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.
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!
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.
3,005 Reviews
K
Karen
VIP
Hawaii
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined today
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Our server was one of the best we have ever had anywhere, very knowledgeable about the food and a wine selection, very enthusiastic about his job and providing a delightful experience!
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Lisa
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Went here for my husbands 50th birthday with friends. Started off upstairs for cocktails- the ambiance and vibe were perfect. Great big couches and beautifully decorated.
Had a nice private dining area with round table so we could all talk to each other easily. Service was great- very attentive with two servers helping us and the food was all amazing. I have food allergies that they paid special attention too and treated my husband like a king!
Would def recommend
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L
Loyd
New Orleans
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
We made a reservation for our anniversary and from the moment we walked in everyone seem to know and wished us happy anniversary, even to the manager, with whom we had no interaction, saw us walking out the door and came over to wish us happy anniversary. We were impressed. The food was superb and the service was impeccable thanks to our server Annette. The only possible negative was where we were seated. It was a small table on the corner of 2 main walkways but not a deal breaker. It was our first time there but won’t be our last. Thanks to the entire staff for a great evening!
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R
Robert
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Fantastic food and service. First time customers but we’ll definitely be back!
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E
Erin
New York City
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Food and service were excellent. Our waiter, James, made many amazing recommendations. We ordered a selection of raw oysters and the octopus appetizer, then scallops, swordfish, Arctic char, jambalaya, and crab pasta entrees. For sides we had the eggplant (very unique and delicious!), mushrooms, and fried rice. For a hungry party of 5 this was a perfect amount of food. Everything was fantastic. A little pricey in general but the quality of the seafood was definitely worth it. Will absolutely be back.
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T
Taylor
Nashville
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 3
Food 3
Service 4
Ambience 4
We spent New Years Eve here having their 4 course pre-fix menu + wine pairing. We enjoyed the wine pairing, and our server, Bailey, was attentive and had amazing energy, she was a huge reason for our good spirits. We had a great seat next to the pass so we could watch all the action. Overall though, this dinner was a pretty big disappointment.
We ordered a dozen oysters to start for an additional $40+. They came with muscles attached to the shell on the outside and were just not cleaned very well at all (shells/grit within the oyster). For the price and reputation of the restaurant, I would have expected these to be pretty pristine.
We ordered the seafood platter for one of our courses at an upcharge and was told they were out of the claws for the platter and substituted it with a seafood dip. We were disappointed but okay with the substitution but saw platters with claws going out soon after receiving ours.
We were told we could order additional servings off the pre-fix so we added an additional option from the second course. There was a large discrepancy between the size of the fried oysters we received vs what we saw going out to other tables and even just what was on our plate. Two of the three oysters looked like a third of an oyster. The price for the additional course was $35-$40.
For our third course, neither one of us could finish the halibut. The salt level was inedible and it was so dried out, the flesh so tough, you needed a knife to cut through it.
We had the cheesecake and some kind of chocolate pudding cake for dessert which we both enjoyed.
Overall, our bill with nothing else ordered came out to be $511.69. Value is personal but this one heavily missed the mark for us.
1 person found this helpful
B
Bill
Nashville
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The Optimist in Nashville is an absolute gem that I cannot recommend highly enough! We celebrated New Year’s Eve there and had an unforgettable evening. Our server, Paige, truly elevated our experience with her attentive service, quick wit, and extensive knowledge of the menu.
The food was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a delightful seafood tower, rich clam chowder, perfectly seared scallops, tender halibut, and melt-in-your-mouth short rib.
The ambiance of the historic building adds a warm and inviting touch, making it the perfect setting for a memorable meal. The Optimist undoubtedly stands out as one of the finest dining establishments in Nashville. Don’t miss the chance to visit!
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T
Tim
Des Moines
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
James our server was amazing and really helpful with the menu. The food was unbelievably good. Probably the best 4 course meal we have ever had. Thank you. We will definitely be back when we are I. Town.
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T.J.
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Excellent spot for my wife’s birthday. . Our waiter was well versed on the menu, guiding us to some of their best dishes. The swordfish and Mahi were our selections and both were amazing dishes.
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J
James
Cincinnati
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
This place was amazing! Everything was so delicious!
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FAQs
The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.8 stars by 3005 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
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!
