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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.8
4.8
9064 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 118 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
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

Experiences

  • Ring in the New Year with The Optimist!

    US$125.00 per person

    31 Dec 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 9,064 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • 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.

9,064 Reviews

  1. Elliott

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Honestly its the best meal ive had to date in atlanta, and that's saying something after eating at all the ford restaraunts. We tried the new special which was a Filet and Blue Fin Tuna Surf and Turf. UNREAL. The Filet needed no knife and fell apart on my fork. Flavor was fantastic. It actually had the same texture as the delacate and delicious Tuna. Sushi Grade! Then to top all that they put in a lobster sauce with tons of buttery lobster in it. This was the first day this special was on the menu and it was well worth the experience to get. That being said, we started with the SheCrab Soup and we split that since the portion was large. Great entry and we ended with the Blueberry Basil Bread Pudding which was subtle and not too heavy, which was surprising. That Basil was such an awesome little complex addition that works so well with the bread pudding. Start to finish, 5 stars through and through. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PLACE!

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  2. Barbie

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Everything was superb with one exception. The chairs are horrible. Reminds me of an old uncomfortable school chair. I don't have a big butt and I was sore. To eat all that beautiful food, but not to be able to thoroughly enjoy it was a bit of a downer. The food and service was great!

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  3. Katrina

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Andy was fantastic and we had a great meal all around!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jennifer

    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 food and service is above and beyond here. Our server, Rob, was super knowledgeable and spent a ton of time talking through the options. The food is amazing! This is a great spot for a fun girls dinner! Our faves were the oysters, smoked fish dip, and scallops. Also, don’t get me started on the fresh rolls…we left stuffed and happy!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Michelle

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved everything about this place! If you are a seafood lover you will love it!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mariya

    Milwaukee

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved how cozy the restaurant was, and felt very well taken care of by the personnel. We were celebrating a special occasion with a large family group, and everyone was super accommodating to our (many) requests and wishes. Next time we’re in Atlanta, I’d love to return to The Optimist.

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  7. Emma Grace

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great bread!! Lots of good options. I recommend the halibut and the shrimp appetizer.

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  8. Audrey

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoyed our dining experience at Optimist! Service was outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Wise Native

    Atlanta Metro

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my second time eating at The Optimist and it was one to remember. The food was by far the best seafood I had in some time. The waitress could have been more attentive and shown more personality.

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  10. Yelena

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great time here! Food was fantastic & service as well

    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 9064 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 118 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
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • 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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