The Optimist
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Ford Fry can simply do no wrong. The Optimist is hands-down one of our favorite spots in Atlanta.. and our top pick for seafood, period. We always make sure to save room for dessert, and this strawberry chocolate cheesecake situation was to die for. If you haven't been, fix that immediately.
I enjoyed this restaurant during my short trip to Atlanta so much that I had dinner here 2 nights in a row. It was fairly easy to make a reservation on Open Table but they also had seats available when I arrived. The first night I sat at a table by the oyster bar. The second night I sat at the bar in the main dining room and has great experiences both times. Despite it getting busy and full after I arrived, service was quick and attentive. The dining room is large so it can get pretty loud when it's busy. They have lot of seafood options to choose from so I sampled a few different items each time. It is definitely on my list of places to return to when I'm back in town. P.S They also have a small 3 hole mini golf outside to enjoy m.
came here during happy hour and did not disappoint! I am an oyster Grover and always enjoy going around the city to find the best oyster happy hour spots. Paired it with a nice cocktail and fries would definitely come again!
Went to The Optimist for a last minute date night, very unsure of what to expect, but now I'm very happy we went! The bartender Mia made the absolute besttttt espresso martinis - smooth, potent & delicious. The bread service was so simple yet amazing. The chargrilled oysters + chard entree were the perfect combo & im still dreaming about the sauces. I'll definitely be back soon.
I had an amazing time at the Optimist! I came here for my birthday and really enjoyed the service and food! Our waiter was great and knowledgeable of the menu. He even brought out some champagne and icecream on the house for my birthday. The food is always delicious here and have no complaints aside from the beignets - they were a little too syrupy and sweet for me - but otherwise everything was a 10/10. I love the vibe inside the building and it wasn't too busy when I went either. Id recommend to always make a reservation before you come though! Will be back soon
I came here years ago with my nephews and finally had the chance to come back. Wow!!!!! They've completely remodeled the restaurant! I absolutely love the aesthetics and the overall vibe. The space is beautiful, welcoming and perfect for a date night. The food was fresh, flavorful and everything came out perfectly. A special shoutout to Carrie for providing amazing service and making our experience even better. She was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. If you're looking for a great spot with a cute atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service, definitely check this place out. I'll definitely be back!
I had my birthday/graduation dinner here and everything from the atmosphere, food, and staff were amazing! The menu has the date stamped and if you're celebrating your birthday there is also birthday stamp! The staff was really patient with explaining the menu and answering any questions we had. All the food we had was delicious and can be great for sharing. Their complimentary salted butter bread was soooo good! I would come back just for the bread! This place is able to sit bigger groups but it is also a bit pricey so I would recommend coming here for celebrations or special occasions with a reservation. The parking at the restaurant is also valet only FYI. Overall, I highly recommend coming here for the vibes and fresh seafood!
Was in the neighborhood, can't stop thinking about the shrimp Al plancha and the milk bread, we stopped by Sunday evening at 9:15. Still having residual diners finishing up, Chris our server was attentive and patient Curry rice w chili oil: 5/5 amazing with lump crabs, great rec by Chris, paired with the blackened red fish in a creamy avocado sauce; Roasted oysters: 3.5/5; not as good as C&S but still yummy and buttery; fried oyster: 1/5; was too juicy and big, not a fan; Shrimp al plancha: 5/5; my personal fav here, however first time trying the peeled version. Like the no peeled better but this is way less messy.
We returned to the Optimist - not so much because we were so satisfied with our last meal - we weren't. However, it's Mother's Day weekend and there was little availability. The meal last time was good - however - portion sizes were some of the smallest I've seen. In addition, the entrees have NO SIDES - not a little potato or veggie - which I find disturbing because the average price of an entree is between $30-40 - sides are $10-$15. Get it? Okay enough of that. I ordered the Blackened Red Fish. I didn't finish it - I can't remember the last time I didn't finish a piece of fish that cost $40!! It had no flavor - even a slight fishy taste! I was in disbelief! Luckily, my partner has ordered the Crispy Haddock - which she had the last time. It was amazing! Last time - the size of the haddock was as big as a McDonalds fish filet - there's a picture attached! This time, it looked like a piece of beer battered fish I would get in England !! It was as large as any I've seen - the beer batter coating was fried perfectly and the haddock inside was as tender and tasty as you'd expect from this classic white fish!! She gave me half of her order - and that was my meal!! We also ordered the thick chips (fries) that were very good - and the Hush Puppies. I'm not sure why the Optimist increased the size of their Crispy Haddock, but that's the dish you should order!!!
Came here with a party of 6 for dinner and it was great! Highly recommend coming here with a larger party so you can try more things. The dishes work very well family style. Everything we ordered was very tasty. The dinner rolls are free and they are SOOOO GOOD. we had 3 plates. Out of the thing we ordered I particularly liked the cod cheeks, local lettuce salad, redfish. The sauce for the cod cheeks was sooo flavorful and we kept dipping the bread in the sauce. The service was amazing too. Overall a great dinner place to celebrate a special day. Highly recommend and one of our favorite places in Atlanta!
The Optimist has some of the freshest seafood I've ever had. I went for the first time to celebrate my husband's birthday and needless to say I will be back! We made reservations which I highly recommend. Our waiter was so amazing and he set the tone of our evening. The ambience and decor is perfect for date night, celebrations, or catching up with friends. For drinks I ordered the Second Sunrise (jasmine green tea, lemon hibiscus, soda) and it was SO refreshing! For my entree I ordered the Blackened Redfish (garlic confit beurre blanc) and the Braised Greens (bacon, potlikker, hondashi). The flavor of the food was delicious. The fish was fresh and buttery and the greens were a hit! I love that they included the potlikker, it gave them so much flavor. My husband ordered the Optimist Lobster Roll (maine style, house potato chips) and he loved it!
We had an excellent experience. Chris, our waiter, was so amazing. He gave excellent recommendations, was very approachable, and checked on us regularly. The deviled eggs were delicious and packed with flavor. The Optimist (a cold seafood platter) was very fresh and a good portion. The Shrimp a la Pancha was definitely a highlight. It was packed with flavor and comes with bread so you can enjoy you and more of that creamy goodness. Our waiter said that the greens were disrespectful because of how good they are, and he was not wrong. They are absolutely amazing, filled with bits of bacon goodness, and could easily be eaten as a full meal. The redfish was good, but after enjoying so many other delicious items, we would have been fine not having it. It was a little loud, but we could still hold a conversation sitting next to each other.
We had a wonderful dinner at The Optimist, start to finish. We brought our 8‑month‑old with us and were 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
9 months ago
Really great seafood meal at The Optimist that I would highly recommend if you find yourself in Atlanta. Food was fresh, well-prepared and had a unique take creating delicious flavors. Michael, our waiter, explained the menu perfectly and helped us order the perfect amount of food. Only thing I didn't grab a picture of was the Haddock Chowder which was so good that I wanted to lick the bowl. The pictures don't do the food justice. The place is nicely decorated but completely approachable, and perfect for a date night or an evening out with a group of friends. read more
4 months ago
Austin was our server and he was so amazing. He kept the delicious food coming and he had great recommendations. Parking was simple with Valet out front. You have to arrive early to order the Lobster because they were sadly out on Sunday night. This was everything that I heard about and even better when it comes to a great Seafood experience. Oysters were fresh!!! read more
9 months ago
The Optimist has always been one of my favorite restaurants and it never disappoints. I celebrated my birthday here most recently and I must say the service was TOP TIER! I went during oyster happy hour before dining and our waiter Robert was AMAZING! He was extremely attentive and friendly. He truly made the entire dining experience worth while. The food was great as always and the entire atmosphere was pleasant. This will be forever be one of my go-to places to dine! read more
Massive shoutout to the culinary team and our incredible waitress, Raquel, for going above and beyond to accommodate my Whole30 diet this month - she even researched the program after I placed my order and worked with the kitchen to pivot my dish when soy was in the original prep. Truly above-and-beyond service. Chef Ford even gave recommendations prior to. Just above and beyond customer service! The Optimist has been a go-to for date nights and special occasions (even a birthday dinner!). It's on the pricier side--entrées range mid $30s-$40s, with sides $12-$18--but the quality and creativity consistently deliver. Pro Tips: * Grab a seat at the seafood bar from 5-6pm for happy hour drinks and oyster specials. * The complimentary rolls are dangerously good (when not on Whole30, of course). Favorites we've loved: * Bluefin Tuna with chimichurri (a fresh, unique twist) * Summer Yellowtail with peach--perfectly sweet and savory * Shrimp A La Plancha * Crispy Haddock * Half-Roasted Chicken (crispy skin, juicy inside) * Char and Sea Scallops are also hits Beautiful space, great for any season. Always a standout experience. read more
1 year ago
Everything was amazing! From the valet attendant making sure I had an umbrella, to the hosts getting me seated quickly with my party (since I was running late) to our phenomenal server Michael! Food was delicious! Roasted oysters were hot and tasty. The she crab soup was extra creamy and flavorful. The hush puppies were sweet and savory, recommend saving them for dessert but do whatever you like! I had the rice and broccolini and both were splendid. Then, I tasted my dinner mates' trout and got jealous. Delicious! Oh and the complimentary dinner rolls were so soft and buttery. This is my new go to for a slightly fancy seafood dinner with a completely relaxed vibe. 10/10 I will definitely be back! read more
1 year ago
Celebrated a birthday with a friend here. We had a long list of places to try. We weren't quite impressed with the restaurant pics online. The pics was giving very casual fish house. We wanted someplace sexy with great food. Since The Optimist had great reviews we settled for it. We were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant definitely gives the sexy vibes we were looking for. Even more impressive was the service. From the front door, to the bartenders to our waitress Autumn everyone was friendly, warm and professional. Autumn was very knowledgeable about menu items and gave great recommendations. My friends and I got many items and enjoyed everything. As for parking there is $5 valet offered by the establishment which was super convenient. Street parking was super tight. There is a parking garage in the same complex.... But I didn't take note of it's open to the restaurant patrons or not. I look forward to going back even by mystery to sit at the bar for happy hour or date night. read more
My parents come here a lot so I decided to meet my dad to see what the hype was about. Very cute space! My dad loves the rolls and they are delicious. Crispy and fluffy with a good salty butter. We kept it pretty light. I did she crab soup and peel & eat. If there is peel & eat on the menu I am going to get it lol. It seems they are known for oysters and sadly that is just not my thing. My dad loves their octopus and we tried the chicken. I can't say I like it. It was kind of flavorless but the puree they paired with it was good. Our server was really nice and gave recommendations. I would go back to give them another chance and try so more dishes. read more
2 months ago
I absolutely loved going to this place last night for my birthday! The service was wonderful! The drinks were perfectly made! The swordfish and the sauce it had were amazing! My partner loved the lobster and "chips"! Loved the butter rolls and fried oyster! We loved the ambiance! Will definitely return! read more
4 months ago
We went with my in-laws for their 17th Wedding Anniversary. SHOUT OUT TO ALYSSA!!!! She was wonderful and took great care of us. The experience from the second you walk in the door is top notch. We had smoked fish dip, beets with strawberries, hamachi and deviled eggs to start. DELICIOUS! We each ordered a cocktail and tailored it to our liking and ordered Flounder, Sea Scallops, and blacked red fish with shareable sides being the fingerling potatoes and greens. I can't say I had a favorite starter or side because they are all full of flavor and cooked perfectly. They made my in-laws evening one to remember with the anniversary stamp on the menu, the coaster and even going the extra mile to celebrate (17) the year of furniture with cute chairs made from champagne top. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE that made the evening special!! We'll be back very soon. read more
2 months ago
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11 months ago
Back here again after a while and SO happy we decided to come back! Ambience is still exactly how I remembered it -- you can make it a more upscale dinner or keep it relaxed/casual depending on where you sit, which is something I really love about this place. Our server Rolanda was amazing... warm, attentive, and just such a great vibe. We ordered our usual favorites -- the octopus and the shrimp a la plancha -- both still perfect. We tried the fried oysters for the first time this visit and I'm so glad we did... such a great choice. The basmati rice is always a must for us here too. Even though we moved to the west, this is one of those restaurants we will continue to come back to whenever we are in town. We're here for a conference this week and made the trip back -- and honestly, worth it every time. read more
This was my first time at the Atl location of the Optimist. The space is very cool, though a little too dark. I literally saw people using the flashlights from their phones to read the menu. Service was great. Starters: Bread rolls, Spicy Kale Salad, Octopus, Lobster rolls The bread were balls of buttery goodness. The kale in the salad was so soft and the perfect texture, though I personally wasn't a huge fan of the dried chorizo. The octopus was very delicious; I just wish there was more of it for the price I was paying. Same goes for the lobster rolls; they were fantastic, but be warned, they are TINY (almost bite sized). Main: Chicken Schnitzel The schnitzel was tasty and came with a nice salad and garlic aioli sauce. Portion size was huge as well, so I was satisfied. Dessert: Sticky toffee pudding and Sorbet of the moment (pear) Both desserts were winners of the night. If you like sweet chocolatey desserts, definitely order the pudding. The sorbet was fantastic as well-very refreshing. read more
1 year ago
Excellent ambiance. Fantastic staff with a chef that was willing to go above and beyond to deal with my husband's onion allergy. Amazing fixed dinner menu for our event. We'll ba back! read more
3 months ago
The food here was phenomenal. My most confident 5 start rating. Everything was delicious and the service was impeccable. We came in early for a same day reservation and the food did not disappoint. Get the Shrimp a la planchata whatever you do... truly amazing. read more
DELICIOUS ROLLS. I'm sorry I don't have a picture. But the best FREE dinner rolls ever. Thick and buttery. I had the redfish which was good but not insane. $37 for that portion. My friends had the lobster rolls and scallops and everyone was happy. Waiter was very friendly and accommodating. Service toward the end of the night was a little slow while waiting to pay and then waiting for our cards. But overall a great experience, beautiful restaurant, nice dim lighting and good music. Easy to talk and hear each other too. read more
1 year ago
My friend recommended us go here during my visit to Atlanta. So happy we did. Lively atmosphere on a Saturday night. During the evening you will notice it's a very dark restaurant. Ambiance lighting was in full effect. We were given fresh, complimentary bread when we got seated. Our party of 3 never felt rushed and were given some great recommendations. Robert, our server, was excellent. We ordered a handful of items. The hiramasa yellowtail was lovely. The razor clam ceviche was refreshing and extremely tasty. I'm obsessed with deviled eggs so they were good. Not extra ordinary and the anchovies in them were very faint, not overpowering. I wasn't a big fan of the blowfish tails, many because of all the mini bones. The coconut tres leches dessert was perfect to end the night. I can assure you I will be putting this on my Atlanta list so I can come back here. read more
3 months ago
Food was great. Especially the burger! Happy hour prices weren't bad. Parking lot attached. Friendly service. They gave us celebratory shots for our special occasion! read more
10 months ago
7 months ago
One of my faves! The oyster happy hour was the perfect start to our girls day. Everything was amazing and I still can't get over the bread!! And don't leave before your get the wood roasted oysters read more
2 years ago
It's been years since I first visited the Optimist. I had a good experience and I'm not sure why it took me so long to return. I decided to return before a Yelp event nearby at Indiehouse. Valet was available. I was alone and sat at the bar. The staff acknowledged me immediately and brought out a complimentary roll that was mouthwatering. I started with the windjammer cocktail. It was bourbon based and contained flavors of passion fruit and macadamia. It was delicious! For an appetizer, I ordered the shrimp a la plancha. This is one of the best appetizers I've had in a while. It's shrimp in the most delicious cream sauce and comes with "sopping" toast. For my entree I got the redfish and side of basmati fried rice. The flavors were outstanding and I enjoyed everything. All of the staff that I encountered were amazing and the food was excellent. I am looking forward to returning soon. read more
5 months ago
1 year ago
I have been to this restaurant multiple times, I did not take photos every time, if I did it would be an entire album. To start off, the oysters are as fresh and delicious as you can get considering everything must be imported into Atlanta. One of my favorite dishes is the Thai fish with this spicy lemony sauce. I also go crazy for the fire shrimp dishes and the garlic bread that comes with it. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of that delicious fish, just trust me when I said I've ordered it on multiple occasions and it does not disappoint. The service is always good, one thing I love about this place is their menus will change from time to time so there's always room to try new dishes from a restaurant that already you know is good. I have never ordered a single dish here and did not absolutely love it. read more
Came for the oyster happy hour. Wasn't disappointed. The quality of food and service is excellent. They have some classic cocktails too which I didn't try this time but would come back. They have great draft beer selections to pair with oysters. The place is conversation friendly and offers valet parking read more
If you're looking for a seafood spot that never misses, The Optimist is it. The fried oysters were a perfect start crispy, briny, and served with just the right kick of sauce. The cod cheeks? Tender, flaky, and so fresh, they melt in your mouth. And the butter burger... chef's kiss. Juicy, buttery, and downright addictive. The vibe at The Optimist is upscale yet relaxed, and the service is as smooth as their cocktails. Pro tip: grab a seat at the oyster bar if you can, it's a whole vibe. Highly recommend for a date night or a seafood fix done right! read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
Bread service is seriously the best in Atlanta and I dream about the wood roasted oysters here. Such a fun a place and the wait staff is always AMAZING. Definitely recommend for date night and with a big group. read more
5 months ago
I never leave reviews, but when a restaurant goes above and beyond it feels necessary. I've gone to the Optimist many times over the years and the food has always been incredible. Their oyster selection is extensive and unlike anywhere else in Atlanta. Though the food is divine this review is about the service! I was at another restaurant enjoying caviar when the fire alarm went off and it was evacuated. The Optimist made it up to me by offering caviar service and champagne! As someone who has been to many Michelin star restaurants all over the world I can easily say this is Michelin level service! Thanks again for turning a bad situation into a wonderful night. read more
1 year ago
Delicious Deliciousness. The restaurant is wonderful. The food is amazing and the service is top notch read more
3 months ago
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10 months ago
Broiled lobster tails, She Crab Soup, Pan Seared Scallops. This is a wonderful and beautiful place for dates, celebration, and "loving on yourself" for those moments in time where someone else does the heavy lifting, while you indulge. Service is always great. Food is so good you'll close your eyes and savor each bite. read more
More info about The Optimist
914 Howell Mill Rd
Atlanta, GA 30318
Westside / Home Park
Directions
(404) 477-6260
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https://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com
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Ask the Community - The Optimist
Has the oyster happy hour special returned?
Yes. They had it when I was there a few weeks ago!
Is there parking close to the restaurant?
Hi! Yes, there is! There's also optional valet for a very affordable price.
Is there outdoor seating?
There is! And the weather is getting nicer! Come visit us.
Do they still have the oyster bar with the $1 oyster happy hour? I don't see it on the website anymore.
The bar itself is closed due to COVID restrictions as of 7/27/2020. However there is an oyster menu ($3 each ), the prices may vary for happy hour. I went for dinner. I hope this was helpful.
How easy/difficult is it to find parking?
There is valet parking that is currently $3. You pay via their app. They do not take cash.
Can you order dessert or sides at the oyster bar?
Absolutely! During dinner service our full menu is available in the oyster bar. The only exception is our weekend Oyster Happy Hour from 3:00 to 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday. During this time our main kitchen is not open, but we do offer several…
What vegetarian options are there? Looking to come this weekend.
We have several options and can always customize something for you!
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153 reviews that are not currently recommended
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