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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.8
4.8
9097 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 44 times today
  • 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
  • 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
    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, Takeaway, Wine

Featured in

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 9,097 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

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.

9,098 Reviews

  1. Monique

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The experience was great! The food was awesome but I wish I had sides. The lobster didn’t come with anything. But it was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Destiny

    Atlanta Metro

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved my whole experience! Every course of food was phenomenal! Amanda provided excellent service with fun and kind spirit! Wine pairings were perfect. Honestly the best way to bring in the new year! Thanks Optimist 💖

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  3. THOMAS

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our third year in a row doing New Year's Eve at the Optimist and it was another exceptional evening. The service is very good from front desk, the bar and the servers. The menu can be a little pricy, but the food is always very well prepared and fresh making the dining experience well worth it. The menu is not too extensive but has a nice variety of items to choose from. We will definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone looking to have a special evening!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kay

    VIP

    Austin

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous fun service. Food was interesting and good.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Daryl

    VIP

    Austin

    70 reviews

    4.0

    70 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I don’t think the restaurant showed its best but it was NYE and understandably they were trying to accommodate a full restaurant. Overall food was just ok, nothing was served very warm/hot. Wine pairings were very mediocre. Service had some mis-fires. I would like to give them another shot on a more regular evening.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Amanda

    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?

  7. 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?

  8. 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?

  9. 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.

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  10. 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?

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 9097 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 44 times today

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
    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, Takeaway, 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.

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