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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.7
4.7
9145 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 77 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
  • 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.
  • 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

What 9,145 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist in Atlanta is renowned for its "excellent food and service." Guests rave about the "delicious seafood," particularly the oysters and chowder. The ambiance is vibrant, with knowledgeable staff enhancing the dining experience. While some may find the portions small and prices high, the "flavor and quality" consistently draw patrons back.
9,145 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything I ate was amazing, not even joking But the French toast was my favourite

    Is this helpful?

  2. Carly

    VIP

    Atlanta

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We love Alex !! What an amazing server ! The oysters were sensational ! The lobster was divine ! The ambiance perfect ! I got a rose ! So thoughtful !

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  3. Nick

    Atlanta

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Too many tables. I get they wanted to maximize revenue, but it ended up being too crowded. The service was great, but with so many tables, the service ended up feeling “busy” which affected the ambience. Personally felt too expensive for the food and atmosphere

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  4. John

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service. The shrimp toast is out of this world.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nicole

    VIP

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service are always spectacular at the Optimist. Must try’s - octopus, hush puppies, scallops…incredible!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Misty

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our ten year anniversary so after ordering oysters (delicious!) and cocktails, we decided to order broiled lobster, which since they hadn’t updated the menu-they were not serving it. Okay, so we decided to go somewhere else. After explaining this to our amazing Server, O.D. He spoke to the Chef, Eddie. Eddie visited our table, apologized that the lobster was not available to be served the way we like, but he said that he would accommodate us and prepare it especially for us since it was our anniversary. He also served us a few complimentary dishes and a glass of champagne, too! The food was absolutely amazing, and we gave a generous tip to O.D in appreciation for going above and beyond. Chef’s kiss to Eddie and we will be returning.
    The OptimistResponded 2 days ago
    Hello Marcus and Misty! We're overjoyed to hear that you had such a wonderful anniversary celebration at The Optimist! It's heartwarming to know that our team was able to make your special day even more memorable. I am excited to show this feedback to O.D. and Chef Eddie! We hope to see you soon. Sincerely, Jamie Hamod General Manager The Optimist

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  7. Leslie

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The oysters were absolutely delicious. Our waitress was attentive and very helpful in deciding what oysters to order.

    Is this helpful?

  8. kita

    Atlanta

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambience was nice. We loved our waiter. The food was just okay. We ordered a few small plates . We had the fried oysters, lobster rolls, and deviled eggs. Of the three the deviled eggs were the best. I would go back to chill at the bar and have a cocktail.

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  9. Kelly

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Favorite restaurant in Atlanta! The food is incredible, the space is super cool, and the service is above and beyond. This is a great place for celebrations and is my new go-to for impressing foodies and out-of-towners.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Bridget

    Houston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Seated us by the kitchen, waiter Austin disappeared for forever and did not get just basic water until about 15 minutes after placed drink order. Wrong entree came out, filled with bones and while they comped the fish, not a great experience. Really bummed bc loved St. Cecilia and many other Ford Fry spots in Atlanta and Houston.

    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 9145 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 77 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
  • 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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