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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.8
4.8
8526 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
8:30 PM
Booked 97 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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

Experiences

  • Ring in the New Year with The Optimist!

    $125.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Spend this New Year’s Eve “coast-side” with a four-course, prix-fixe meal from executive chef Brandon Hughes. $125 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $45 per person. Premium wine pairing option available for $85 per person. Menu choices include tuna crudo, lobster & potato bisque, duck fat poached swordfish, desserts from pastry chef Chrysta Poulous and more!

  • Valentine's Day Prix Fixe at The Optimist!

    $125.00 per person

    Feb 14, 2024 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 $125 per person. Wine pairings available for and additional $45 per person. Premium wine pairings available for and additional $85 per person. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, coastal inspired cuisine and much more! We look forward to celebrating with you!

What 8,526 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta Metro

    Seafood

  • Atlanta Metro

    Most Booked

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Most Booked

8,526 Reviews

  1. Sandy62

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome food great service definitely recommend

    Is this helpful?

  2. TerryF

    Atlanta Metro

    51 reviews

    4.0

    51 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was very good on a very busy evening. The seafood selection was not quite as varied as I had hoped but my halibut was very good and a large portion. My only complaint would be the wine by the glass selection. There was no Prosecco option and limited Chardonnay options.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Matt

    Atlanta Metro

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect dinner at our favorite restaurant. It’s just always spot on. Will always go to The Optimist for our most special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jkim

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a little too dark And music was way too loud. The food was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  5. KaylaJ

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing! Best oysters in Atlanta and they have so many options! Katie was great! 5 stars sis!! Definitely a night to remember for my ladies & I.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Dianajuhn

    Atlanta Metro

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Deliviousness! Always. Love the staff and the food!

    Is this helpful?

  7. VahiAtlanta

    Atlanta Metro

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great seafood and perfect ambience - a nice place for a date night or to go out with friends.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Becca

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I really enjoyed eating at the Optimist. The oysters were delicious and a great way to start our meal. We ordered the swordfish and the scallops - both were very tasty and filling. For sides, we ordered the cauliflower and crispy potatoes, both of which delivered on taste. Finally, we ordered the apple pudding cake for dessert which was exactly what I was craving when I think apple cake. They also gave us a special card for our engagement anniversary which made the night feel even more curated for us. Definitely more of a special occasion spot at my budget, but I would go back for another special occasion dinner in the future.

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  9. FrankS

    Atlanta Metro

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is outstanding with some very unique dishes. Service is incredible. The ambience of the restaurant is very nice. Highly recommend for seafood in Atlanta. We have also been there for lunch to have the best burger/fries in Atlanta.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The service was good just a little slow regarding the kitchen. However, overall it was a good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a very special night for me and my loved one and our server made the experience so much better

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  12. AliciaL

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, delicious food and great ambience. Our server Leighton was friendly yet professional and catered to an elevated dining experience. His recommendations were spot on and everything we tried was tasty…from the cocktails to the raw oysters and the octopus. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Austin was so informative and beyond delightful. Made the whole experience 1000%

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  14. andrewc

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Service trumps food any day, at any restaurant. Mediocre food with exceptional service can be tolerable. The opposite can ruin a meal. Ordered multiple courses and each one was fantastic. Ingenuitive, fresh, and well thought out menu, complementing the raw products. Absolutely nothing disappointed except the service. Wow. I will provide more details on my Google review. 

    Is this helpful?

  15. Bdog

    Atlanta Metro

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic evening. Oysters started the night and all were great. Everyone ordered something different and we all thought the food was fantastic. Service was excellent also. We will be back

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated my brother’s 40th birthday, and everything was great! We were able to add flowers to the table and bring out own cake! Our server was awesome! Hilarious and felt like family. The food was amazing per usual! Thank you for making it a special night

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service is phenomenal, the food is exceptional and the experience is amazing. I thoroughly enjoy this place. Visited Saturday December 2nd.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Damian did a fantastic job as our server. He was skilled and very helpful. The food tasted very good, and the portions were good. Our table by the window for two was perfect. The only downside is that the music is too loud. There is already plenty of sound from the other diners when the place fills up. Make your reservations early. This restaurant fills up quickly.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and great food! Prices are great for the quality of food

    Is this helpful?

  20. lfarm

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely enjoyed our first visit to The Optimist. We had 8 PM reservations to enjoy our anniversary dinner, arrived about 10 mins early and were seated immediately. We enjoyed everything from our drinks (cocktail and beer) to the fish chowder and crab claws, arctic char and burger (my husband is very picky about his burgers lol). Yes, the music was a little louder than I would expect for the establishment. However the noise level was nowhere near bad for us since we were sitting in a booth, beside one another. We shall return!

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  21. ChristopherH

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Superb service. Seafood was great. Our table was really small and cramped for 5 people. And it was placed next to the bar so at times it felt like people were standing over my shoulder when I was eating.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jajahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

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  23. ErikP

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dined at "The Optimist" prior to the Cirque du Soleil show. Despite the early hour, the staff was gracious and accomidating. Our server CJ was really great. I wish the portions had been a bit larger but we really enjoyed it.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was good and nice dimly lit ambience. Had reservations and was seated immediately upon arrival. The staff was very attentive. Drinks on the smaller side but very strong. The menu was kind of limited and we ended up having gumbo, red fish with the rice dish -very good, opti burger -delicious. Overall I was satisfied with my experience and would recommend.

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  25. Marco

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Some plates are more generous. The kale salad and fried oysters were the best. Prices have gone up. Sides are not included in the main plate. So, an appetizer, a main plate, and a side, even without wine and dessert, is very expensive. The worst part was the wait at the valet, about 20' outside. Weird. They have an app, but it doesn't work well.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice vibe warm and cozy atmosphere, lots to choose from as far as drinks and food. Definitely a great date nite locale....

    Is this helpful?

  27. Lady

    Tallahassee

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amanda was amazing ... it was another server a African American gentleman I think it's Ron was his name providing service around the entrance area was fantastic. My family had a great time and the food was amazing!!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a great place for a first date where the server was attentive. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect.

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  29. ToddP

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was prepared great. Small portions for the price Service was spot on and would go back there solely based on the wait staff and our main server Christie

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amanda was really great and had such a cute personality! I have always enjoyed my dining experience at The Optimist!

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  31. Saul

    Atlanta Metro

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Don’t get the octopus or the fried rice side. Octopus was tough and chewy. The fried rice was trash. I have made better. Redfish was overcooked. Potato side was good. Overpriced for what they are putting on the table. Over $300 for three people. Won’t go back. Atlanta Fish Market is much better food.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my first time at Optimist for dinner. The experience was amazing from the bartenders to the many servers taking care of you. There was never a minute you had to look around to get your waiter's attention. The food and drinks were great. The lobster is a definite must have. As for the sides, I wasn't crazy about the basmati rice but the cauliflower was delicious. Great experience overall. Will definitely go back and try something else on the menu.

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  33. kankead

    Atlanta Metro

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for the first time tonight. Our waiters attentiveness and recommendations were spot on. The experience was great. The spicy kale salad and the tuna crudup were great. My Redfish was very tasty, as were my PEI oysters. The apple salad was excellent too. The bread pudding was outstanding too!

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Words can’t fully describe the great experience we had for my husband’s birthday. The waitress Amanda had a great vibe and was very knowledgeable. The food and cocktails, TOP NOTCH! Everything we ordered, and I mean EVERYTHING was great! The complimentary rolls….yum yum yum!’ You can’t go wrong here!! This is will be my must visit every time I come to ATL!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    It was FREEZING in there. Every woman in our party and even those sitting next to us were freezing. I am not cold-natured and was miserable.

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  36. BenjB

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great! We had the Plateaux and it was truly amazing with oysters, shrimp, lobster, smoked fish dip, crab, and octopus. Each component was very good. The service was top notch and the experience was completed with a fun and lively atmosphere.

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  37. Scotti

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved everything about The Optimist...Can't wait to return!

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  38. HoustonCajunFoodie

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic service and vibe, delicious food but expensive

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  39. redinjapan

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service! Our waitress was spot on and delivered for us.

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  40. TaeS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfection. Out of 30+ new restaurants I’ve been to this year only one other restaurant has impressed me so much.

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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 8526 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 97 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • 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
    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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