant was busy, and the noise level was moderate. Our server, Amanda, was very friendly and incredibly helpful with questions we had about the menu. It’s a great place for a special occasion, and everything on the menu is fresh and delicious.

  36. T

    Tony

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and atmosphere

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience1

    Small portions, small tables, and crowded.

  38. G

    Glenn

    Atlanta

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    40th anniversary dinner. Was a splurge for us, and quite enjoyable. Food was spectacular, and each dish had a uniqueness that burst with flavor. We’ll look forward to the next time!

  39. AE

    AlejandroE

    Atlanta

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food Never disappoints! The level of service provided by Jack was great!

  40. R

    Roxie

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a great meal at the Optimist! Excellent service as well!

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 7333 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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2
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4
5
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7:00 PM
Booked 104 times today
Experiences are available.
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

    $3 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

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