The Optimist - Nashville

4.8

2992 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 65 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

The Optimist transports landlocked Tennesseans to the coast for super-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Our menu weaves together classic and modern seafood favorites, cocktails of the season complement the fare, and an extensive outdoor patio and “game” area complete the full experience.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

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 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Mike Parhm
Private party facilities
We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
Private party contact
Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

Location
1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208
Neighborhood
Germantown
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

Experiences

New Years Eve $125.00 Four Course Pre-Fixe Menu
$125.00 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Please join us for a delicious four-course prix fixe menu presented by our Chef team. The prix fixe menu is $125++ per person and will take the place of our regular menu for the evening.

Popular dishes

What 2,992 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
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Optimist in Nashville is a seafood paradise with "amazing food and service." Known for its fresh oysters and superb dishes like scallops and mahi mahi, it provides a vibrant ambiance perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about the "wonderful atmosphere" and "attentive staff," making it a must-visit.

2,992 Reviews

M
Matthew
VIP
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was one of the best dinner experiences I’ve ever had. Food was amazing, and our server, Carter, couldn’t have been nicer. Great experience all around!!!!
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S
Shaila
VIP
Nashville
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the vibe and the food and cocktails were delicious. Great for a date night or a big group of friends.
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B
Brooks
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the very few good seafood options in Nashville (unless you like catfish). Our 4th or 5th time there and the service is always done well. Food is very good. They timely replenish drinks/cocktails. It's just always a good experience. My only recommendation would be for them to increase the sides menu.
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R
Ronald
New York City
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent seafood in Nashville. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
r
reagan
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service anytime we go. One of the best restaurants in Nashville
Is this helpful?
S
Sophia
Naples
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We loved the atmosphere and the flavors of the food were wonderful; however, the flounder was NOT deboned correctly. Neither of us could take a bite without getting a bone and we quickly gave up. We informed our server, but nothing was offered to improve our experience. Otherwise, the service was and overall experience were very good. The dessert was amazing!
Is this helpful?
T
Terri
Richmond
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The seafood was fresh but prep was somewhat bland or strange and side dish pairings were just plain weird. I would have expected for a price tag of nearly $500 for 3 with only 1 person drinking that the food would have been unforgettable…. Instead it left me with a been there done that, I don’t ever need to go back feeling.
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T
Trey
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, staff was great and very helpful when trying new things. Drinks great as well
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W
Windy
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food and the service were excellent. It was my bday and they had a birthday menu and gave us a free dessert. The service was so nice and friendly and helpful. The food was delicious as always. The shrimp "sopping toast", the oysters, deviled eggs - chefs kiss. The whole flounder and the broccoli were delicious. We left full and happy.
Is this helpful?
J
Jatoya
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and the food was delicious. 10 out of 10 recommended!!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.8 stars by 2992 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 65 times today

Experiences are available.

1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Additional information

Neighborhood
Germantown
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mike Parhm
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Private party facilities
We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
Private party contact
Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

The Optimist - Nashville

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

Experiences

New Years Eve $125.00 Four Course Pre-Fixe Menu

Popular dishes

Coconut Pie

Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi

Lobster Roll "Twins"

Menu

Start

Smoked Fish Chowder$12.00

Shrimp and Oyster Gumbo$14.00

Plateaux

The Opportunist$52.00

The Refuge$74.00

Fish and Meat

Lobster Roll "Twins"$30.00

Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi$31.00

Sides and Such

Shaved Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Smoked Fish Fried Rice$13.00

Desserts

French Almond Cake$8.00

Coconut Pie$8.00

What 2,992 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Optimist - Nashville restaurant rated?

Is The Optimist - Nashville currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves