We had a wonderful dinner at The Optimist, start to finish. We brought our 8‑month‑old with us and…read morewere promptly seated, no stress at all. Our daughter spent the first few minutes waving at the staff, and they genuinely lit up every time -- such a warm, welcoming vibe right from the jump. Starters We kicked things off with the she‑crab soup, and that's when we knew the meal was going to be special. Tons of rich crab flavor and chunks of crab. The crispy shrimp toast was another hit -- crunchy, savory, and a great pairing with the soup. We also ordered the Baker's Dozen oysters, chef's selection. All 13 were fresh, clean, and briny in the best way. Next up: the Spanish octopus, and honestly... top five octopus dish we've had. Cooked perfectly -- tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture. The salsa macha added just the right amount of heat, and the marcona almonds brought a great crunch with the cilantro, lime, and mint brightening everything up. What a beautifully composed dish. We finished with the Halibut and Lady peas. The Halibut was topped with lobster and served with a lobster butter sauce, chives, and capers. Rich, buttery, flaky, and perfectly cooked. The lady peas (fava beans, asparagus, and a generous mound of blue crab) were another standout. So much flavor, but everything complemented each other instead of competing. One of those sides you keep looking for more of when it's gone. --- Overall Every dish was thoughtful, balanced, and executed at a high level. Service was warm and genuinely kind -- especially with our little one. 10/10 would recommend

We have been coming to the ford Frye restaurants for almost 10 years. They've had great service,…read moregreat food and a great time. Over the years we've seen things decrease especially at the optimist. The hosts were great and they always give us great service but the food had been the lacking the last couple of services where the she crab soup lacked crab, the swordfish over cooked multiple times. This time in particular we ordered the whole lobster and was offered to have it taken out of the shell for us. HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND. When we got the lobster we got a full tail but one claw and no knuckles. When we addressed with the server, she argued with us that that's how a lobster is and that there could be more meat hidden on the plate. It felt like she thought we were there to just get more food by saying "so what do you want, more meat" but if we had it in the shell we would have received our full portion. The manager on duty tried to make it up to us by comping the lobster but it was more than that. After going back and forth with the server we just wanted the check to leave. The manager on duty insisted to give us the lobster and take it home. The server wasn't very polite and argued with us about the lobster. I wish I remembered the servers name With that said, the amount of money we have spent there over the years, it's unfortunate that that will be our last time going to the Optimist.

So I had seen this spot for ages and I have never been inside. So I tried to make a point to go in…read morebecause I was in the area. It's in a shopping center so there are plenty of parking, but you may not be able to park close to where you want to walk to the door to because there are so many other spots there. But the parking is free in Buckhead. So that's a plus! There's spaces inside and outside for you to go to, so that's good, but the inside is very nice and decorated very well. They have TV so you can watch sports but it's not a sports bar so don't get that confused. The bar is a nice size and set it pretty well. Not billions of bottles but just enough to what you need. Dean was my my server and bartender, super good customer service, very warm and communicative, and I would have come back just to sit at the bar with him again. The ball is very well kept and very clean, but the whole establishment was as well. They have a lot of space by the bar and to the other side of the restaurant as well. The menu is predominantly seafood related but they have other things as well. But they have a couple things that look like. They should be really really good so I am going to have to double back! Calamari - The calamari was pretty good. It came out really fast so it makes me think that they were already cooking by the time I ordered LOL. But it had a sweet chili sauce to it, but the calamari seem to be crispy and seasoned enough to where it wasn't a requirement. Brussel sprouts - brussel sprouts for good, kind of wish they had more of them but they were still pretty tasty. Overall. They had the vinaigrette flavor so I know that they were cooked well. They were more firmed and mushy so that was good. I would get them again and I was see. Can I get a full order instead of just a side order because they were just that good. Old bay fries - The Old Bay fries were okay. They had that sodium to where you needed ketchup to kind of bring the sweet. But they were still good though regardless. Shrimp tacos - these were good. Had 3 large shrimp. Got mine blackened and they were just the right amount of taste and flavor. The sauce on it was a little much but that was okay though, it balanced out all of the spice for the peppers and the shrimp seasoning. Gumbo - the gumbo was pretty good and it came in a large bowl, more than you would think a cup would be. Savory and tasty. Overall, with the quality of the food and the customer service, I feel like this place definitely deserves my attention again. The first time I went in I only had a couple of appetizers, and that really didn't do it justice.

Friends told us about Big B's. it's been around for nearly a decade. To be fair, we rarely go out…read morefor seafood and we never go IP, but thought we'd give Big B's a shot -- and we're glad we did. We dined on the patio; the weather was fantastic. My bride really liked her glass of Sauv Blanc. The glass is a nice size and the pour was really generous. We enjoyed the Fried Calamari app. My bride ordered Fish & Chips and I ordered the Lobster Roll. All the food was excellent. Great fries, really great Cole Slaw. Drinks and food arrived promptly and everything was at the proper temperature. Every staff person we met was cheerful and helpful with Deenie our server best in class. This was my second-ever Lobster Roll and it was the second-best after a Cousins Food Truck. The B's portion seem significantly smaller and, at $35, more expensive. In general, Big B's pricing is what lost them a star in my review. We will definitely return when we earn another $120...

Absolutely loved our experience here! We started with the cold crab dip, raw oysters, and oyster…read moresampler, and everything was fresh and delicious. The fried catfish entree was excellent, and the drinks were just as good. The table next to us ordered the lobster bisque and raved about it, so that will definitely be on my list for next time. Pierre was incredibly sweet and attentive, which made the experience even better. We sat outside, and the amazing breeze made it the perfect setting for a relaxed seafood meal. Great food, great atmosphere, and great service. I'll definitely be back!

AH-MAZ-ING! Such a warm local bar with great, friendly and efficient service. Their food is so…read moregood, and at reasonable prices for the area. For our 4-Days trip, we ate here for two days!! Trust me - their Lobster Bisque is a must get. Unlike many restaurants where "lobster bisque" is more like "lobster flavored heavy crème"... Steamhoise Lounge's Lobster Bisque is loaded with lobster meat and perfectly flavored soup, and not too salty. (Yes; saltiness is my pet peeve as many restaurants masks their flavorless food with loads of salt) The oysters in their raw bar are "fatty" with a hint of ocean saltiness. Their peel and eat shrimp is fresh and crunchy... oh so good!! And finally - I love their Fisherman's Stew.., again, the dish is perfectly seasoned with super fresh seafood. SO GOOD!!!! A must try spot for your visit to ATL.

My mother wanted seafood for her birthday, and after hearing so many great things about this…read morerestaurant, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to finally give it a try. Making reservations was incredibly easy through OpenTable, and I was pleasantly surprised by the convenient valet service for only $3. It was an effortless start to what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by the host and promptly escorted to our table without any wait. Our waiter, Kevin, was phenomenal. He did an excellent job explaining the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations, and making sure everyone's needs were attended to throughout the afternoon. The service was attentive without being overbearing--truly excellent and unforgettable hospitality. We started with the Chargrilled Oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, and Calamari. Everything was satisfying, but the calamari was the standout for me. It had the perfect crunch and was quite literally fried to perfection. I would absolutely order it again. These appetizers are true staples and a great way to start the meal. We also enjoyed several rounds of cocktails. The bartender was able to execute a few off-menu, custom cocktails perfectly, and there were absolutely no complaints from our table. Everything was well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared. For my entrée, I ordered the Blackened Branzino with lemon-herb beurre blanc, paired with whipped potatoes and Vichy carrots. By far, this is one of the best seafood entrées I've had in Atlanta. I've had branzino at plenty of other restaurants, but this one? It clears the competition and has officially claimed the #1 spot on my list. The fish was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and paired perfectly with the sauce and sides. The rest of our party had equally impressive meals. I had the opportunity to sample the 12 oz. Prime NY Strip, Blackened Salmon, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans, and Clam Chowder, and everything was amazing. There wasn't a single dish that disappointed. Overall, this was truly an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Great food, phenomenal hospitality, attentive service, and an atmosphere that made celebrating my mother's birthday feel special. I'm already looking forward to returning--and next time, I definitely want to check out the patio! A true standout for seafood in Atlanta. Highly recommend.

Stopped by the Brookhaven location of C&S Seafood for happy hour and appetizers! Their 4-6 PM happy…read morehour deal is only at Brookhaven and Sandy Springs and includes oysters, wine, beer, and a burger. Hands down, they have the best chargrilled oysters in Atlanta. This batch was a little spicier than the Vinings location, but still delicious (just ask for light seasoning if you're sensitive to heat). We paired the oysters with calamari, truffle fries, and a couple of glasses of the HH Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Everything tasted good, and our server Dayvion gave us excellent service. They have valet and a parking deck right next door. Definitely recommend if you're in the neighborhood!

This place NEVER disappoints! Definitely my favorite spot for chargrilled oysters. Customer service…read moreis top tier! The cocktails are amazing too!

Welcome to a top tier restaurant. Kaven and the team at the bar inspired this 5 star rating. By…read morewelcoming me and providing . Love the ambiance because it provides outdoor seating in the shade, enclosed patio with tons of natural light and for those hoping for a more private experience there is an elegant option with booths. Now for the food, I started my late lunch with chargrilled oysters. They taste as good as they look. Next, I ordered a blackened salmon BLT sandwich

It was amazing! Every crab pull Was on point…read more The customer service was very welcoming... will definitely visit again

I really enjoyed my visit here!! It was the first time visiting me and my bestfriend came together…read more We were thoroughly impressed being from Baltimore,MD I know my seafood and this was delicious. My favv was the Capt Loui house sauce and the garlic noodles. I'm going back just for that combo alone! The service was top tier as well. I came for the $1 oyster Tuesdays (super fresh) but got so much more instead and was very pleased Oh I can't forget the dessert!! Baby everything was so good no lie down to the dessert. We tried the funnel cake fries w/icecream scoop on top & beignets...omgg the beignets melt in ya mouth

Pappadeaux is always packed no matter the location. Parking takes some patience. The service was…read moredecent. The spinach dip appetizer is shrinking in size, yet it seems like the price has increased. Then they charge extra for garlic bread versus the crust that comes with it, which is like, okay, cool, but with the small dish of spinach and crab dip, it makes it almost not worth the change and extra cost. On my last few visits, I've ordered the Texas Redfish Pontchartrain, so after reviewing the menu, I decided to go that route again. The server informed me that they were out of that fish and offered me the option of choosing another fish. We discussed the trout and the snapper. As long as it was filet, I did not have a preference. The server recommended snapper. I agreed. The entire meal was really delicious from the sauce to the fish and shrimp. I was charged à la carte for everything on the plate down to the sauce for that meal, which was confusing because I thought they were giving me the option to order the same meal and swap the fish. Instead, they charged me as if it was my request to rearrange the meal and charged me for the fish swap, the sauce, etc. The server did make some adjustments so it aligned to the pricing of the meal somewhat. The brownie dessert is always delectable. The meal took a little minute to come out, but once it did, everything was good. I did like that they brought the kids meals to the table as soon as they were ready, which was extremely awesome and insightful.

I had an amazing facial and needed some lunch so I stopped by pappadeaux for a solo lunch date…read more This location has been a staple for quite some time so really easy to get to. I went online before hand and made a reservation. It worked out because I got a nice view and a nice seat by the window as requested. Hostess and waitress were AMAZING. Maya served me and she was phenomenal. Hands down knew everything about her menu, the specials, and complimented everything that I asked about. Food - again was 20/10! I got a pair of oysters, a raspberry fritz drink, and the snapper meal along with garlic bread. The only complaint and reason for the 3 stars is because they don't take Apple pay. I was highly disappointed because I am a virtual girly. My license is now on my phone. I have had so much scamming happening with my real cards - I only carry my digital wallet with me. I had to go on the website, purchase a gift card, and then pay for my meal that way. It was insane. Just imagine if I didn't have that option or a physical card? Would I be in jail ? Just a little uncanny that in 2026, this wasn't an option. The staff did advise it was coming so that's good to know but be aware they only take physical payments at the moment! Will definitely visit again in the future.

Absolutely splendid experience at Beetle Cat and one I'd happily recommend…read more My wife chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner after we attended a FIFA World Cup 2026 match, and she absolutely nailed it. From the moment we arrived until the last bite, the entire meal was exceptional. We started with cocktails and oysters. Following our server Geral's recommendations, we ordered the Royal Hawaiian and the Fish House Punch--both were excellent choices. We also paired our oysters with the Miami Mint and Pickled Pepper Back specialty shots, which complemented them perfectly. For oysters, we took advantage of the happy hour selections: Chebooktook, Barnstable, Boomamoto, and Wareham. We also added Dixon Point, Little Harbor, and Mere Point oysters. Every variety was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. For our entrées, we shared the Fried Bread, Snapper Crudo, Coconut Fried Rice, Lobster Roll, and Tavern Burger. Every dish was outstanding and packed with flavor. It's hard to pick a favorite because everything exceeded our expectations. Tip: Try the Fried Bread with Snapper Crudo, or dip it in the sauce, or by itself. All three methods are fantastic and were recommended by our waiter, Geral. The food was A+, but what really elevated the experience was the service. Geral was knowledgeable, personable, and made fantastic recommendations throughout the evening. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance of hip, classy, and upscale, making it an ideal place for a special occasion. This was our first time dining in Inman Park, and Beetle Cat made it a memorable one. Five stars, two thumbs up, and a heartfelt thank you to Geral and the entire team for making my birthday dinner one I'll remember for years to come.

My sister made a reservation for a nice restaurant in Atlanta while we were visiting, and this…read moreended up being my fav! BeetleCat is located in the Inman Park neighborhood, and there are SO many restaurants around there. It's such a cute area. I actually told my sister I could picture myself living there. I digress. The food and customer service were amazing. It is on the more costly side, but the Moqueca Stew was SO worth it. It was delicious, savory, tasty, just all of the above. The shrimp, fish, cashew, coconut... AMAZING. Everything was cooked perfectly. We all tried our dishes and mine was def the best! I will say, there were a couple of odd/disappointing things. My sister's lobster roll came out in burger buns and the portion was pretty small. We asked the server about it, and they mentioned there had been a lot of changes recently, and apparently not all of them were for the best. Then my sister's boyfriend ordered a side that never arrived. When we asked about it, the server said they couldn't go back there and ask for it because they weren't on the chef's good side??? Good side or not... we ordered the side.. it was weird. Overall, the Moqueca is a MUST and just a heads up that there seems to be some weird stuff going on behind the scenes.

On a beautiful early summer day with warm sunshine and gentle breezes, it was a pleasure to sit at…read moreone of the outside patio tables, overlooking the colorful flower garden and the lazy river -with food and service that lived up to this restaurant's positive reputation and its 5 star reviews. Food: 5/5 We decided to try a leisurely lunch. The menu is not large, but it has enough variety to be interesting. Everything we tried was delicious. The smoked salmon appetizer portion was large, but the best part was the great flavor. I can see why this choice has been on the menu for years. The Vidalia onion soup will be a surprise for the non-Georgians who expect it to be similar to a savory beef broth like French onion soup. Georgia's onions from the Vidalia area are sweet and tasty enough to carry the soup without the help of a meat broth and the green pesto sauce offers a nice additional touch. The salmon on fresh salad was done perfectly. The panka-crusted cod with mashed potatoes and spinach was outstanding. Both were seasoned so lightly that the true flavors shone through. The portions were generous enough that dessert at the time would have been too much, but others can do as we did and take home one of the dessert choices. Next time we plan to try their sandwiches which looked yummy at other tables. Service : 5/5 Service was excellent from the pleasant greeting, through the entire meal. Our server, Clayton, couldn't have been more helpful with the menu, as well as being very efficient and amiable. He made sure our food was served promptly and our beverages glasses were full, and our requests were met quickly. Facility: The facility lends itself to the riverside experience from the canoe in the entryway ceiling to the flowers and bird feeders just beyond the patio tables. The white tablecloth ambiance informs you that this isn't a fast-food experience. There are tents set aside in a more private are of the garden as a lovely venue for special events Location : This isn't a quick roadside stop next to a 6-lane highway. Even though the restaurant is convenient to dine in an Atlanta suburb, the roads to the restaurant wind and meander for a short distance through one of the prettiest neighborhoods, with a canopy of large old trees, with lovely fences, hedges, and gates lining the road. There is courteous valet parking at the front door. The restaurant is not inexpensive but it is well worth the prices paid, in our opinion.

Canoe had been on my list for years, so I was excited when my husband surprised me with…read morereservations for my birthday. The experience started off beautifully. The hostess was welcoming, and we enjoyed waiting by the lake before being seated. When our table turned out to be directly under a cold air vent, the staff happily moved us to a more comfortable spot. The onion soup wasn't what we expected based on the menu description, and my salmon arrived much rarer than anticipated. After sending it back, it was cooked perfectly, though the flavor was just okay. My husband loved his entrée, and the complimentary birthday dessert was a thoughtful touch. Despite a couple of hiccups, the beautiful atmosphere and attentive service made for an enjoyable evening. I'd definitely return and try something different next time.

Food and service are amazing. The salmon and grouper were…read moredelicious. Make sure you get the dirty rice and the jalapeño gouda grits. Desserts are excellent.

Went here on a Friday night with a friend. Looked at the menu before I got there and knew what I…read morewanted. I attempted to order the Seafood Pasta only to be told that they weren't serving it. Why have an item on the menu if you don't plan to serve it. There was no real explanation provided as to why they weren't serving it. Our waiter, Eli, recommended the Redfish Ponchatrain. It was okay. I probably wouldn't order it again. The Beignets were delicious. Our cocktails were ok. The ambiance was nice. We were taken to a table in the very back of the restaurant which seemed odd considering there was only one other table occupied in the back. We passed quite a few open tables closer to the front of the restaurant. We felt isolated. There was no live entertainment here. This was my first time at this location though I've also been to the Decatur and Dunwoody locations. Those locations had live entertainment when I visited during the weekend.