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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.7
4.7
9093 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 PM
Booked 66 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Hot spot
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! Preview the menu here: https://bit.ly/optinye2024

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 9,093 people are saying

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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta Metro

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist is a seafood lover's paradise, celebrated for its "amazing food" and "exceptional service." Diners rave about the "freshest oysters" and "outstanding hospitality," making it an ideal spot for special occasions. While some find prices high, the "vibrant atmosphere" and consistent quality make it a must-visit.

9,093 Reviews

  1. Amanda

    VIP

    Greensboro

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a fantastic experience at the Optimist! Amanda was the best server, being attentive and accommodating; also very thoughtful. The food was delicious in every way: taste, texture, temperature and presentation! It was a special dining experience!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Candace

    Atlanta Metro

    31 reviews

    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This has been one of my favorite restaurants for years and every time I come back, the quality of the food, the vibes and the service has never disappointed!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Steven

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and the service was top notch!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Diane

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Optimist is my go-to restaurant when I want to treat myself and loved ones. Every. Single. Dish. is amazing! The flavors and deft cooking of all things seafood are what sets The Optimist apart from so many restaurants. Additionally, management understands the right way to train the waitstaff......we wanted for nothing, without someone hovering. Hands down one of my favorite places in Atlanta.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Cheryl

    Atlanta Metro

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time there and it was very good! Excellent service, creative food, busy ambience and we could hear ourselves talk! Will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Betty

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Optimist never fails to deliver great food, service and ambiance. The wait staff is excellent. My most recent visit dinner meal was the flounder cooked to perfection, in my opinion. I have frequented the Optimist on quite a few occasions and have never been disappointed. If you want great food and good service, check them out. Btw, if you love key lime pie, try theirs.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pam

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great oysters. Wonderful service and atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and beautiful presentation. Great seafood and’s nice ambiance

    Is this helpful?

  9. Annie

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came to celebrate my fiancé’s birthday. They were able to accommodate us with a booth request. They had a special menu with the words ‘happy birthday’ on his menu, cute touch. Our server, Brett, was phenomenal. Every dish we ordered he explained to the T, so no unknown surprises. He saw I was taking photos and grabbed another candle for me! Great experience once again. We love coming here and can’t wait for next years new menu! Cheers!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Ana

    VIP

    Atlanta Metro

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing, per usual. Sat at the bar and had great service. The food was flavorful.

    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 9093 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 PM
Booked 66 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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