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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.8
4.8
9043 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 77 times today
Experiences are available.
  • 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.

Order delivery or takeout

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
    Eddie Barrett
  • 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.
  • 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, 2024 only
    Spend this New Year’s Eve “coast-side” with a four-course, prix-fixe meal from executive chef Eddie Barrett! $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, special desserts and more!

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 9,043 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 Metro

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist in Atlanta offers an extraordinary dining experience with "amazing food" and "exceptional service." Known for its "fresh oysters" and "heavenly shrimp a la plancha," this vibrant spot is perfect for special occasions. While some diners find it pricey, many agree it's "worth it" for the unforgettable flavors and atmosphere.

9,043 Reviews

  1. Shane

    Las Vegas

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very high quality seafood as usual, but the sauce for the fluke was way too salty.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Christopher

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best in Atlanta . After years ,it is still a standout

    Is this helpful?

  3. Marilyn

    Pittsburgh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Optimist is always on our list when visiting Atlanta! Great food, great service and all around a wonderful experience each and every time

    Is this helpful?

  4. Cherry

    Atlanta Metro

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was the second time we went to the Optimist. Super fresh and delicious fishes!!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Austin

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and great service! Bartender was great as well!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Corey

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    End of the week connection time for wifey and I over dinner at The Optimist was perfect. The ambiance, food, and the personableness of our server were all aligned for a great night out.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Greg

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We were very disappointed. The fluke fish came with a poor-tasting brown sauce and the expensive scallops order consisted of only 3 very small scallops. The desserts were mediocre. No attention was paid to presentation in any of the dishes. I doubt we will ever dine there again.
    The OptimistResponded on November 21, 2024
    Hello Greg, I'm truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience at The Optimist. I appreciate your feedback on the fluke and scallop dishes, as well as on the desserts. We pride ourselves on serving excellent dishes and it's clear we missed the mark this time. I'd like to invite you back in on us so that we can provide the type of outstanding culinary experience that we strive to give every one of our guests. Please contact me if you are willing to give us another chance and thank you very much for dining with us. Best, Mark Cioccia The Optimist

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jay

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great time! The food, service and experience is always stellar

    Is this helpful?

  9. Ursula

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and service was great. The attention to detail made us feel very special. Our waitress was very accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  10. David

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our server was great and very personable. The food was delicious. We had a bad experience about 9 years ago at the restaurant and we’ve never been back. We decided to try it again. We were so glad we did. We will certainly be back soon.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Optimist offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (404) 477-6260.

The Optimist is rated 4.8 stars by 9043 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 77 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, 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
    Eddie Barrett
  • 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.

Featured in

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