The Optimist - Nashville

4.8

2968 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 70 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Good for business meals

The Optimist transports landlocked Tennesseans to the coast for super-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Our menu weaves together classic and modern seafood favorites, cocktails of the season complement the fare, and an extensive outdoor patio and “game” area complete the full experience.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

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 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Mike Parhm
Private party facilities
We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
Private party contact
Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

Location
1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208
Neighborhood
Germantown
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

Experiences

New Years Eve $125.00 Four Course Pre-Fixe Menu
$125.00 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Please join us for a delicious four-course prix fixe menu presented by our Chef team. The prix fixe menu is $125++ per person and will take the place of our regular menu for the evening.

Popular dishes

What 2,968 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
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Optimist in Nashville is a seafood lover's dream, offering "fresh seafood, great ambiance, and friendly staff." Guests rave about the "amazing oysters" and unique dishes like the "beignet style hushpuppies." With "outstanding service" and a "vibrant space," this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.

2,969 Reviews

J
Jay
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service and Food were amazing! The Optimist tower of seafood is perfect size to share! ROLLS alone are worth the trip!
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K
Kathleen
Naples
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The servers were friendly. They are the only reason I would ever go back. The food was fair at best. Everything was served at room temperature or cold. We started with the Gulf Shrimp A La Plancha (recommended by server)… it was mushy and cold and overcooked ….not hot at all, in fact, not even served warm… very over cooked and mushy…. Very rich. Not recommended. Then we had the Red Fish and the Whole Flounder…. Again served cold… nothing to brag about at all….. anything on Instagram that you could make at home would be better. The only dish we ordered that was even close to being decent was the Delicata Squash (side dish)… it also was not even close to being warm but it was at least in the right direction. Drinks are definitely a ‘light’ pour measured to the exact ml so skip the cocktails and stick with wine or bubbly. I hate to give bad reviews but I have to be honest. Also, we went here last year when we were in Nashville and it was great (that’s why we came back)… so not sure what happened but nothing was the same. Sorry!
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M
Mim
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a fabulous place to eat. The atmosphere was fabulous, service by all was exceptional and very personal. And the food was beyond delicious.
Is this helpful?
A
Art
Nashville
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The grilled Octopus is incredible. I had the flounder and it was delicious. The fish fried rice was surprisingly out of this world amazing!
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J
Joshua
Salt Lake City
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely the best dining experience we had in our two trips to Nashville. Food was amazing- I mean really amazing. The rolls were some of the best we’ve ever had. My wife loved her lobster roll and I had the skate and it was absolutely unbelievable. The hush puppies were different and amazing and the pineapple upside down cake was so decadent and delicious. Our service was absolutely outstanding and she guided us through all of our decisions and made the night really fun! This restaurant has a great atmosphere and I can’t wait to go back!
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G
Greg
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our experience was phenomenal. Staff made a perfect evening better. The food is amazing and the drinks are great.
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J
Joseph
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible experience, went above and beyond expectations.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went here for our 6 year anniversary and everything was so amazing! Such a great spot to go and celebrate and was treated so kindly. Eveything was delicious.
Is this helpful?
I
Ingrid
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service, delicious food, andwonderful atmosphere. We'll return soon!
Is this helpful?
D
Daiya
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
nice food! Especially, I love the lobster rolls and oysters.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.8 stars by 2968 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 70 times today

Experiences are available.

1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Additional information

Neighborhood
Germantown
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mike Parhm
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Private party facilities
We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
Private party contact
Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

The Optimist - Nashville

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

Experiences

New Years Eve $125.00 Four Course Pre-Fixe Menu

Popular dishes

Coconut Pie

Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi

Lobster Roll "Twins"

Menu

Start

Smoked Fish Chowder$12.00

Shrimp and Oyster Gumbo$14.00

Plateaux

The Opportunist$52.00

The Refuge$74.00

Fish and Meat

Lobster Roll "Twins"$30.00

Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi$31.00

Sides and Such

Shaved Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Smoked Fish Fried Rice$13.00

Desserts

French Almond Cake$8.00

Coconut Pie$8.00

What 2,968 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Optimist - Nashville restaurant rated?

Is The Optimist - Nashville currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves