The Optimist - Nashville

The Optimist - Nashville reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. E

   Elizabeth VIP

   New York City7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

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

   Our server was excellent and everything we ordered was delicious. Will return!
   

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2. G

   Gunnar

   Nashville6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   Food was incredible, drinks too. Service was slow.
   

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3. C

   Cherry

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   Exceeded expectations! Excellent food and service!
   

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4. L

   Lisa VIP

   Greater Boston60 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

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

   As a first time visitor to Nashville, I think I hit the jackpot in dining at The Optimist! The menu, while somewhat limited, is varied and interesting and the food-from the starters to desserts-is phenomenal! I can enthusiastically recommend the roasted oysters, the Arctic char, and the chocolate pudding! Enjoy!
   

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5. J

   Jessica

   Nashville6 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   We came here for a special occasion and had a reservation even though it was a relatively slow Monday night crowd. Despite the reservation and plenty of open tables, when we were seated - we were squished on a small two-top in between two other business-type parties (based on the conversations we could easily hear) - so not exactly starting off with the date night vibes we were hoping for unfortunately. Toward the end of our meal, another couple was seated at one of the nice booths, so that left me a little bummed because clearly a spot with a bit more privacy could have been offered to the two of us for this birthday dinner. Those booths were otherwise completely empty for our entire stay. The food was fine, everything a la carte, but the dishes didn't seem as cohesive as they should have been. So if you choose well, you may not notice, but I will never understand why the powder sugar drenched hushpuppies are served as a side. We liked it fine, and honestly would be an amazing spin on dessert, but when you're expecting a savory side with your fish, what was put on our table fell short as a side with our entrees. Also ordered the broccolini which was good enough, but didn't like it accompanying the Char fish that the server recommended. Flavors didn't go well for me. Service was friendly but pretty certain I was brough the wrong wine, and my first cocktail was nothing special in a city with tons of great cocktail spots. Overall, was really hoping for a special dinner, and though I've only heard rave reviews about Optimist this was a pretty disappointing outing. For the price and reputation, would have loved to have been wowed.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Nashville2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   This is one of my favorites in Nashville! The fish dishes are so fresh & clean tasting. Excellent cocktails too! I recommend their gulf shrimp appetizer and their lobster roll. Also, their beignet style hushpuppies are a must have!
   

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7. d

   deegtm VIP

   Boise16 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

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

   Great service, food selection was a bit limited. Bigger selection would be nicer.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago1 review

   4.0

   Dined on 8 March 2025

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

   We dined pre-concert at the Optimist right when they opened and right off the bat, the service was incredible and the ambience was top-notch. We got half a dozen oysters, the octopus and deviled eggs for apps, eggs and octo were incredible but all of the oysters all had shell shards in them which was a big turn off. For entrees we got the swordfish and fish and chips. The entrees unfortunately fell very flat, especially for the price point. The fish on both dishes was overcooked and dry and the swordfish was very small and honestly, looked very unappetizing bc it was just brown and white dish mush. It really could have used a garnish of some sort to brighten it up! He did suggest a vegetable side but $14 for asparagus or broccoli is kind of insane when just the protein is $40 so we passed. Side note, the octopus was a little spicy for our 15yr old (just a personal preference, I loved it) and our server threw in some hush puppies for her later on since she couldn’t eat the app. It was super kind of him and those hush puppies were to die for! Overall a good experience but based on the prior reviews and price point, I expected it to knock our socks off and left disappointed.
   

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9. OT

   OTPDiner VIP

   Atlanta94 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 8 March 2025

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

   Thanks for making our anniversary so special! Enjoyed it so much!
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

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

    Fav restaurant ive been to in Nash so far and been here for 3 years. Phenominal. best Fries in town and the new asparagus they have… 🔥
    

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