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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.7
4.7
9187 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 PM
Booked 86 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Hot spot
  • Lively
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

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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

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 9,187 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist offers a delightful seafood dining experience in Atlanta. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" food, especially the oysters. The ambiance is vibrant, creating a perfect setting for celebrations. With "exceptional" service from knowledgeable staff like Amanda and Savannah, visitors leave satisfied and eager to return. Highly recommended for seafood enthusiasts seeking quality and creativity.
9,187 Reviews

  1. Kevin

    Atlanta5 reviews

    2.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I eat at nice restaurants all the time and this has to be at the bottom for me . Drinks were sub par. Food was ok. Ambience was great waiter was dope also. Parking had valet .

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kim

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was absolutely outstanding and the service was fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Christopher

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I brought my fiancée here to celebrate a milestone accomplishment. Coleman provided an amazing experience. Everything was amazing from the staff to the food. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kevin

    Atlanta6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Decided to go here on the recommendation from some friends. So I with some friends and had an amazing time! Holden was our server and did a wonderful job. We started off with two lemon drops, the deviled eggs, she crab soup with the shrimp toast (unbelievably good), strawberry salad and the roasted oysters. Everything was just very flavorful. The bread was amazing as well! Pork Belly, Schnitzel, and Burger entrees were fantastic as well. The house vanilla ice cream was fantastic too. I see why this is one of my friend’s favorite restaurant. Will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The family was very happy with the food, drinks, and service. The noise level made it challenging to have a conversation and would be the only drawback.

    Is this helpful?

  6. kevin

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful time celebrating my daughter’s 10th birthday here. Our server Autumn went out of her way to make it a really special experience for us! Oh and food was delicious too.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Alla VIP

    Philadelphia1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, creative appetizers, delicious food and nice presentation. Will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Lisa

    Chicago18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    if you are in Atlanta --- this is the place to dine --- NO REGRETS

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jonathon VIP

    Pittsburgh8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service was amazing! Love the ambience and would highly recommend !

    Is this helpful?

  10. janem

    Western NC6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional food and service in an amazing space.

    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 9187 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 86 times today

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.

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