Reviews of The Optimist. (Restaurant) in Atlanta (Georgia).

The Optimist

0 Reviews

384 Comments

Restaurant

Seafood restaurant

914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States

Description

Information of The Optimist, Restaurant in Atlanta (Georgia)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

We still haven't received any review on this business.

Map

Open hours of The Optimist

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of The Optimist

Ashley Malone

I had been waiting to eat at this establishment for months... Service was outstanding!! Our server was extremely knowledgeable, patient, courteous and amicable. Couldn't ask for a better person. Unfortunately, two of the meals were topped with way too much salt. Once you removed the top layer of salty "goodness" the main courses were tolerable. Thankfully appetizers, sides and deserts were good. I'm not letting this one experience ruin it for me so I'll be back in the future. Appetizers are shareable. If you're wanting to sit in the dining section make reservations a few days in advance especially for Fri & Sat nights. Oyster bar area is open at 3pm while dining section starts seating at 5pm. Upper scale casual atmosphere. They are able to accommodate large or small parties.

Jungeun Choi

First of all the service was exceptional. The server was very caring and made my overall experience wonderful. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant where it was in a good balance of formal and casual. However, food was a bit of disappointment, as I visited with high expectation. They were good but not amazing. Ingredients were very fresh but sauces/seasonings were overpowering the ingredients. This place is known for oysters and it is unfortunate I can't eat oysters. It might have been better if I visited with someone who can taste them for me. I would still visit this place again to try other dish, if I'm in this area.

Scott Smith

The Optimist is a great restaurant hands down. The seafood is phenomenal and the prime rib steak I had melted in your mouth. Brittany, our server was spectacular. She knew the menu inside and out and made perfect recommendations when asked. You won't go wrong eating here.

Nicey Beavers

My honey and I visited here. The simplicity of the restaurant was intriguing and I loved the tempo and flow of the staff. Upon seating we were greeted and we ordered food and drinks. We had several employees attending to our every need. Everyone worked collectively. The food was awesome. The only thing I would change is adding more to the menu. Very few choices on the menu for food. It seemed to be more wine selections than food on the menu. Variety will definitely bring me back again and again. Enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I will definitely tell others about this place and will definitely be back❤️

Arielle Basha

I had a lovely time tonight at the Optimist! I sat at the bar to have a quiet night alone and it was such a treat. Walter was my bartender and did an excellent job making a stellar martini and providing attentive service. I had 6 oysters to start and then he recommended the scallops for my entree. You HAVE to try the scallops - they were phenomenal. I had the broccolini on the side since the scallops were a small serving size - but I promise even though there are only a few in the order they are so decadent & delicious that it’s the perfect size. I asked Walter for a wine pairing and he suggested the Riesling which was wonderful. I love coming here and will be back again soon!

Adam Johnston

The seafood gumbo was my favorite! Photos are half portions since I split with someone else. Cocktails were well-made and not too sweet. My biggest issue is that they over-salted the bread. The quality of the bread is amazing, but it was over-salted on both the free bread brought out at the beginning, and with the bread on the lobster roll feature. If the free bread at the beginning of your meal is too salty, be sure to mention that when you order the lobster roll. The contents of the lobster roll were fantastic, and the over -salted bread was the only thing holding it back. Great overall!

C Lilakos

This place is awesome. They deliver quality seafood, fast service, and a great ambiance at a reasonable price. I ordered the lobster roll, hush puppies, and apple cake. All were recommendations from my server. The portions were generous and the food was super fresh and delicious. There were a lot of options. I would have loved to have a little more time to explore the menu. All of the service staff were on point, really friendly and on top of their jobs. Highly recommend this place.

Angela Quach

Been here a few times now and the food is always excellent. It's on the pricier side but definitely worth it if you're celebrating or just having a nice dinner. I definitely recommend trying the Spanish Octopus and Hush Puppies and if you like oysters, they offer happy hour between the hours of 3-5pm I believe. Valet parking is $5 and I definitely recommend making reservations ahead of time.

Jade L

Took my mom here for Mother’s Day because this is one of her favorite restaurants. For an appetizer we had the kale salad and gumbo. I had a glass of Riesling and my mom had a French 75, all of which were very tasty. For dinner we had the branzino, braised greens, rice, and Brussels sprouts. For dessert we had the strawberry tart. The food was amazing! Annie was our waitress and her service was so good. Would highly recommend this restaurant.

Kimberly P

One of my favorites...one of our favorites. And they never disappoint. Service was great as usual. Seafood particularly always tastes really fresh. Most of their mixed drinks are very booze forward which hey...you paying for an adult beverage so.... Always a great meal.

TubbsWHAT IT DO

Really thee best seafood spot in Atlanta. When all you juicy crab eaters are ready to graduate, you must try this elite seafood establishment. Discussing business, have friends in town or just want to impress a certain someone with a premium dining experience, this is it. Thank you for being great @TheOptimist. 10/10 every time. Did I forget to tell you that everything from the sauces to crackers and breads are made from scratch daily? 🥇

Gabrielle Merkle

I went to The Optimist for my birthday yesterday and I had such an amazing experience. Our server, Andy, was so knowledgeable and guided us through the entire experience. His recommendations from oysters to entrees were superb. The oysters were the best I have ever had in Atlanta. And you definitely should not sleep on the she-crab soup, so delicious. Andy brought out our dessert with a candle in it for my birthday and a couple glasses of champagne as well. The food and atmosphere were incredible but the service really took the experience to another level. I cannot wait to return to The Optimist and now I see what all the hype is about.

Tasha Fuller

It was worth every penny. Quality seafood exquisitely prepared, with attentive staff in an relaxing atmosphere. If you don’t order anything else get the Whole Shrimp A La Plancha with the “sopping toast” it was so good we asked for an extra piece of toast so that we could finish sopping up the sauce.

Ayako Yasuda

This is a signature restaurant for fish and oyster lovers in Metro Atlanta area. I like sitting a oyster🦪 bar counter during happy hour between 4pm and 5pm. Price compared to quality is amazing for oyster platters. Gambo soup is must-choose item too. The group around 4 is ideal to share several dishes over a great wines or bubble. …

Dave Ruan

Good food, good service and good ambiance. They have a big selection of fresh oysters and their menu wasn't too big. Only complaint was the scallops were a bit over seasoned (a little heavy on the salt). Their house dinner rolls were insanely good and German a order of the hush puppies.

Preethi Ramaraj

Loved the food, service and the vibe of this restaurant! Their uniqueness (in taste) of the dishes is something to look forward to! The hush puppies tasted like donuts!!! The basmati rice side was a good addition to any fish entree we ordered or just as a side dish by itself. Enjoyed the friendly service too :) Worth a shot, at least for the comfort!

Martin Rudd

Excellent happy hour and early dinner dining experience with small plates and oysters ($1.50 on Sunday, 3-5pm for limited selection). This location has indoor and outdoor seating including at the oyster bar. Service was prompt, attentive and courteous. We enjoyed the smoked fish chowder (outstandingly deep flavor with well cut vegetables), smoked fish dip (good crackers with it), fish and chips (generous dinner portion - cracking good batter). With the fish and chips, the tartar is tangy and a touch sour and the malt aoli is fabulous. The oysters are highly recommended and served with a bug handful of delicious crackers and homemade fiery hot sauce and slightly sweet cocktail sauce. Everything we ate was well presented and prepared.

Brianna Lewis

Joined with friends at The Optimist for a birthday celebration. The ambiance of the restaurant is intimate and cozy. Seating set up makes you feel less like you're in a restaurant and in a comfy living room. The restrooms are also neat and cool. Of course the food is what you'll be coming for. The oysters are fresh and delicious. Ones I tried were almost buttery. There is also a delicious octopus dish (try it!). The wait staff and our waitress Brittany was accommodating and very helpful. Will definitely return.

Nina Lauren

I always love coming here for the fresh and delicious food options. The service is always great, and the atmosphere is nice. I would recommend a booth in your reservation. Lots of food options. I would definitely suggest the fresh variety of oysters, the dip, and the whole Lobster, although I haven't had anything that I didn't like, and I look forward to trying more.

Melissa R

First time at The Optimist, and it did not disappoint. Seated promptly when we arrived and our server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice but still casual. Food and drinks were all amazing. This will definitely become a regular spot when visiting Atlanta.

Marianela Lichtscheidl

Amazing dining experience! Our server was super helpful since this was our first time trying oysters. She patiently went over all the different types of oysters and how to best enjoy them. Our main dishes were delicious and tasted so fresh! Will definitely dine here again.

Gal Gavish

Overall the food was good, the service was fine (although you could tell the servers were super busy) and the atmosphere was nice. I ordered the seafood gumbo which was OK but was mostly tomato soup with 3 pieces of seafood and some white rice which was a bit dry. The baguette and green garlic butter that came with it was definitely a good addition since it complemented the flavors. The branzino was very good (although I was promised it will be completely deboned and yet I pulled out at least 4-5 bones), but I was not a fan of the sauce the it came in. The hush puppies were divine!! And the cane-syrup butter they came with was finger-licking good.

Khadija Johnson

The ambiance was inviting and warm. Valerie offered amazing, considerate service without being overly familiar and was consistent throughout our meal. The girl knows her stuff. All the food and courses were stellar but the octopus was clearly the star. I love that there were 6 restrooms! What a nice touch because, who wants to wait. Great, atmosphere, service, meal, and details. Well earned 5 star review. Don’t forget to acknowledge Valerie personally, she deserves it.

Mark Steele

What a special place. Was recommended this venue by industry colleague and his creditability went up tremendously. Some highlights: - 11 different types of oysters - House made ice cream - Perfectly prepared swordfish - Engaging, educated service - Best cornbread I've ever had - Awesome cocktails and selection - FRESH seafood - Non-alcoholic beer I've never had before - Wanted to try everything on menu There are no vetos here. Can't wait for return visit. Somebody at top knows what they are doing, as this experience doesn't come by accident. Keep up the good work!!!

Anton S.

Great upscale seafood restaurant with fresh fish and lobsters! Reservation highly recommended. From the food: Lobster was delicious. Also: they serve a unique and extremely tasty bread as complimentary appetizer. Best one I tried!

Kevin Chaney

This has quickly become one of my favorite spots in West Midtown. I absolutely love the smoked fish chowder and the Yucatan drink with tequila. I come once a week for these alone. I usually get a spicy kale salad as well to help balance it but I have tried a lot of dishes. I asked the chef to prepare the lobster roll hot and it was decent. It’s normally served cold but they will prepare it how if you ask. I really like the Basmati rice, it’s very flavorful and filling. I don’t eat raw oysters but I see they have an assortment to try if that’s your thing. Overall, I believe you will enjoy this place and it’s worth the money.

Allison Donohue

Was surprised to have my birthday dinner at The Optimist. From the moment I walked in I felt special. Our server Winnie was amazing, knowledgeable and a great addition to our experience. Her recommendations were spot on and we enjoyed everything from our appetizers to dessert. We will be back for sure.

Lori Flowers

Hubby and I decided to come here to celebrate our wedding anniversary! We were greeted with a team of very happy and cheerful staffers. Our server named Gary took wonderful care of us. We got there right at 5pm to get the oyster happy hour (5p-6p). I recommend arriving at 4:45 because it gets busy. We didn’t have reservations but took advantage of the $1.50 oysters and then we ordered our meal in the bar area because the restaurant was already packed with reservations. Everything was great!!! I had the Bronzino and hubby had the lobster roll. We added brocollini and hush puppies!

Joe Kim

super friendly staff. started with the gumbo which was just perfect. Rich, smokey, spicy and enough seafood. The hamachi crudo had slices that were a bit on the thicker side but also enjoyed. for the main dish , I was recommended the swordfish which was a generous portion and also perfectly cooked. I would definitely recommend !

Zoe Cullum

This place came recommended by two patrons at the bar I work at in Orlando. I booked for Saturday night for my boyfriends birthday while we were in town to see Lady Gaga. Everything was incredible. From the bartenders to the service and food everything was perfect. We never felt rushed, everything was coursed perfectly and was delicious. The octopus ceviche that came with the opportunist was something I would have eaten a whole plate of. Our server Winnie was warm, inviting and genuine. Run, don’t walk here. The best experience I have had in a restaurant in a long time and I am a 15 year industry veteran.

Lyndonia Jane

I enjoy the optimist every time that I go there. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. It’s great for solo eats or date night. I love that you had such a fantastic selection of cocktails and seafood entrées. They’re always revamping their menu, based on the seasons, and the offering especially the cocktail menu.

Gregory Craven

Very good. Several of us went so we got the chance to try a few different things. Dinner Rolls - Free, but worth mentioning that they were amazing. Hushpuppies - Great. Airy, fluffy, chewy and sweet. Octopus - Perfectly cooked but the sauce was overpowering. Still delicious, just not what I look for with octopus. Seafood gumbo - Amazing. Seriously.. Get it! Scallop Crudo - Very good. A little pricey for what it is. It was nice to have as something light and fresh, but I would skip next time. Grouper - With brussels.. OMG, fantastic! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. Swordfish - I didn't try, but the person in our group who did thought it was excellent. I would happily go here again.

Jonathan Clark

I'm feeling in a listy mood, so here's a shortlist of considerations to note before making that reservation for this sultry seafood house. - It's a Ford Fry joint. The man who brought you King + Duke, JCT Kitchen, and St. Cecilia just to name a few has truly dialed in the culinary experience and The Optimist is no exception. - The restaurant is basically one giant dining room with an adjacent oyster bar. At the slowest of times it's a humming atmosphere with the busiest of times pushing decibels not seen outside of an airplane hangar. If you're looking to have uninterrupted conversation with your dinner mate(s) you'd be good to find seating outside or on the far side of the restaurant. - The oysters are great, though any given day the list is quite extensive which opens yourself up to having duds if you don't know any better. Keep an eye out for any with the PEI (for Prince Edward Island) designation as I've never had a bad batch from that wonderful oyster haven. - Price is up there, however the serving sizes between most dishes I've tried have never come across as insulting or inadequate. Just be prepared to open the wallet up if you're trying to tour the menu (2 apps, 2 entrees, 2 drinks will land you in the $300 territory.) - The booze selection is quite good and that goes for anything from their beer list (fresh cans of NE IPA) to wine offerings (dozens and dozens of top notch bottles). Even the whiskey lineup deserves a hat tip, not for it's breadth (about a dozen options) or rarity but for a thoughtfully curated list of low to midrange spirits. Verdict: The prices will dictate this as a special treat for most, but thankfully the quality of the food more than justifies the expense.

Shreejit Gangadharan

Great place for oysters and seafood. We came here to celebrate and had heard good things about it but weren't sure what to expect. We started with oysters and took some time to figure out that we loved the salty ones at the end of the list with lime and mignonette. Were delicious! I tried the Branzino which was made very similar to how fish is prepared in Southern India with coconut, though this one had way more tasty ingredients and elements with a thick buttery gravy. We finished with an upside down pineapple cake coated with a caramelized layer which was heavenly and dessert wine of the sommelier's choice. It was a great experience and Katie took great care of us. Would definitely recommend!

Victoria Victoria

This is my go to seafood restaurant in Atlanta. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, date night, and business meetings. Located on the Westside surrounded by several art galleries and newly established eateries this gem has stood the test of time in the restaurant world. You'll find craft cocktails, top notch staff, and a can't go wrong menu. My go to is always the lobster roll, but I prefer it without the butter that way the slightly sweet roll can perfectly complement the fresh lobster.

Paula Gomez Susta

The quality of The Optimist is outstanding. It is mostly Fish place. Drinks, presentation, food, menu and environment has no competition. I have been visiting them since day one and always gets better and better. Prices are high but worth it. Highly recommended. Because it us very popular I recommend to make a reservation.

Elena Buenrostro

This place was incredible! It was my first restaurant experience in Atlanta and given that k do not eat meat, seafood was the perfect option! I got the Branzino, rice, broccoli and the seafood platter, which were incredibly yummy! The bread is also to die for! Could not get enough of it! Also, if you like dessert, the Apple Crumb pudding was absolutely delicious!

Brad Jones

I'll start by saying this was very close to a fine dining 5 star experience and gave them 5 stars given my level of expectation, they exceeded it. I will say I thought the food for the most part was exceptional. The gumbo and the PEI mussels were my favorite and a must try. Sounds odd but honestly I was blown away with their bread. The house rolls with the sea salt and butter were fantastic along with the pesto butter on the french bread and the bread served with the mussels. We also had a dozen assorted oysters which were fantastic. House hot sauce was great. Entrees were the branzino and the swordfish which were both unique offerings and I enjoyed them, although I'm not sure I would order them again. I'd probably stick with any of their shellfish selections and the gumbo (wow) Our server (Daniel) was a real pro. He had great knowledge of the menu and accommodated any request or question we had. The only issues I had was we were seated at 7:55 for a 7:30 reservation and had to awkwardly stand in a crowded area at the entry. I get it the were extremely busy and I'd normally expect a little buffer but it dragged out a little long. And then there was about a 45 minute lull in service between the middle course and the entrees which was odd. I will say our server (Daniel) was very professional and apologized and brought out some complimentary drinks for our wait. I tend to try to exercise more patience these days as I know the service industry is in a tough way. They were doing an impressive job with amount of people that were there. Overall I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in Atlanta and I will be returning. The food and service provided was excellent compared to the price (great value and experience).

Robert

Great place. The food was great and the service was awesome. The fish was so fresh. Great signature cocktails. I was in town on business and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.

Heidi Liou

Reminds me of The Smith (nyc) but higher end. Loved sitting at the bar, no need to make a reservation for a weekday night. A very kind waiter / bartender helped me to de-bone the branzino. Fried rice was a perfect side. There is tons of indoor and outdoor seating. Heard that their oyster happy hour is popular! Great for families, dates, or group of friends.

Ruth Ready

Their Happy hour is always worth it. Delicous. Delicious oysters.❤ Today, I went with my husband, it was his 1st time there... he didn't eat oysters but I did. he ordered fish and chips, he liked it! We'll come again soon! Thank you. The service was awesome too!

Charley

The Optimist is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta, but they fell one star short today. We came for the 5-6pm Oyster Happy Hour, and the oysters were very delicious. However the waitress really seemed to want us to move on by the time we were finished eating, by asking every 5 minutes if we need something else. We would’ve stayed and ordered a few more glasses on wine, but they were trying to turn the tables quick. Also, the valet parking (3rd party company) was very rude, and they should consider a different provider, if possible.

Mizan Rahman

The best octopus!!!! I am not sure what he did but my senses were firing from everywhere - it’s worth just coming for this Item. Hush puppies were great as well. Definitely coming back for trying more items. Service AAA ***** 🙏🏻

Anthony DiGregorio

I was in town for a work trip and my boss(whom is local) said, "you're Italian, you like seafood right?" "Of course I do", I replied so we stopped here. We started with the Octopus appetizer and I got a cup of the smoked fish chowder. The octopus was grilled with a light sauce that really enhanced it's flavor. The chowder looked like a traditional New England chowder but it had large pieces of fish and vegetables which is a nice change Both appetizers were excellent and I would definitely get them again. We ordered 2 dozen oysters to start but ordered one more after they were gone. The descriptions in the menu were very accurate to the flavor and the oysters were of good quality and fresh. I definitely recommend happy hour or dinner here and I will be returning when if/when I am in Atlanta.

Quang Ngo

Had the immense pleasure of having my birthday dinner at The Optimist this past weekend. It's always been on the list of places to dine, but never had the chance. I even had a reservation, but they had the tables available so I didn't even need it! Very efficient from start to finish of the dinner, which I get into the details right now. First, it'll be valet parking and that costs $5. The guys at parking were very nice and professional, had my car parked and even ready for me by the time I came out. There's a provided link for letting them know when you're ready to leave after your meal. Usually I try not to valet, but these guys were cool. Now for the meal. Let me just say the customer service shines the most with this restaurant. From the start our server 'Justin' was amazing. Never missing a beat with getting anything we needed and even made a great mocktail recommendation for my wife. Excellent! The bread rolls were an amazing start to the meal. Very buttery with a dash of salt, bringing a great flavor. Then, we moved to the Whole Shrimp A La Plancha which was absolutely phenomenal! The simply peeled off from the skin and the sauce, just divine. You can literally pour the sauce on everything, and it would taste great. I went with the Opti-Burger and my wife had the Lobster Roll. Both were excellent choices to go with. Portions of both was very satisfying. Fries and chips were very tasty. Topped it off with an ice cream brownie sundae, but I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it. I can't recommend this restaurant enough to others that are looking for a great place to celebrate any special occasion. Service, amazing! Food, wonderful! I'll be back again soon as the occasion calls for it.

Chevv Renee

Went for dinner and sat on the patio. We had Derek and it so happened to be his first solo shift. The weather was perfect. The evening was perfect. The food was delicious. The restaurant was amazing. My s/o and I had a wonderful time and will be back for the happy hour on oysters ! Indulge on the bread ! It was delicious to start with. Everything melts in your mouth and will leave you satisfied.

Casique Smith Howard

My husband and I visited this restaurant for the first time last week. We were waited on by Ryan and Gary. Their service was exceptional!! They definitely made us feel at home. The food was amazing!!! We will definitely go back again!

Steven Osterhout

Customer service was 5 stars. The swordfish was not my favorite but it was still a good piece of fish, but salty. The fried rice tasted more like fried salt. It was extremely salty. The whole potatoes were great.

Emilio Cabrera

The sundae dessert, the oysters and the chowder alone make this a great restaurant...The rice was a huge let down and I wouldn't recommend getting it. The Opti old fashion was a "secret" cocktail and very refreshing/light.

Andrea Lee

Went to celebrate my other half’s birthday last weekend. I had the redfish with salsa verde, it was very good. Hubby got the branzino which came with the head still attached. (If youre into that) we tried the corn milk hushpuppies, crispy potatoes, smoked fish dip, and tuna crudo. All were delicious. My favorite was the dip. The bread they serve first is heavenly. We would probably go again.

Kellie Doligale

I’d wanted to have dinner at the Optimist since I moved to Atlanta, and it did not disappoint! The food is phenomenal—don’t miss the she crab soup with shrimp toast. We happened to order the most popular entrees—duck fat poached swordfish and branzino—and they were perfect. We also enjoyed wonderful, attentive service despite visiting on a busy Friday night. Absolutely recommend and want to go back!

yourfavRN

Great atmosphere and excellent food!! I prefer to sit at the bar but if you have quite a few ppl in ur group, you definitely wanna make reservations. This place fill up quick! I can say it was confusing finding the entrance during a quick monsoon so signage could really help with that because i was soaked! So do the valet and they will direct you to the entrance. My favs are listed. Next time i wanna try the Plateaux (Seafood Tower). Thanks Optimist for such great service (teamwork amongst the staff was phenomenal). I will return!🥳✈️

Erica Anstey

I've been to The Optimist a few times and it never disappoints. The waiters are always so friendly and kind and make great suggestions. While we waited for our table we sat at the bar and had raw PEI oysters and PEI mussels for apps which were great and the Flamingo Kid cocktail which was delightful (not sweet). They were out of the branzino, but the waiter suggested we try that preparation with the redfish and we were so glad we did. It was a Thai-inspired dish and we wanted to lick the bowl when we were done. We also had a Georgia peach salad which was delish. My friend and I shared these 2 dishes and they served them to us already split, which we appreciated. My friend also had a coconut dessert that she loved and I enjoyed an after dinner Amaro from NC. I need to come here more often. It's really a great restaurant.

Audra Brook

Legit one of the best seafood places in town! We went and had such a great experience. The waiter was super awesome and personal. Explained the menu and dishes very well. Food was incredible!! Flavors were very well put together. We had an array of dishes from oysters to crudo, as well as fish and side dishes. We left very happy.

rebecca stanard

If this is not the best seafood restaurant in Atlanta would someone please name another. Went there for my birthday dinner and ate out on their lovely patio. Our server was Ryan and he was exceptional, service one should expect from a first class restaurant. And the food! Everything was fresh, well prepared and oh so delicious, from their buttermilk rolls, octopus appetizer, halibut entree, hush puppies, dessert and cappuccino. I don’t usually review restaurants but this was an exceptional experience. I will certainly go back.

Hong Hanh Dinh

Amazing good and atmosphere. Great service, everyone was very polite and attentive and was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations. The raw oysters are s definitely must. I would try a few of the different oysters and see which ones you fancy because they all taste different. The free bread buns that they serve you at the beginning are so simple but i loved it. There's a little melted butter on it and they sprinkle kosher salt on it. Best free rolls as an appetizer I've ever had. Simple but delicious. The lobster was also delicious. The cocktails were so interesting and all were great. The dessert wine was also the perfect end to everything. I would totally come back!!!!

Jose Grajeda

Amazing spot for seafood. I loved the crab soup with its very special toast on the side. Oysters were super fresh and tasty. The green mussels were okay. The Spanish octopus was outstanding. The whole shell shrimp were savory. Would definitely come back to this place when back in town as it offers details that make it a unique and delicious experience

LaSheita Clemons

My last night in the A. And this place did not disappoint. Everything the entire table order was phenomenal. I had the whole shrimp a la Plancha. The way the lemongrass brightens the sauce. Get it. It will not disappoint.

Mahdi Shirvin

Our server was absolutely perfect, professional, and nice. Had crab soup and swordfish. They tasted good, but expected more for this restaurant. Saffron is great, but it doesn't mean you can use it on every dish!!

Stew Art

Delicious food everything was tasty and thoughtfully prepared! Our server Austin was kind and friendly - best service in a while! p.s. the bread before the apps was delicious !!!

Jamie Kim

Came for Sunday Happy Hour! The oysters were great, loved the lobster roll, and the octopus was tender and a bit sweet. Loved the smoked chowder, but the she crab soup was too salty for me. Would have loved more options of food during happy hour, but I’ll take what I can get. Service was okay, I’ve had better here. My server was nice, but didn’t check on us as frequently as I wanted. The oyster bar people were GREAT though, and super helpful. Cheap sunglasses drink was light and refreshing! Overall, would probably come next time for drinks, oysters, and the occasional lobster roll with friends.

Sajee Mathew

Absolutely terrific dining experience from the ambience, service, food and drink. The food was outstanding and the drinks were tasty. Can’t wait to go back.

Qi Su

This is my fav seafood restaurant in Atlanta! Definitely the top choice for me when I have friends visiting!

Desert Fox

SEASONED FOR THE OCCASSION. Went here to celebrate my birthday and valentines day with my hubby. Twas a special day so I armed myself with my mini dress, pearls, high heels, and an empty stomach. Started with those yummy oysters with horseradish and some chili sauce accompanied with a sip of sparkling wine. I knew from the start, it will be a magical night. Gumbo soup and crab soup were served in this medieval kind of bowls that made me imagine that soup was prepared in a wood kitchen somewhere, and yes, they have bunches of logs in their kitchen. I was starting to get full but it's about time to brace ourselves with the main entree. Maine lobster and grouper with a bottle of a 2013 Semillon. That lobster was the best seasoned one I have ever tasted. Wanna bet? Try it yourself. You'd want to lick even the last claw. The night was getting late but dessert was waving on us. Couldn't resist it. Then, that "gorgeous" lemon brulee tart with white chocolate on top of it and a sorbet started heading to our direction. That was a wonderful finale. The magical experience won't be complete without the wonderful people who prepared and served us. Kudos to all of them, most especially to Austin. Love this place and would be going back again.

Braxton Watts

My wife and I have been wanting to go here sine we saw the episode on Chef show. We were totally fan-girling the whole time, and the service was PHENOMINAL. The food was amazing, too, of course. I've got to say, we've watched that episode so many times and words will never do the food justice. The shrimp a la plancha steals the show. After my first bite of the shrimp and sauce, I had to stop. I put my face in my hands and sighed because I was already so sad, because I knew that at some point, we will have finished the dish and I could've ate that for a whole week straight. That bread? Tops, man. I can't get that sauce out of my mind, and I long for it everyday since eating there. I'm terribly sorry for not remembering our waitresses name, but she helped celebrate our anniversary and gave us a couple of key holders, and I wear that proudly on mine. Thank you to her and the chef for such an immensely wonderful and remarkable time I won't forget.

Rebekah Smith

Lovely evening for my birthday. Wonderful service (thank you Erin!). Enjoyed everything … cocktails were very nice, and especially liked the oysters, she crab soup, and hush puppies.

Ardis Schmitt

We had a great evening at the Optimist. Austin was our waiter, he was charming, knowledgeable, made excellent recommendations and everything was timed to perfection. Our food was fresh and prepared perfectly. From the Grouper to the Lobster Rolls. The Hush Puppies are to die for. It was just.an all around upbeat and wonderful evening. Thank you Austin from all the Nurses!

Lucky November

For all the rave my expectation was for this to be a very upscale restaurant but I was pleasantly surprised with how laid back and welcoming the restaurant felt when entering. The dual outdoor indoor space was the touch that made the experience charming. The menu was packed with delightful bites that pushed the urge to order more off the menu than intended. After settling on three chilled oysters due to April being the last month these yummy fellows will be in season. I decided to indulge. I also elected to try the rice with smoked fish, the fingerling potatoes with saffron and the homemade hush puppies. For the main course I elected the Lobster Roll served Connecticut style. The rice with smoked fish was tasteful and would be a regular dish when visiting. The fingerling potatoes with saffron were a bit disappointing and not because they were not good but anytime you list something made with saffron it should immediately have that saffron flavor at first taste. You shouldnt have to attempt to discover this flavor. Overall the potatoes were good and I could see having them with seafood and eggs for breakfast but for rating them based off fulfilling your saffron fix I would suggest you pass on these. The hush puppies where by far the most outstanding eat of the night. They covered all the flavors, sweet with a bit of heat! This combination when done right is always a treat. The Lobster was good but not great! In the world of Lobster Rolls it would make in the top 5 but not the only to literally travel to get. All in all the Lobster Roll was solid, enough meat for the rising cost of Seafood. Dumbing it done a bit I dont know how many people are literally paying $40 for a sandwich 🤷🏽‍♂️. I guess I need to reconsider this for most as well.

Ann

I love this place a lot, it's one of my fav place to go for a seafood mood. Everything is so perfect from the food, services, decorations and location. Highly recommended dishes to order: Spanish octopus (completely blew my mind when I first had it), crispy fried oysters, lobster roll, duck fat poached swordfish and corn milk hushpuppies...especially oysters,... everything were so perfect without a mistake. Their menu might change time to time but always stay at the same good quality. The servers who servered us everytime were super nice and helpful, food came out in perfect timing. I really love this place and will definitely come back again and again. In my opinion, restaurants that belong to Ford Fry will never disappoint you. If you are searching for a perfect seafood place, this is the one! :)

Amanda Duffy

Went for a girl’s dinner and didn’t disappoint… great service and wine! The preparation for both dishes I got were very different than what I’m used to. Highly recommend getting the octopus… It has a spicy honey glaze (lightly fried?) that had a little of a kick but nothing crazy. I always love shishito peppers, these had a lot more on top than I’m use to but still yummy.

JuicyRoot TeaV

So as a coastal girl this is the best inland seafood I have ever had! Perfectly seasoned, fresh, cooked on point shrimp! Yesss! Drinks were delicious and strong! Only draw back is the seating is way tooo close. I felt like we were all having dinner together. Request a personal booth or eat outside.

Niki Riepl

We celebrated our anniversary here and it was seriously so amazing. We started with one of the seafood medley plates. Some of the best oysters and shrimp cocktail we have EVER had. The two main dishes we got were also wonderful and the crispy potatoes and hush puppy sides were phenomenal. Our server, Winnie, really went above and beyond to make our evening special. The atmosphere is really cool in this place. It’s casual but in a high class way. We really enjoyed our time here and will be back!

Phil Fike

Celebrated an anniversary dinner here. We will be coming back for sure, just make sure you have reservations. Service - Excellent, it was our first time and everything was explained well and our server was attentive Food - Great, the quality is reflected in the price. My girlfriend loved the fresh oysters. My favorite was the octopus leg. Cocktails were also pretty good. Atmosphere- Great, it was a mixture of dinner dates and business dinners. Lighting at sunset was perfect in the restaurant

Amber Dawkins

Very delicious 😋. I ordered the gumbo, the fried rice and artic something..it was a fish similar to salmon. Very romantically lit! Slightly high priced and sides are not included with entrees. …

Chelsea Getchell

Great date night spot Things you should know: I. SERVICE Excellent, no complaints. Our waitress was very informative and let us take our time without feeling rushed. They incorporated thoughtful details into our experience that made the occasion feel well acknowledged. II. QUALITY We enjoyed every detail, including the complimentary savory hawaiian butter bread. III. CAPACITY We had to make reservations for the weekend in advance if that tells you anything about how trendy this place is.

Chee Pung Loy

Service is excellent, happy hour oysters are fresh and yummy. Oysters selection best in the country! Yes, in the country. Hands down beating any major cities 5 stars restaurants or any oysters origin cities/towns.

Shaun Young

I’ve been to The Optimist twice now, and both experiences have been spectacular. The space is clean, modern and spacious. The service is friendly. The food is fantastic. Anything you order will be absolutely delicious. And the bar program is top-notch. A special shout-out to Rachael, a phenomenal bartender. A few highlights from the menu: The Tuna Crudo, Green Salad, Grouper, George’s Bank Scallops and oysters. We ordered The Opportunist Plateux this last visit and it was the perfect size to sample oysters, shrimp, ceviche, smoked fish dip and Jonah crab.

Rachel Wiggins

Brought my whole family to The Optimist for my mom’s birthday dinner and we had the best experience! My parents and grandparents both used to own seafood companies on the gulf coast and they can be hard to please when it comes to seafood restaurants. We had a variety of dishes and everything was absolutely phenomenal. Derek was the best! He provided over-the-top service and was so accommodating to all of our many needs haha. The food runners and hosts were lovely as well. Can’t wait to come back!

Ibjamn Ndazone

This place is the absolute best! From the great hostess to the wait staff and I can't forget the shuckers! The oysters are the best in the city. The home made saltiness are to die for! My wife and I went there for our anniversary and were very, very impressed. Our menu was even stamped with "happy anniversary". Our waitress Erin was the best. We will definitely be back.

Tatyana Moneé (Slim)

My first impression surpassed the mark! I thought this would be a very saditty and selective place to dine but I was gladly proven wrong! Everyone was down to earth and friendly. The food selection was awesome. The quality and taste of food were SUPERB! Plus, it's pet friendly; and valet parking is extremely affordable! Definitely a place to go in ATL for unique seafood.

Rob jones

By far one of the most relaxing, smooth and delicious spots I’ve attended in Atlanta. A very cool ambiance and the bar tenders were extra generous! I love the fact that this diverse establishment was well rounded with exceptional seafood options. Would definitely recommend for a date night or even a nice mid day lunch. Perfect setting and the lighting was just right.

Sal Charania

This place is an entire experience from the ambience and staff to the cocktails and the food. The starter rolls are amazing. Bar staff can make almost any cocktail you request. Wine menu is a little truncated as most wines are stocked to pair primarily with seafood. Shishito peppers could have been skipped altogether. She crab soup was heavy but delicious. The duck fat poached swordfish was incredible. Shrimp a la plancha was a touch spicy but presentation was impeccable. No room for dessert but the after dinner coffee was pleasant.

C. Davis

So! This was our first visit and it was absolutely wonderful. Alex S. was our server and WOW - the food, cocktail, mocktail, and dessert recommendations were spot on every time! My daughter has a food allergy and he made sure to address my concerns with every food and dessert item. Him and chef 🤝, great combo. I highly recommend the warmed lobster roll, Aviation cocktail, and OPTI burger. We had a wonderful time on the patio! My daughter played on the mini put-put course, too.

Lisa Carthern

Seafood was very fresh. Excellent service from our waitress.

Amanda Jurek

Went to The Optimist for our anniversary dinner and it was amazing. Every dish from the salad and mussels to grouper and key lime pie for dessert was perfect. It was made even better by Amanda, our server. She was so attentive and made the night very special with small personal touches like a little optimist goodie bag at the end of dinner. Could not say enough great things about the service and food!

Katherine Moore

My son's took me here for my birthday. From the time we walked in until the time we left it was great. Winnie was our server... she was FABULOUS, very knowledgeable about the menu & the suggestion she made for our oysters was outstanding.... she made my experience & birthday worth wild. Will definitely be back!

Michael Shin

Came for quaint birthday dinner and really enjoyed it. The oysters, octopus, lobster roll, and broccolini were all great, but the swordfish, while cooked well was a bit bland for my liking.

Tyra A. Seals

Always pleasant and delicious oyster happy hour with 1.50 oysters from 5-6 on weekdays. There’s also a strong rum punch but you may want to ask for less ice because in my experience they put a lot. While I wish the happy hour window wasn’t so short, the service were excellent as always and there’s good amount of outside seating. Parking in the Brady deck is $5 for 3 hours which is helpful as well.

kimberly boris levandowski

They offer indoor and outdoor seating. I believe reservations are required, at least on a Saturday evening, for the dining room. The staff was very attentive. In retrospect we should have ordered The Refuge platter rather than ordering several appetizers and an entrée. The roasted Maine lobster meat was sweet and delicious. My wife had a fish entrée. The fish was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. The server kindly notified us that the fish was usually served with the head on, but noted it could be removed. For dessert we had the brownie sundae & a cappuccino. Leave room for dessert; it was the perfect ending to our meal.

Mikala Mvchelle

Had a dope vibe even from the entrance. The staff was amazing, friendly and had made good suggestions. Now the food was next level, everything was fresh and came out hot 🥵 this place gets a recommendation from me. …

Nikkia Holmes

Valet parking! Great atmosphere! Make reservations! We sat at the bar on a Tuesday because we did not have reservations. However, the bar was a good choice! Our bartender Walter was the best! He was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks. He made the best drinks we've had in a very long-time. I love sweet drinks, so he recommended and made me a strawberry vodka! Try it!! The Maine Lobster was super delicious and highly recommended. I'll be back!

Tatyana Hinton

My first impression surpassed the mark! I thought this would be a very saditty and selective place to dine but I was gladly proven wrong! Everyone was down to earth and friendly. The food selection was awesome. The quality and taste of food were SUPERB! Plus, it's pet friendly; and valet parking is extremely affordable! Definitely a place to go in ATL for unique seafood.

Blueskies Girl (Heather)

Close to a 2; but Tarek (not certain if I spelled his name correctly, sorry) made it a 3. Both lobsters were over cooked and chewy; the potatoes, we didn’t eat after one each. I know you do way better than this.

Michael Delamere

This restaurant came recommended to my by a friend and it did not disappoint! Very fresh and flavorful seafood dishes were had by our party of 5. From dinner rolls to oysters to salads to scallops/redfish/burgers and coconut pie each piece was fantastic. Would happily return again.

Cindy Restrepo

Great food, great service! Did not disappoint. Everything was fresh and Andy was a great server. Highly recommend bringing the family.

Janine Gosselin

Still one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta… Oysters always fresh and the oysters some of the finest…The martinis and after dinner cocktails are superb…always the best in Atlanta, The Lobster Roll…

James Nguyen

I dare you to come here and not like it. Try their oysters and not smile. Can't do it. Everything here is amazing

Reia Janay

Let me start by saying Ford and Fry does an amazing job with all of their locations and training their staff . When you go to one of their restaurants the level of service is always phenomenal from King and Duke to St. Cecila to the Optimist. From the moment we walked in the host were polite while we waited for our table multiple people greeted my husband and I to make sure we did not need anything. Teresa was our server and she is amazing . Great customer service , knowledgeable, amazing recommendations she really made my husband's birthday so special . The best oysters I have ever had and the Bronzino fish was the best fish hands down . All the food was great and we will be back with the entire family .

Teresa Rogan

Food was really good! Service was great! The atmosphere was too intense! The Rock music was just too loud/too much! Made you feel you needed to rush through your meal & you can’t hear the person you are dining with. Might not go back. Not a relaxing meal at all.

Alyssa Brown

Absolutely loved our meal and the experience. Our waiter, Bryce, had some great recommendations. We trusted him and we were not disappointed! Everything was perfect and wonderful. The seafood chowder was one for the books. Never had anything like it. And the cocktails were just amazing!! Will definitely be back to try to Redfish!

Molly Cooley

The whole experience at The Optimist was wonderful! Our server was friendly and welcoming. He explained the menu well and helped us choose cocktails, my husband loved the Stone's Throw, my favorite was the Barracuda. The hamachi crudo and a half dozen oysters were amazing. I love places that describe their oyster options and let you choose. I skipped the entrees and opted to have the octopus and mussels for dinner and I was so happy with that choice. Both were the best things I tasted all weekend in Atlanta. The broth for the mussels was so flavorful, they were best mussels I've ever had for sure. It is expensive, but I understand that the cost of everything in restaurants has gone up and I feel the experience was worth it!

paula

The food was good, but too expensive for me. The side dishes for the entrees are alacarte, so I ended up spending way more. I can go to a comparable restaurant and get the same order for half the price. That being said, if you're looking for atmosphere, great service and friends night out its a nice place. If you are not animal friendly, you might consider eating elsewhere because pets are allowed at tables outside. Overall my experience was good.

Aja Brandman

Nice modern open space, great food, friendly servers. Oyster review: the lil honeys were my favorite of the three we tried (they’re smaller and have a touch of sweetness to them). The spicy kale and arugula salad was so good, you might want one all for yourself. The she crab soup was also notable, with a nice piece of spicy friend shrimp toast. The scallops with braised beef as a main was delicious; a great combination of flavors, full of umami. Coconut pie and apple pudding cake were both delicious. The apple pudding cake is warm with cinnamon so it lends itself to a fall dessert real nicely

Mrs O

Absolutely Divine Cuisine at it’s Best.I’ve never seen so much delectable meat inside of a King Crab leg.Definitely a must dine in 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽All of our entree’s were excellent and the service is on point.

Angela Elliott

Second time there. Had fried oysters again, this time too over cooked. Crunchy. And bit down on a price of shell. Ouch! Poached Swordfish was tasty but portion was way too small for the price of $38. Not the same size as seen on the internet. Our cocktails were over priced and came in small glasses. You think we don't notice these things? One word, Disappointed.

Keyiara Sallie

Love optimist , always down for a good raw oyster happy hour $1 a oyster , can’t beat it! Regular food menu pricey , be ready to spend a pretty penny. The alligator is a tasty appetizer , & crab soup yummy . Overall great date night place!

Naysha Harrison

Food is top notch. My husband had the swordfish and said it was the best fish he's had in his life. I tried it and it was very good, keep in mind that I don't like any seafood so imagine how good it is to someone who likes fish. I got the burger which was delicious, which is surprising since this is a seafood restaurant. Service was also great. Alexa, our server, was super sweet and another server that helped was also very nice. The only thing is that for parties of two the seating is very tight, there's about 1 foot between tables which makes it difficult to have a convo when you're unintentionally hearing your neighbors convo. Next time we go back we want to go with friends so we get the bigger tables that have more space to themselves. Overall, we really loved the food and the service.

Steve Baxter

The food and service is exceptional… but your parking experience, if you valet, will be sub-optimal. Kudos to FF and his execs team for recognizing this, and doing their best to figure this out. They have no control over the valet situation so try and separate out the restaurant, the valet company, and the valet drivers who are just doing their job.

ashkan babaie

One of our favorit spots in Atlanta. Their oysters are the best, and their cocktails and love the smell of their wooden oven

Ugwu

Great service, great food? Great ambiance. Definitely one of the top Seafood restaurants in Atlanta. Everything was fresh and tasted great. They have a wide selection of fresh oysters from thier oyster bar and all fish is caught that day. You have to try the hush puppies. They are more like a dessert than a starter but you will not regret it.

antoinette rodney-celestine

Loved this restaurant. Tall ceilings with exposed wood. Low lighting. Nice romantic dinner spot! The dining tables were spaced out at 6 feet apart. The food was delicious! The bread was one of the best I have ever had! Served warm and topped with a little olive oil and sea salt. I had the halibut steak which was cooked to perfection! The fried rice was good but it had a strong saffron taste. The fried rice was a sharable portion size. The food came out at perfectly timed intervals. We plan to dine here again, very soon!

angela Jones

I love this place. Valet parking. Very sexy atmosphere. Food was good. I had the fried oysters for a appetizer an Sword fish entree. It was delicious. And the service was awesome. Happy customer! ☺

Dulcebebe 420

Love this place!! Super sexy or chill, whatever your vibe is. The food is absolutely delicious!! One of my favorite seafood restaurants in ATL. Especially when in the mood for oysters. Took my man for his Bday dinner since it's his favorite and had a lovely time! Always so AMAZING!!🥰😍🥲🤤

Beth Williams

The Octopus appetizer is still one of the best. The grilled one that's off the menu (can still be made) is better than the "new" flash fried one that is too spicy. Oysters are great and the lobster roll is one of the best you will eat.

Marina Gomez

A super rear amazing 10 star experience. Food is finger licking. Service is SUPER!!!. Our server, Erin is spectacular. Complements go chef and restaurant management for for glorious experience and will come back. Must try this place.

Jan L

Great place to get seafood in Atlanta. Valet parking is offered but parking garage is available nearby for a small fee as well. Some outdoor seatings were available & the restaurant had plenty room inside for indoor seatings. Servers were very knowledgeable and friendly. Loved their warm dinner rolls and fresh oysters. Portions can be on the smaller side depending on the dish. Overall, my party had a great time and will return for more!

Kareem Francis

The food was great. They brought out a second set of bread that was burnt. I thought that was bizarre considering how much we paid for our food. Other than that no complaints. We say at the bar and the bartenders were excellent.

Dwight Frederick

Best restaurant I've been to in Atlanta. After going once, I've taken every single out-of-towner here, and they've always been super impressed. The rolls for the table are also amazingly good--you'll want some to-go.

Ming Xiao

This is definitely a happening place. You can sit at the oyster and seafood bar or reserve a table. Everything on the menu looked too good. We ordered more food than we can eat. The oysters were fresh and tasty. The scallops were of big size. They were cooked perfectly. The sides were generous portions. If I come back to Atlanta, I’d come again.

Shonterria Stokes

Celebrated my husband's birthday and it was delightful. Ordered the seafood plater and he said it was incredible. Crabs, lobster, cerviche, fish spread. Waitress was incredible she brought off menu smoked oysters that are the best I have ever tasted.

Max Upp

Love this spot so much. Best lobster roll hands down. We’ve been through a few times and the staff is some of the best in town - very kind and accommodating every time! The mussels are also a dang good time as well as the fish chowder and the hush puppies. Also a strangely fun draft selection. Worth a visit!

Euphie

Happy hour oysters are the best! But regular priced oysters for 2.80 ish is still pretty good. You can try different oysters from different areas. I usually like to get a bit of everything since I don't get to come often. They change their oyster selection from time to time so to be honest it's a nice experience for a date. For appetizers I love the octopus. It's very tender and has acidic and sweet caramelized notes. Flounder is usually my regular dish as it's filling and has a good variety of textures to keep me happy. Lobster roll was good, we got it chilled. I would also recommend the hush puppies ! We forgot them this time though. Right now waiters are wearing mask and I felt appropriately distant from other tables.

Andrea Kaestner

Excellent dining. The food is always delicious and the service is top notch. I love the location and the atmosphere. The drinks are exceptional too! I highly recommend The Optimist.

La Compagnie Creole

Love the buns! They are delicious! This is my first time since COVID started and this time felt like everything was heavy in oil. The meal was extra heavy. The potatoes were covered with an “interesting” cheese sauce. Service was excellent but the dishes threw me off a bit.

Jessica Capulong

Came for the happy hour oysters! So glad we made a reservation at 5pm because it quickly filled up. We ordered the baker dozen to try a variety only for happy hour and loved it. We had the PEI mussels as well and the coconut broth was very flavorful. I would definitely return for the craft cocktails and ambiance.

jason gamble

One of my FAVORITE seafood joints in Atlanta. I loooove taking visitors here as the seafood is fresh,sides are shareable, and it's ambiance is laid back. It's one of Ford Frye's 5 restaurants in Atlanta (find them ALL)!

Clinton Kurtz

Great seafood and oyster restaurant. It is valet only for $3.00 before a tip. The service was friendly and the food was great! The fish was fresh and high quality. The setting was fun and trendy. The drinks were just ok.

Richard Pickering

The Optimist Restaurant is fantastic for happy hour from 5 to 6. And dinner here is always excellent! Get the baker's dozen oysters and sit back and enjoy it with a freshly-made specialty cocktail of the evening. Wait staff is extremely attentive and very friendly. Management went out of their way to make sure that we enjoyed our experience. One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. Whether you're a local or from out of town, this is definitely a must stop!

Mike Kilinc

I have mixed feelings about The Optimist. Frankly, I want to give them 3 stars, but I don't think it is deserved, and I'd like to give it another try someday. I went with a friend that has very different tastes than me but we ended up having the same experience. First the good: Service was great! Drinks were pretty good, I ordered a margarita which was awesome. Friend didn't enjoy her drink much but it was mostly due to poor choice. Oysters were amazing! I loved the selection. I was a big fan of the calamari... My friend was not The hot sauce that comes with the oysters is one of the best I've had in a long long time. The bad all came from the main course: Friend got the lobster roll - although it looked good, the lobster was very very cold, almost like it came out of the fridge only a few minutes ago. The dish would have been 10/10 if the lobster was hot but the temperature alone turned us off. It is to my understanding that lobster rolls are often served cold as well, but the rest of the dish was hot so it was odd. The halibut steak (which also came out a little cold) just wasn't worth it? For 40ish dollars I expected more flavor. Outside was nice and crispy but the inside was a little dry. The salsa Verde that it comes with had very little flavor to add(although it did help with the dryness) and I was hoping it at least had a little kick. I honestly could barely taste the salsa at all. I was going to complain about the hush puppies... But I see now that the menu says "beignet style", so ordering this at all was my fault. But please keep in mind that the hush puppies taste very much like a dessert, not a side to your fish. No points knocked off for me not knowing how to read 😬 We honestly really liked the experience until the main courses came out, but it was hard to ignore how disappointed both of us were. I hope to try again soon and order a different array of items and see if my experience changes. P.S. The Optimist did an awesome job with all Covid-related practices

Joey

From a guy who's not over the top about Seafood. Service & Ambiance: from the attentiveness of the waiters to the casual yet cozy environment, just a great dining experience all the way around The Meal: The Redfish was great, the spicy kale salad were very tasty and especially the hushpuppies beignets were probably the best side we had. If you're in Atlanta and looking for a great restaurant this is one to add to the list, along with the sister restaurant Beetlecat (anything Ford Fry will give you a memorable ambience, see his other restaurants)

philip bennett

I know a little about the back works of The Optimist. They're one of the few restaurants in Atlanta area to support your local farmers. The current Chef gets it, he knows what's in season and is always looking to try something new. You want to find out where the good restaurants are at, ask the farmer unloading in the back.

Tia Herring- Bowman

The platter was amazing. The Seafood was fresh, service was outstanding, and the ambience was perfect.

Daniel Pak

Came for an early dinner and had a great meal. Everything was super fresh and tasted amazing. Due to my food allergies the staff was able to help me find options that were gluten free and dairy free. We got the octopus and seafood player. Highly recommend to go if you love seafood. Great atmosphere and the restaurant is a lot larger than you'd think.

Bryan Verona

Found! This restaurant located in West Midtown occupies an enormous space and is packed most nights. A great idea to sit at the bar and watch the tenders expertly mix and create, maybe enjoy a selection of oysters. The seafood is imported daily (the only issue with Atlanta being landlocked!) and it is excellent. Further, the preparations are bursting with flavor. I especially enjoyed the Spanish Octopus. Spicy Kale Salad, Branzino, and tons of sides. Come hungry, leave satisfied! For more great reviews visit theLoupe!

Sydney Rosenthal

Went to the optimist for the first time yesterday with a friend for their oyster happy hour. Select $1.50 oysters available if you sit at their oyster bar. My friend and I ordered the baker’s dozen which is $19 for a select assortment of oysters. All oysters come with cocktail sauce, homemade hot sauce, mignonette, and homemade saltines. Also accompanied by some great drinks. Will definitely be back!

Pete

Took my wife to dinner for date night and we had an excellent first experience. In short, everything was perfect. The service was outstanding, our waitress was personable and thorough. We had the calamari appetizer which was fantastic. Dinner was very good; I was underwhelmed by the halibut but the grits were phenomenal. We had a special holiday drink that was fun and festive. Overall it was a perfect start to our evening and we will definitely eat here again.

IRONMAN27

Took the family there on Father's Day. Didn't have to wait since we sat in the raw bar section. First come first serve there. The restaurant is really neat. We had the baked oysters, the crispy oysters, and Whole Georgia Shrimp as an appetizer. All were great. All of the kids portions were really big. I had the swordfish for my main course. Could have used more sauce on it but the meat was well cooked. Wife had the lobster roll and it was fantastic as I had a few bites of hers. No desert this time. Was slap full.

Jacinta Bouvay

Great food (the Shrimp A La Pancha, Halibut, Fish Chowder and Bread were amazing), and even better service make this a true gem! We went for the first time for our anniversary and can't wait to go back!

Tamika Mars

Went for the $1 oyster happy hour. We had 3 dozen oysters and they were so good and clean. It's best to get the Baker's dozen because you get 13 for the price of 12. I feel they give you a better selection also. We ordered the roasted oysters and the $5 drink of the day. They were both ok, nothing to rave about. They should add some cheese to the roasted oyster to give it more flavor. Will definitely be back, the place is a great atmosphere. Can't wait to try dinner here.

marla renee cineas

This is our favorite place to go! We've celebrated our 5th year anniversary here and now we just recently celebrated our engagement here! We love this place. The food is always phenomenal and we feel very delighted each and every time we're here. The staff is super friendly, as well. Most recently, we had the lobster sandwich, the duck, and the hushpuppies. We were there for happy hour so the oysters were super cheap! We've tried the shark, the scallops, the beef and more and everything is always spectacular. We will continue to come here each time we're in Atlanta.

Aneasha C

This was an overall wonderful dining experience. There is a wait at times as they are very popular and stay pretty busy it seems. Definitely need reservations. Mixed drinks were ok but would probably just recommend wine. The food was everything. Starting by saying not usually an octopus or muscles fan, but this is the place to try if you ever wanted to! The best I’ve ever had hands down. They do have wood fire cooked options if you don’t want to go straight into the ones on ice. They also allow you to order singles of different kinds so you can try them out before committing to a large order, this was the best! The octopus has a sweet glaze type sauce that gives it a nice flavor but it’s also boiled for a long time giving it a perfect texture, NOT chewy at all! The red fish was packed with flavor and I would absolutely order it again next time. They have wonderful non seafood options as well for any guest not wanting that.

david we

I really wish I could give the Optimist 5 stars because the seafood is some of the best in Atlanta but there are little things they get wrong that just don’t make any sense. We had dinner reservations for 7pm on a Sunday to celebrate my parents anniversary. A few minutes after placing our orders we where informed they where out of the scallops, out of the Branzino and even out of hush puppies! I mean a seafood restaurant shouldn’t be out of 2 seafood items by 7pm and hush puppies are just balls of corn meal. The people’s who anniversary it was couldn’t order what they wanted and had to end up with something off menu (salmon) and a lobster roll. It just made the night a little disappointing.

Sean Fredricks

This place takes seafood to a whole different level! The whole shrimp a la plancha is to die for! The lobster roll was perfection, the bun couldn't have been toasted better. The entire experience was absolutely wonderful.

Tony Guerrero

The optimist is well known for a lot of dishes. Lately i discover their crudos...very exquisite. The octopus recipe changed and i didn't appreciate it due to the sweet and sour glaze sauce that quite frankly has no reason to be there.besides that all around great. The staff is amazing and the soups are on point. Great date spot.

Megan J

Brittany was amazing. Everything was perfect. She was super knowledgeable about the menu and her recommendations were on point with our specifications. She killed our date! This is the perfect spot for someone who is seafood savvy in a non casual way. If you come here expect class, great food, and amazing drinks. The bar alone is worth the wait.

P Willis

We went for NYE and it was a 4 course pre set menu. Great service and overall great experience. Would recommend to anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Terin

Stopped here to have lunch and it was pretty cool. There is a nice atmosphere and not somewhere you have to be supper dressy to go to. Pretty laid back. We were the first customers of the day and we had the mussels for and appetizer as well as the shrimp. Both were great. My fiancé had the lobster roll for his entree and I had fish and chips. The only negative was his lobster roll came out cold but the waitress had no problem sending it back to the kitchen and instead of warming it up the just gave him a whole new one. The libations were good as well.

Alexandra Mandich

Kaila was our server and gave us incredible customer service. We ordered scallops, mahi mahi, oysters, and she crab soup to eat as well as the high tea for our drink. Everything was incredible and kaila was so helpful and informative in helping us navigate the menu. The meal and service made every penny worth it.

Yen Nguyen Bentkowski

I have dined here a handful of times now and each time has been such a remarkable experience. This most recent time , I was so lucky to grab the last two seats at the oyster bar on a busy Saturday night! We got our food and drinks in quickly and was able to be in and out in time to enjoy a show we attending. The oysters have never disappointed me. My favorite go to cocktails are the Midday sun and the defiance.

L S

Soooo yummy! This place was on point with everything...service, drinks and especially food. We started with a couple of fresh oysters. They come with fresh horseradish, homemade saltines, cocktail sauce and lemon. Delicious!! We also tried the octopus. It was excellent. Loved the sweet mustard and char. Really tasty appetizer. For drinks, I tried a cocktail. It was really nice and had hibiscus and floral notes. Really refreshing and not too sweet. For my main, I tried the swordfish and pork belly. It was delicious! Perfectly cooked. Complimented each other. We had two sides. The rice and broccoli. I loved both of these sides. They had so much flavor. For dessert, we tried the blueberry cake with cream. It was perfect. Not too sweet. Great finisher. Our service was excellent all evening. I loved the space. Open and modern. Perfect dinner!i

ppapisimo

We leave in Miami and traveled to Atlanta for the memorial weekend, and had the privilege of experiencing southern hospitality at its best at The Optimist, we enjoyed every minute of it from the location to the amazing staff, and the food. We enjoyed the great oyster selection, and the octopus appetizer "as estated on most reviews you must try the octopus." with their well curated wine selection. I had the George Bank scallops with leek and almonds, they were cooked to perfection and tasted great. Thank you to all the staff of The Optimist for they service and taking care of my family like it was yours. We were reminded of what great food is paired with great unpretentious service.

C.T. Williams

My wife and I were here to celebrate her birthday. I made reservations and while they were fast on seating us, the server took awhile to greet us. It was fairly busy that night so maybe they were short-staffed. The server was great overall with a good attitude and knowledge of the menu. Highlights from menu included the Spanish Octopus which offers a spicy, sweet, and addictive experience in taste and the Smoked Fish Chowder which is heaven in a bowl. My only critique is that the prices don't match the portion sizes or maybe they do...hmm. I wouldn't say that this was my favorite seafood place in Atlanta but overall I would try the Optimist again.

Harold Mayfield

Highly recommend visiting The Optimist. First of the dinner rolls are delicious. The Spanish octopus was the best I ever had. Large selection of fresh oysters to choose from as well. Definitely enjoyed the food and ambiance!

Shae Williams

Great food. Went here for my birthday. The food was great, servings are small. However, the octopus was very delicious as well as the chowder. Took a star off due to the long wait we endured for the waiter to come to the table.

Gregory Jakes

Those are all MINE, 2 Baker's Dozen. I confess, I have been hitting their Oyster Happy Hour more times than I care to admit in the last several months. Yes, they are awesome to say the least. I want to give a special thanks to the Assist GM for helping with a special request the Mrs (my wife) had during our last visit. He made it happen. Because of his help, my wife once again had a lovely experience there (she doesn't eat Oysters) and the other food was great. Update: 4/1/17 We had another stellar visit. My wife surprised me, her idea, by us celebrating our anniversary here. Everything was wonderful. Thank you :)))))

Ben Rosenberg

Delicious seafood in a great space! Had the oysters, octopus, and lobster roll which were all fantastic. Our server was extremely nice and knowledgeable. The kitchen got backed up, causing a wait for our mains, but our server offered us dessert on the house to make up for it. Would definitely go back!

Foougie

I love the decor & ambiance but I disliked how close my table was next to other diners. Food was good, simple & clean. Wish it had depth of flavor, though. We received a complimentary dessert which was so nice. I wonder if that was gifted because our bill was high, LOL. Our server was extremely cool & had strong knowledge of the menu items. Would I go back? Yes, if someone else is paying or if I'm invited to a dinner party.

Tamara Elliott

The food was delicious! We sat outside and felt safe and properly socially distanced. It was the perfect place to celebrate my father's 75th birthday!

J Chang

What's not to love about a seafood restaurant that doesn't try to over power the natural flavors of seafood, while offering Southern style classics and local ingredients?! Notable repeats: -swordfish (not overcooked and maintained a soft and flaky texture) -peach ricotta toast (sweetest and juiciest peaches compliment the creamy ricotta on toast) Disappointing was the gumbo, despite the other reviews. I found it way too salty to even enjoy the flavor.

Saltin Peppa Jr

Dined here for our 36th anniversary. Very nice choice for seafood in the Metro Atlanta area. The wait staff were very personable and greeted us by nickname, Salt&Peppa. Nice. Our server explained the menu items to us without hesitation. Drinks out in a jiffy, starter items out quickly and our entrees served shortly thereafter. The menu had a very special Lil note on it "Happy Anniversary" which we were allowed to keep with out anniversary date stamped on it. Nice! Desert was a small special bowl of sorbet with candles for our night out. Customer service, absolutely on point. Food was excellent! Highly recommend "The Optimist" for any occasion. SNPJr.

Naomi B Smith

I just went there recently for brunch. What I ordered was amazing I had mussels and she crab soup for an appetizer. Main course was The lobster salad. That was filling! Huge lobster chunks along with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, & Delicious dressing. A restaurant that you must go!

Manisa Woodson

We love the Optimist! We went there to celebrate our anniversary, and everything was so excellent. The only advise I would give to people is making appointment. They are one of the best restaurants in Atlanta; of course, they will busy most of the time.

Isaac Khan

We were visiting from out of town and saw this place was highly rated and had great reviews. I get why now! Our waiter, Jonathan, was a great guy. He helped recommend a cocktail and dessert that work out perfectly. We ordered the Sonoma Duck and Lobster Roll, which both were fantastic. The fingerling potatoes were great also! I don't remember if this was posted anywhere, but there is a kids menu! We got the chicken tenders and fries. Still delicious food, even for the kids!

Evan Kilpatrick

Absolutely loved the overall experience! My wife grew up on the coastal southern Maine, and heard about the optimist's "authentic" Maine lobster rolls. She said that if she closed her eyes, she was at the beach in Maine eating a fresh lobster roll and pier fries! Also, they have beignet style hush puppies that will make you a hushed puppy while savoring this n'oleans twist on a classic southern side dish. The food was excellent, the drinks were superb, the wait staff was awesome! This was one of the best dining experiences we've ever had, and can not wait to come back again!

Von Kidd

The staff *chef's kiss* top notch. From the minute we walked through the door, to the moment we left, they were ALL super hospitable and gracious. The restaurant is taking covid seriously and I felt very comfortable dining here. The tables were well spaced and everyone is required to wear a mask. (When you're not at your table eating.)The food was, of course, excellent. I could eat at least 5 orders of the Whole Shrimp a la Plancha. Get it. The vibe was laid-back business casual. Not stuffy, but nice enough for an intimate date night.

Alessio Lacco

I Been here the first time on a Date and we havs a really good time. The Price is High but justified on food And Service. I personally Love the Oysters, all the other part of the Menu is too elaborate ( like the octopus plate) i coming back two more time on the Happy hours and i love it. 1$ for an Oyster is the Best deal ever and they taste so fresh. You definitely need to try this place

Jason Chesnutt

If youre looking for a dim, candle lit experience this is it! Had to wait about 15 minutes even with a reservation, but it was worth it. Oysters and mussels were phenomenal! Highly recommend the wood grilled squid! Servers were very polite, friendly, attentive and on point.

Rella Madeline

Chealsea was a fantastic server! Went for happy hour. Got two bakers dozen oysters (13 oysters for 12 dollars) and a pitcher of the happy hour drink. I wish I had paired a good glass of white wine with the oysters instead of the pitcher personally. The chefs pick of oysters was a great choice and we will be back.

Elizabeth Mendez

From the valet service to the food, it was all amazing. Our server was friendly. We love the atmosphere.

Aneesah Tahir

It was AMAZING!! From the warm bread that they bring out to the She crab soup, The Redfish to the potatoes!! Amazing!! Best experiences I have had in a LONGGGG time!! Service was great, the atmosphere... bring a date, they will LOVE IT!!❤ LOVED EVERY BITE!!

Ary Arifin

drove across three states for their incredible seafood tower 👍🏼👍🏼 oysters are fresh! scallops, poke, smoked fish dip and lobster roll are all to die for 😘 😍 …

Matt Clarke

The food was good, not amazing or spectacular. The service was friendly and attentive. The restaurant is fairly dark though. Overall it was very overpriced for the portions and food offered. Our party of 3 enjoyed the restaurant and the atmosphere but unfortunately the food didn't live up to the ratings and hype.

Mark Lange

We had a lovely lunch today. Jonathan was our server and he was right on. The octopus starter is a longtime favorite for me at this restaurant...here is a snapshot. My branzino was moist, it was presented in an appetizing arrangement, and the accompanying veggies we're a good match (see pic). My daughter's lobster Cobb salad was beautifully presented and covered with bite-sized pieces of lobster meat. I was impressed she finished it off! This large, established restaurant (I would describe the ambience as urban/eclectic elegant) was surprisingly busy at Thursday lunch. With a cocktail, the tab was approx $115.

Louis C

The atmosphere, the service, and the food was unbelievable. As busy as it was, they still made us feel special on our anniversary. I've never seen so many choices for oysters. We also had the muscles which were aaaamazing. You must have the caramel salted ice cream. If you can ask for Topher; best server ever and knows his wines.

Hao Dang

Decoration: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Food: 4/5 Appertizer: Seafood Gumbo for $12. It was bad and would not recommend it. Too much black pepper and the soup was bitter. It burnt the back of my throat after each spoon. Because it was so bitter, you can't taste anything in the soup. It came with parley-butter bread and the bread was crunchy and warm when it came out. The dish is big enough for 2 people. Main entrees: Lobster Roll and "Duck Fat Poached" Swordfish Lobster roll was delicious but it was too buttery to me. Chips were seasoned but not really good. Seasoned with cummin and paprika. Swordfish dish was flavorful, the fish was soft enough that the knife cut through the meat without any force. The fish came with 2 slices of mushroom, 1 slice of duck meat, and a char coal pearl onion. This dish is better than the lobdter roll. Price is $34-$35 each.

Maya Kastoryano

One of the best restaurant we have been. Very tasty, some of the dishes surprising. The service is attentive and the overall experience is very good

Corey Jiggetts

Great ambiance. The seafood is fresh & creatively prepared. Do yourself a favor and order the Spanish Octopus as an appetizer, you will not be disappointed.

se park

Went to this restaurant since 2016 for my gf (now my fiance) birthday. We come for her birthday celebration just between two of us for quality time for few reasons: 1. This restaurant has always been and remains to be courteous to their customers 2. Food remains and continues to be great in presentation and taste -presentation appears to be changing/tweaked each visit 3. Desert is safe, effective, tasty 4. Good wine selection 5. Good coffee, black is fine. No sugar/cream needed My Recommendation to new: 1. Enjoy 2. Just use the valet (reason noted below) 3. Octane is right behind it, but coffee here is exceptional. Besides, its a pain to drive a block and find a parking -i dont recommend walking over, traffic light and a lot of young drivers. I seen few “close pedestrian vs car”. I dont think anyone wants to be that pedestrian. My review factors in cost. And yes. Food i have tried in all my visit thus far has been worth.

Kevin S

Come for the oysters and the octopus. Stop after that. Their “famous” Lobster roll is served on a hot dog bun with a few chips. For $28 dollars, I expected a little more. Scallops had so much garlic that my wife will keep vampires away for a year. Staff is awesome and very friendly!!!!

Kevan McCann

There can’t be any better oysters in Atlanta. The scallops were the best I’ve ever had. Incredibly satisfying dessert. A stunning array of tastes. A beautiful outdoor setting for a romantic date. This place is top notch; one of Atlanta’s finest.

Alex Shindnes

This is one of the better seafood restaurants here in Atlanta. Came here on Saturday for the $1 oyster special (Goes on between 3-5PM). I highly recommend it. Everything tasted fresh and the service was impeccable.

Robert Weaver

If you want good fresh seafood in Atlanta go to the optimist. The food was very good and the service was as well. Be prepared to pay a premium though.

Christin D'Ovidio

The Optimist is a great, modern, seafood restaurant - sister to the Beetlecat, also a great restaurant. Fresh oysters on the halfshell, amazing blowfish tails, duck is to die for, and a perfect whole dorrade. Nice wines, great service. Can't wait to return to this restaurant next time in Atlanta.

Carrie Burns

There’s really no better place for seafood in Atlanta, not to mention their breads! Great date night, girls night, or just grabbing a bite. Super recommended and the employees are top-notch!

angerika colbert (Angie)

Atmosphere is so nice if you love seafood they have amazing seafood options! Best oysters 🦪 I’ve yet to taste doesn’t even have that ocean taste to them so fresh! Amazing desert wine and the rolls are to die for! Has a hint of salt on top and buttery it just melts in your mouth! Me and my husband will definitely be back!! Food network definitely knew what they where talking about!

Kaitlyn Miller

My husband and I came here tonight for my 30th birthday. Everything was exceptional! Our server Bryce was absolutely stellar and made us feel right at home the second he greeted us. We started with oysters then moved to soup and then main courses were the tuna for me and the redfish for my husband. Everything came out perfectly and in a timely manner. They also gave me a small salted caramel ice cream with a tiny candle in it to top it all off. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, service and atmosphere. 10/10!!!

Princitis Snorton

Husband and I had date night on 5/1. Our first time at the restaurant. Beautiful restaurant. Food was amazing. Best scallops I have ever had. Everything was fresh, seasoned well. Husband had the steaks. Melt in your mouth steak. Oysters were fresh. What took the experience over top for us was our server Amanda. Attentive, offered suggestions and funny. You could see she loved her job. We loved Amanda. Thank you Optimist for an amazing date night.

Tramaine I

The fresh oysters were so good! I didn't try any other food items but the menu was full of tasty meals. We sat at the oyster bar but I loved the space. It was open and inviting. The service was excellent!

Sade Sailors

These scallops were absolutely delightful! My entire experience was worth it. The food, service, drinks were all on point. I especially love that the food is so fresh and the ingredients are used in some unique ways.

Stephanie McCarty

We were at The Optimist celebrating our son's birthday. He picked it. Great choice Alex! We all love oysters and seafood. I enjoyed the halibut, Alex had the swordfish and my hubs the red fish. The rolls were literally melt in your mouth delish. The brussel sprouts are the BEST ever and we order them when out, often. The hush puppies will restore your faith in, well, hush puppies. I don't usually waste the calories but these were amazing. Top off the evening with pear sorbet. We will be back. The atmosphere was great.

Al Most

Bottom line up front: Excellent menu that will leave you delighted and satisfied. I've returned several times over the years and eating here never disappoints. You pretty much can't go wrong at The Optimist. Everything is good. Most recently we had the oysters, which were wonderfully tasty. I love it when grit doesn't end up in the food after the shucking. Also had the octopus and the swordfish. So amazing!! Don't cheat yourself... you have to try the Optimist at least once!

Aimee LeBlanc

Always a great place for a wonderful seafood dinner. Daily selection of oysters and crudo. Seafood plateauxs that have everything I want. One of my favorite wine lists. And a perfect atmosphere.

James Humphreys

Service, ambience and variety. The oysters are fresh and a wide variety is available. They have an oyster happy hour during the week and weekend. $1 an oyster is unbeatable.

Boris Nemirov

Great food and great service! The lobster roll was pretty tiny (but the waiter warned us) and the cobia tartar appetizer was very small as well; however, both very very tasty. The grouper and the swordfish main courses were very good. The side of fried potatoes was incredible. Overall, a very good experience.

Michael W

Let me start with saying it is not a place I would choose to go based on what we normally do for meals, but we joined a group with the decision already made. This place is a nice little restaurant, high end type dining. The staff was all very polite and cheerful. The food, even as Gluten Free, was very tasty. The baked chicken was juicy and tender. The potatoes were just right. For those of us that were not GF, we ate the dinner rolls which were really good. One surprise is that you should expect a valet when you arrive. We were allowed to park ourselves but it was a wait to get into the deck. We would not independently choose to go back, but if the group made the decision for that place we would probably join them since it was a good experience. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their experience as well.

Margie Leira

All of their dishes are perfection. The duck fat swordfish is a must have dish. The oyster happy hour is such a great deal for amazing oysters, fantastic atmosphere, and great service!

Blonka Winkfield

Always a favorite! You can never go wrong here from cocktails to the dinner menu. A must when visiting Atlanta.

Doris Reis

One of my top favorite places to eat in atlanta. We go here for fun, for date night for valentine day and we also bring our coworkers from out of town here. This place is amazing. Great place, great staff and fabulous food and drinks 100%

Roxanna Bilal

Dinner was wonderful! The freshest oysters in all Atlanta! The Roast. Oysters were exquisite! The Branzino fish was everything. Yeah must return. Thanks Hakeem Bilal for this recommendation!

Giovanni Circella

I live this restaurant. One of my favorite spots in Atlanta. Great atmosphere, awesome selection of wines and drinks. They rotate their menu often and offer great options for seafood and fish. Very recommended!

Lincoln Magnus Pompay

Great seafood dinning wonderful service and friendly staff.

Joel T

The first time I went in Dec 2020 I loved every drink and every plate. The 2nd time I went I sat at the bar and the experience wasn’t even close. The drinks were OK, the food was OK, but the service was quick and attentive.

Ginger Luby

I loved everything! The ambience was great the food was delicious. Our server was patient (with our group of 7), knowledgeable, and helpful with recommendations. This was more than a meal. It was an experience.

Molly Vrieze

We went last night with friends and loved it! It’s a nice place and the food is really good *especially the bread. Oh man, I’m pretty sure all the bread is homemade and it’s delicious. My cocktail was really tasty and smooth (Oceanside). All that saying I’m glad we went but for the prices being so high I don’t need to go back. My husband and I got the calamari and lobster roll. The calamari was crunchy and perfectly cooked, I do wish there was a little more sauce to dip them in though. The lobster rolls were packed with lobster and of course the bread was divine. Our service was excellent. We had a couple in our party who arrived late and somehow all of our food came out at the same time. Just know you’re going to spend $$$

Jillian Kraynak

Had the best experience tonight. All of the dishes we had were amazing. She crab soup, tuna crude, smoked fish dip, scallops, CORN MILK HUSHPUPS, crispy potatoes, and peach cobbler pudding cake. Our server Alex was attentive, personable, and made great suggestions for us. Next time we are visiting, we will be back!

Jennifer S

SO GOOD!! Went here and my husband ordered the oysters said it was the best he's ever eaten. Loved the atmosphere. I had never been here before but I appreciated the overall effort of the staff and dining experience!

Michelle Woods

This is a great place to take someone on a first date. The chips were really Good and I think that they were homemade. They have a Great seafood menu and their open pretty late.

Ken Lindeman

Likely my wife's favorite restaurant on the planet. Amazing food choices and wonderful people caring for you. The octopus blew her away on our last visit.

Sarah Khatib

Amazing every time I’ve been ( 4 times so far ). The free bread rolls in the beginning are enough reason to come.

Dave Lutz

Great atmosphere, great food, great service! The bread is too good. Clarified butter and sea salt - yes! The octopus is perfectly cooked. The oysters are excellent. And their signature swordfish entree is excellent! Mahi-mahi was good, but get the swordfish!

The Denise Experience

The food was delicious, and our waiter was friendly and funny as heck!

Emily Sutter

Brittany is the absolute best, she took such good care of us and she was so knowledgeable of the menu. She deserves a raise or a promotion! Just know she great tip from our table. Highly recommend requesting her as a server!!! The food was amazing! Hush puppies and oysters for the win!!

Silvia Caggia

Last Sunday was our first time eating at this restaurant, and I feel comfortable to say it is one on the best seafood restaurant in Atlanta! We loved the food, the ambience and the service! Everything was great!

AJ Kraft

One of the best meals of my life. Award-winning Burger. Oysters were on point. Service was excellent. Peel and eat shrimp were delicious. My wife had the lobster and it was exquisite.

Rhonda Sumter

The ambiance was very unique. The music could have been just a little softer but overall the staff was on point and the food was simply amazing. Best tasting roasted oysters I've ever had.

Michelle Jones

On our way back from Destin, FL found this place and sooo happy we did!! Fresh seafood bar...excellent vibe and great service! We hit the 3-5pm happy hour menu but would love to come back for dinner one day.

Tara Clark

The customer service was excellent. Our waiter Jack really took good of us. The food was delicious and we plan on dining there again. We had to dine outside but it was so wonderful and peaceful. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Keep up the good work guys!

Jon Griffin

Fresh, amazing seafood. The lobster roll is what I came for and it didn't disappoint. The She-crab soup was also very impressive and filled with flavor. I will definitely be returning next time I come through the Atlanta area.

Ben Harrison

Favorite date night spot. The oyster selection is out of control. I have no idea how they manage to have that selection. Can’t wait to go back.

Brian Davis

The prices are quite steep, but the quality of the food is without question. We opted to sit outside next to the putting greens (what a great idea for make waiting for a table more enjoyable!) the staff was friendly, and the beer selection seemed well curated even though rather small. The octopus civiche was our favorite dish.

Imran Naqvi

A dinning experience to remember. From the service to the meal, at the optimist it is an indulging kind of restaurant experience that you will not soon forget. They have curated and created one of the most unique, on-trend, and premium dining venue in Atlanta. If you find yourself here, certainly stop by and indulge yourself.

Capri Coffer

It does not get better than this! The food is exquisite, the atmosphere is great and the service can't be beat! Such a phenomenal experience - we had a really great server who just made our night. If you can get over to this restaurant it is definitely a must!

steve kaplan

This place lived up to the hype! Service was spot on both at bar and table side. Fried oysters kicked butt, dirty martini was perfect. Red fish and lobster roll will make a yummy lunch tomorrow!

Mark Walton

Good food, nice atmosphere and excellent wine and beer selection. Try the she crab soup and hush puppies.

Lydia Abdulahi

Travel to the coast without leaving the state! The food, the ambiance and the service here is so great! I have dined both during lunch and dinner. They never fail to impress me here. Parking is via valet and can be hectic on weekends. I have sat in the main dining area and at the raw bar area as well and love both spots. One of the best lobster rolls I have ever tastedhands down. I believe it only served during lunch so if you see it then order it! I also recommend getting a seafood plateaux as well. Great for sharing and the freshest seafood. Highly recommend to take out of town folks or for special occasions.

Demetri

We didn't eat in but definitely plan on going back to do so. My wife and I both ordered the lobster rolls before going to Top Golf. Plenty of great tasting lobster meat, the roll was soft and the chips were house-made and tasted wonderful. The smells emanating from this place while I waited at the bar for our food were so tempting.

Kristina H.

We arrived prior to our reservation time and weren't about to sit to much earlier than that. This place is busy... but well worth the wait. The staff is friendly and the food is amazing!

Jeri LaVigne

This is our go-to restaurant when we want to celebrate an important event or impress a guest. It is consistently excellent in food, drink, and staff. We love The Optimist!

Jacquelyne Garcia-Hernandez

Came after watching the Chef Show and was not disappointed. Service was great, lovely ambiance. Food was amazing, the oysters were my favorite part. Will absolutely come back.

Roger Haley

My husband and I had a wonderful time at the Optimist on Saturday night. The oysters were fresh, Bread served was great too. Excellent services!This has become my go to spot for tasty fresh oysters. Dress appropriately, and parking is limited.

Fuming Cao

Amazing food. Great ambiance. A bit pricey but worth it. Wildflower cocktail is delicious.

Mahabir Panigrahi

Been here few times with Colleagues and always enjoyed the food and ambience. I love the oysters here and every day special menu.

RAQUEL E.

The ambiance was amazing . Our waiter Conner knew the menu very well and he was able to help us decide on our meal choices. Drinks were great ! Food was impeccable! Service was awesome

Alberto Cortinas

I haven't been able to shut up about the food at Optimist. we had the scallops and the swordfish as main entrees. enjoyed the cornbread hush puppies as a side. their wine list is not very long but very good options. we enjoyed a Grenache Blend with our meal. also don't forget about the bread, sweet bread rolls with cracked salt over and dipped in a butter sauce. amazing!

a s

Incredible food, even better service! Our server was super knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. Lunch was perfect, and the restaurant is super hip in a great area.

Rodger Smith

The server, Porsche, was great but what I had was not so great. The octupus was great as an appetizer and I awaited in anticipation for the main meal which was a total disappointment. It was just fried fish and big cut potatoes. it was taken off the bill but still ended up paying $115 for my guest's meal.

Bon lovesmusic

This is now my favorite seafood restaurant and they have excellent choices be sure to try the Halibut and Redfish. Excellent service also

Sarah OMalley

B E A U T I F U L spot with friendly staff, worth the hype. Get the octopus. Seriously. Get the octopus. Wow. One of the best things I have ever eaten.

Christina T

First of all, it took me 4 tries before I found the right door to enter 😂. The restaurant has a really nice ambiance and great service. I think as others said, the food is a bit over priced. I tried the she crab soup which was good but a bit thin. I think the biscuit they serve on the side of it was amazing (stole the show from the soup). I tried the swordfish which was cooked perfectly. There was almost nothing on else on the plate though. I think you would have to order a lot of different items in order to really get a full meal here.

Maurice H.

The service, atmosphere, and food was amazing. Definitely will be back. Our server Doug was onbtop of things.

Ty. Graham

Excellent, excellent! I'm vegan and this place accommodated me and my date so beautifully. We dined here on Vday and it was packed! It was a 4 course meal for one set price, which I didn't really find fair since I only was able to enjoy three courses but I'm just nitpicking lol. I would highly recommended if you're into posh dining. That was my first time ever experiencing something so fancy haha I loved it. And shout out to that black sous chef, he did that! Haha.

Laura Pantoja

A very fancy and perfect date night restaurant! Amazing service and delicious seafoods! The lobster option is THE BEST!

Sheryl Procacci

The food was fantastic but our server, Femm, was the star of the night! We really enjoyed our experience. Thank you! ❤️

Felicia Paul

Nice ambience but the food could be better. A bit too much of a corporate taste for me. The chef needs to taste his food that is leaving his kitchen and kick it up a notch. My fish was very, very bland. I pay for well flavored food, otherwise I can stay home and cook.

Tony McCarthy

Best seafood experience in Atlanta. Outstanding food. On a busy night it can get loud. Not enough to drown out the conversation at your table. I received excellent service as well as excellent food on my visit. I was also pleasantly surprised at the quality of music being played.

Michelle Barefield

Craig was the best..very attentive and funny! Food was excellent. Customer service was A1 10/10

Sudipta Sengupta

Some of the tastiest oysters in Atlanta. The She Crab soup and shrimp toast were ridiculously tasty too.

Tierra Warrick

I have not one single bad thing to say. The valet was friendly! The staff was very attentive. Everything I ate was amazing. Their dinner rolls were hot, buttery and have an amazing pretzel style crust. I had the halibut. It was cooked beautifully!! I also tried the smoked fish chowder and it was creamy and soo flavorful. Make sure to try the fresh oysters. My friend had friend and loved the sauce that came with them. Overall I would recommend coming here. They also give birthday souvenirs

Ashley Giardiello

This is a must stop every time we visit Atlanta. One of the most curated and refined restaurants in all our travels. I could sing the praises of the service, food, attention to detail and so much more, all day. Our waiter recently took a class on oysters and it shows how much this restaurant prides itself on being one of the best. It has stood the test of time and isn’t just another trendy restaurant.

Abe Schonfeld

Hard to understate just how dope this place is. It's dope AF. The food is incredible, literally every dish I've had there has been amazing. Discovered it randomly, and me and my friend came back to Atlanta (from NYC) mostly to go to this place again. It's that's good. Also both times I've been the wait staff has been so incredibly friendly and personable we tipped 30+% they are so awesome.

Pia Bhatti

Thoroughly enjoyed the food and hospitality here. I ordered the she crab soup and red fish. Both were delicious and served with excellent presentation.

Brenda Vazquez

Stormy was fantastic and made our birthday celebration very special! The energy of the room and the dining experience was top notch! We sat in the main dining area but would like to go back and try the “OB” Oyster Bar for happy hour. This is where Stormy usually works. He hand picked several oysters for us and kept saying, “no worries, I’ve got you” and boy did he! I’ve never had such impeccable service and dinner experience. Highly recommend the She Crab Soup, Oysters, Octopus, and the Scallops we’re simply amazing! Don’t miss out on a specialty cocktail either - the old fashions were delicious.

Teresa Thompson

It has been over a year since I had the opportunity to visit Optimist. I was definitely not disappointed. I had the spicy pan seared octopus which was delicious, I always order. It is tender and pleasing to my palate.We also had a variety of fresh oysters salty, sweet and buttery they were so fresh, ordered halibut for our main entree OMG this topped off our evening while we sipped on a bottle of wine. Will definitely be returning.

Katherine McClintock

Our waiter (Fem) is one of the kindest people I have ever met in the service industry. He made my mom and I’s meal perfect and was so personable. I’ve always been a huge fan of The Optimist, but Fem took our whole experience to the next level in the best way possible. Absolutely outstanding person and server!

Jay Solivan

'Are these bay or sea scallops?" "No idea" 'Are they small scallops or large' "Well, they all have different sizes, Some are bigger than others but I hear they taste good.” I am not kidding! For a >$40 plate with sides and to work on a seafood restaurant you should know bay scallops are normally smaller and that there is a difference! Redfish was charred and dry. My wife's lobster roll was, SERIOUSLY, a bread roll with lobster bits on top. Oysters were good but again nobody could tell us something to help choose from the 20 kinds they have. NOBODY. They warned us on the menu that it would be an experience... it sure was.

Joe “Unclejoe” Tarver

Great ambience, oysters were good and the service was stellar. Try the "Root" vegetables. Parking was only 3 dollars, it was crowded but we got seated very quickly. I would have given it 5 stars but the steak was not seasoned well and the burger had way too much stuff on it.

Vesi Angelova

This place was fantastic! The atmosphere, the service, and of course, the food made for an amazing, delicious experience!

Takisha Thomas

Great atmosphere, good cocktails! I came for the lobster roll as I heard it was the best in the city! The lobster roll wasn't bad but I wouldn't order it again. I prefer the lobster roll at a restaurant in Old 4th Ward better!

mya myatank

The oysters are beautifully prepared and always fresh, ice cold and delicious. I love the seasonal menus here roasted shrimp and fish are spectacular!

Rachel Siglin

First time to have oysters but it will not be my last. Every bite we had was fantastic. The smoked fish soup is worth a trip to Atl.

michael hogan

The real deal for seafood in Atlanta (and I've looked). Best selection and quality of oysters in town. Wide range of high-quality spirits and cocktails. Top notch all around.

Joe Hungate

Great space. Nice cocktails. Tasty oysters broiled and raw. Great seafood and couple of non seafood dishes for the uninitiated. Attentive, but unobtrusive service, but felt a tad rushed.

Wade Consulting

Wow. How on earth did I not know about this place? Awesome vibe, friendly and casual. Fabulous outdoor eating area (seat yourself). The food surpassed our expectations. Great oysters, sweet potato side dish, coconut pie, brownie sundae, lobster roll and burgers-Many great choices on the menu and you can't go wrong. Great service too!

Miss Melony

The food was absolutely delicious! I will certainly be back! So good and fast too.

Bof Choi

I'll start by saying it was our server's first night (still in training) and she did an awesome job. If only the food carried the same consistency... Let's get into it: Oysters: -Everyone liked their oysters for the most part, but can't say anybody was in love. Probably because other oysters have been ruined forever thanks to the opening of Fishmonger. -Accoutremants served with the oysters were nice and thoughtful. Good presentation as well. Crudo: -Flounder Crudo was way too fishy for our liking... a common problem with the fish we ate here. The ingrdients that paired with it were nice, but nothing memorable. -Hamachi Crudo was another story. I love hamachi but this one went above and beyond thanks to the dots of black garlic puree scattered around the plate. Best dish of the night . Apps: -Shecrab Soup was ordered by most at the table, and while it tasted good, it had 2 small chunks of crab. Quiet disappointing. (Go to Steamhouse Lounge in midtown if you're looking for some hearty crab soup). The accompanying shrimp toast was too dense and glutinous. Would have preferred oyster crackers. -Crispy Oysters were nice, but, again, unmemorable. Entrees: I'm going to speak generally about the swordfish, grouper and branzino we got. All were less than lackluster- overly fishy taste across all 3, but the grouper was by far the fishiest and was bathed in oil. Branzino was moderately deboned, but anemic in flavor. I had a similar dish at the newly opened Talat Market last week that cost 25% less, came with more sides, and taste-wise blew this branzino out of the water! The swordfish was the best dish here but was uninspiring still. Sides: All the sides were beautifully described but were executed no better than a home chef. Brocollini was too stalky and tough. Root veggies were both over- and undercooked. Hushpuppies were gross- again, tasting like a homecook used a Cafe du Monde bengiet mix and added powder sugar on top. Cringe. Desserts: Nah, you gotta earn my dessert. The hostess dropped the menu anyways and I confirmed my suspicion of serving uninspired desserts. After living in ATL for 10 years, I'm surprised I just now got around to testing the Optimist's waters, but after my food experience, I'm glad I didn't waste college money eating here with the rich international students. A tank of gas, a night at Fort Walton Beach's Days Inn, and a trip to Stewby's for fish would save you money and disappointment. Not to harp much more, but the space is beautiful. Unfortunately, the decor feels very 2010 and seems to parallel the dated attitudes towards food. There was no passion in the food we ate. Won't be back.

Robert Thomas

My partner and I had a wonderful dining experience recently here…for several reasons. First of all, we were seated in a booth rather than in the larger dining area. Felt much more intimate. When our server arrived, we were immediately introduced and welcomed. Sydney provided excellent service throughout the entire meal…great recommendations, nice interactions with conversation, checked on us regularly. We had 1/2 dozen delicious oysters. Large selection. We had the octopus appetizer which was soooo flavorful with a bit of a kick. Excellent. For entrees, we chose the grouper and redfish. The grouper was prepared perfectly. Both had beautiful presentations! We tried the strawberry dessert as well. Wow! We had a few cocktails/wine. The standout was the Summerland cocktail. So refreshing! Lastly, the manager Allison stopped by and we thanked her and raved about Sydney, the service and the food. Oh, and valet is super efficient and inexpensive! We will definitely share our experience with friends and return!

James Rupel

I ate here 6 or 7 years ago when I was visiting Atlanta and had such a great meal that I vowed to come back the next time I was in the city. We came at 6 PM just after happy hour and the restaurant was about half full but unhurried, uncrowded, cool and relaxed. We started with oysters and cocktails and the raw oyster bar is absolutely outstanding, some of the freshest and most delicious I've had anywhere. In addition to the oysters our group tried four or five starters and four mains and everything was delicious. Definitely try the oysters, the octopus, any of the crudos, or any kind of skate wing they might have on the menu. Only thing I'd pass on the next time was the gumbo, not bad but nothing to write home about. Service was excellent too. Bill came out to about $150/head but worth it.

Ian Patrick

Amazing date night spot. Great craft cocktails & a tantalizing list of dishes in their made-from-scratch kitchen. Oyster bar is nice too.

Quill W

Put it on the list! The Octopus taste like chicken 💥

Amani Buckland

My first experience (not my husbands first) at the Optimist was beyond amazing. Not only was the food out of this world, but our server Amanda made our experience and my husbands birthday SO special. She truly was the best server we’ve ever had. We both have some food restrictions and she made us feel so at home and gave us the BEST advice on what to order. If you’re looking tor the most delicious, flavorful seafood, the best ambiance and the kindest service go to the Optimist! And definitely try the crab soup for an appetizer. YUMM. We will be back.

Mechelle Parker

Phenomenal service recovery!…I should start by saying the food here is amazing and the oysters are the best in the city. I enjoy this place so much that I deemed it one of my favorite restaurants and decided to have my birthday dinner there. Unfortunately, on my birthday there were a few major service failures and I was quite disappointed (worth noting that my food was still good even on this day though). After a few issues with the bill and overall service, I later contacted the manager, Jilian. She listened, empathized, apologized, and asked me to email her personally on my next visit to let her know I was coming in so she could ensure I was taken care of. My sister and I returned this past weekend and I notified Jilian as she had asked. We were greeted by an amazing waitress named Amanda and had a wonderful experience! My oysters and entree were delicious as usual (highly recommend the branzino, broccolini, and as many different oysters as you can eat lol). Jilian came out toward the end, thanked me for returning and offered dessert…But it gets better! Amanda was so sweet and thoughtful! She brought out a decorated tray with a lit candle and the message “happy belated birthday”! That was truly awesome. AND THEN…MUCH to my surprise, Jilian took care of the ENTIRE bill! WOW! I honestly was not expecting that, but as a former leader in both the restaurant and hospitality industries, this type of service recovery goes a long way! I am so appreciative of the extent to which Jilian went to ensure that this place remains my favorite restaurant! I will continue to return here again and again!

Jeff Shaw

This place has great service and great food. It had the rustic feel of a European cafe. The specialty was seafood. We sampled the lobster rolls, baked oysters, peel and eat shrimp and grouper. All were excellent. The cocktails were average but overall a place that I would recommend. Everything is a la cart which tends to get pricey before the night is over

Mr. Johnson

Amazing service. Food was perfect. A little more upscale but definitely worth a visit

Karen Eugenio

Great seafood and service. It's a bit loud to hold a conversation but definitely good experience overall.

Dallas Davisson

This place is awesome. Seafood is fresh. Delicious. Fantastic service.

Youngjoo Flynn

We had a wonderful dinner again. Their dinner rolls are the best!

Cooper

One of the best restaurant experiences I've had. Everything from the wait staff, atmosphere, and the food, was amazing.

Begen Einer

One of the best meals I’ve ever had anywhere. I live in NYC and I travel everywhere but I still dream about the meal I had here sometimes. The oysters are outrageously fresh. The starters were unique. The fish we ordered was cooked perfectly. Our meal was incredible. The service was standout as well, friendly and helpful while not being pushy. 10/10 meal and I don’t say that lightly.

Scott Stein

The Optimist is another successful Ford Fry restaurant. Great seafood selections, with a great oyster variety. The Drinks are even better! Perfect ambiance for a date night!

Alanna Ramirez

My Swordfish here was a little tough so that's why I'm rating 3 stars. However, I also ordered some hushpuppues and they were excellent! I absolutely loved them. The staff at the bar was very friendly. The ambiance is great for a date. The lighting was dim and laid back yet still felt upscale. I only went to grab a bite at the bar so can't say much any other dishes.

Mark Davis

Staff were all great. Food was pricey and just good. Nothing we had made you go 'wow.'

Erica Iarusso

Great atmosphere and food was fantastic. Would come back!

Robson Borba

Superb!!!! Everything we ordered was beautifully done, great service and atmosphere.

シナモン

Was visiting Atlanta for work and some local friends suggested this seafood restaurant. The food was excellent! Great selection of oysters and delicious southern treats hidden in the menu like the hearty gumbo. Finish with the killer key lime pie.

Jessica Nabongo

Had an absolutely phenomenal dinner here last night. The branzino was perfection and our waiter Craig “with the hush puppies” was awesome. He strongly suggested we try the hush puppies and they did not disappoint. And that bread… 🤤 There were three of us and everyone LOVED their meal. …

Traci Surles

Great experience! Really enjoyed this place. Went to celebrate our friend's birthday. My hubby and I ordered the gumbo for a starter and continued from there. Food and drinks were on point!!! Very pricey but worth it in my opinion. We will definitely return.

Christina CLARKE

Sat at the bar had drinks and tried all the different Oysters. Good atmosphere and it was a nice day to sit outside but insides ambiance was nice and bright. Food was delicious and fresh! Good bartenders too!

Cynthia S

Fantastic oyster bar and specials(happy hour), if you like oysters. Atmosphere very urban. Large well stocked bar. We ordered the Halibut and Grouper with salad and brocollini. The seafood hummus was delicious. Parking valet service where you can call for car before leaving building. Enjoyed dinner

Cary Hill

The food here is extraordinary. The seafood is always fresh and includes many interesting flavors. We always aim to arrive during happy hour to enjoy the baker's dozen raw oysters whenever we are in town. If i had any complaints it would be the size of their specialty cocktails considering their prices.

Mike Whitman

good quality, soup is only okay, lobster roll tasty, honey ham burrata toast recommended

Simone Katz

Honestly, it was just par. I didn’t hate my time there, but it was not something to rave home about. My favorite part was anything covered in butter or ice cream. Our server was just a bit too pushy about upselling drinks because she must’ve not heard the part when I told her we were both sober. The tables were cramped, but the ambiance was excellent, and I loved the decoration. I would hit up another Ford Fry joint next instead.

Anora Wilson

Good food & atmosphere.

Owen Skarpness

Best oysters in Atlanta? Get the Savage Blondes. So light and refreshing! The octopus is delicious, and the muscles were in the most absolutely divine sauce I've ever tasted, cooked to perfection. For another surprise hit, get a side of fried Basmati rice - like everything else they do, it's extremely well-executed elevated fare with a wonderful and curious hint of curry. To top it off, once you add the swanky ambiance and a very respectful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to the mix, I can confidently say we were all feeling optimistic by the time we left!

Sally Ouyang

The atmosphere of the place is super nice and chill! The service is amazing! The food is great but the plates are kinda small and expensive. The photo is of the halibut!

Miesha Prince

I love them, very professional and great oysters i had the Bakers Dozen( even tho you get 13 oysters) now round 2 andddd you get a warm towel and lemon to get that smell off your hands. Good job guys!!!

Wayna Taylor

I’ve been going to The Optimist since they opened and they never fail. Everything from the ambience, staff, and food makes it an overall great experience. I’ve even had a large birthday party there and they didn’t disappoint. My favorite items include the raw oysters, whole shrimp a la plancha (can be a bit messy but worth it!), lobster roll, the halibut, and the dinner rolls. They also change their menu and I’ve enjoyed other selections as well.

Erika Janitschek

Absolutely amazing date night spot with out of this world eclectic seafood options. This was the first time I had ever tried oysters and octopus’s and my mind was blown! I used to live in Atlanta and highly recommend it to everyone visting and also always make a stop in when I myself am visiting.

Honest Beez

Do yourself a ga or and come to this restaurant! From the location, service and awesome food, you are sure to have a great time. The poached swordfish was fantastic. Their oyster variety was delicious. Bee approved 🐝 …

John Bailey

5 Stars , You Can Tell When You Bite The Biscuit 😋

Vanessa Dulaney

This place is incredible. We started with the shrimp a la plancha, then ordered the swordfish, the mahi mahi, and broccolini for the main course. Unbelievable. The service was fantastic. Our server gave us some great suggestions and was so kind. In love. Will be back! 10/10

Marcus Allen

Dined at the Optimist with friends two days ago- our waitress was perfect- she explained the menu, guided us through drinks, oyster selection, apps, & mains- I was SUPER amazed at the oyster selection at the Optimist- and I think it’s definitely my new spot for that! Stand outs for me include all of the oysters ( we sampled about 7 types), the shrimp entree (succulent shrimp served over bread - and ohhh so much to sop up), the broccolini ( this is becoming my thing) and my entree. I wanted to order the Branzino, but it was off the menu. She suggested that I try the redfish and she would ask the kitchen to prepare it the same way they would the branzino- and it was a HIT! We skipped dessert but opted for aperitifs- and it was a great night out!

I S

This is my second visit and the food was good, but far from the best I have had. Definitely over priced for what you get. $12 for 5 hushpuppies seemed a bit outrageous and $14 for some soup with a few clumps of crab in it. The red fish was very dry. Think I will take this one off my favorite list for now. Had better seafood for the value. Service was top notch however.

Eric D.

In general I’ve always had a very good meal here. However the last two times I’ve gone here I’ve had to readjust where they sit us. And the last time was for my anniversary and I asked Not to be sat between the bar and the front windows. Which should be an indication that I would like to sit somewhere more in the middle of the room. And instead they set me at the last table before you would walk to the restrooms. Very disappointing.

Veronica Wood

Well, the Optimist was a home run in our book! Jamie, our server, was great and extremely knowledgeable. Everything we ordered was unique and delicious. A very memorable night out! Will definitely be going back!

Jonathan Weaver

Awesome atmosphere with great seafood along with everything else made in house!

S C

Attending this restaurant as a walk in due to last minute changes in our evening plans and we were happy to get a small table near the bar to share some menu items. First-the waiter was very courteous and prompt on ensuring we had our drinks and menu options. He gave great recommendations for our evening dishes and out of everything the octopus and scallops were our top picks and amazing! Would love to try a more intimate dine in experience but reservations guarantee that option so call ahead!

Jodi M. Carroll

A FABulous restaurant experience... Our server made us laugh and made awesome suggestions!!! The oysters were some of the best I've ever had! I had the lobster tail and basmati rice and both were delicious! The rolls served in the beginning we're enough to make me want to return but the brownie sundae was truly the icing on the cake! Even the General Manager and the hostesses made us feel welcome and special! I felt especially comfortable with their policy to wear masks wherever up from the table!! We will definitely be back... Can't wait!!!

Emily Redman

Happy Hour at the Oyster Bar turned dining out! Love! Took my wife for her birthday and had a blast! Great service! Great food! Can't say enough about the experience!

Moosa S

Oysters are legit here, fresh and juicy. She crab soup is always piping hot, balanced and flavorful. They have some of the best rolls with the oil and salt. The Asian fish i had was fresh. Been here twice planning for a 3rd. Service is appropriate and friendly.

Kristen Osman

We made reservations for here for our anniversary. We hadn't been out to eat in long time and we were looking for a relaxing easy paced dinner. We realized once we were here that this wasn't exactly what we had in mind and canceled our reservations as we finished our drinks. The GM Greg came over and introduced himself and had heard it was our anniversary and that we had canceled and offered to get us a reservation elsewhere and gave us a glass of wine as we chatted. He mentioned the sister restaurants and we decided Marcel's was the vibe we were looking for. Boy I'm glad he offered us this recommendation. What great customer service and pleasant experience. I would absolutely come back to both restaurants as I am impressed the extra touches they put in to making the customers really feel welcomed and appreciated. The food is amazing as well the many drinks they offer. Thank you for making our anniversary a special one.

Will Parson

It's quite simply the best restaurant in Atlanta. The service was warm and inviting, Winnie was our server and she's a rock star. The Georgian Bay scallops with the asparagus were to die for. I love this place.

Heather Porch

Food, service, and atmosphere was amazing. Sea food cooked to right temperature and the sauces are all so delicious for plates presented. Will go back. Price of food is up there but you get what you pay for! My husband and I went on Valentines Day and had a special menu. How fun is that! To the couple who complained about their seating, come on, behind the bar was cozy and quieter than main dining. We were the closest table to the bathroom, but had a great perspective in the kitchen. If you didn't like where you were seated then ask to be moved. I am sure they would have been happy to move you if it was possible. Who are these people who rave about this place and give 4 stars without explanation? It is worth the 5 stars and money!

Melvin Breedlove

I've been coming here for 2 years strong. Great atmosphere, great food & drinks. Most importantly the servers/bartenders are friendly and know the menu well in detail.

Randi Okray

The food was absolutely amazing ‼️ It was my first time and my boyfriend and I enjoyed it all. We started with oysters 🦪, peeled shrimp and fish 🐟 chowder. All was recommend by our server and it didn’t miss a beat. For our entrees I had the lobster 🦞 roll ... SO FRIGGIN GOOD and my boyfriend had the burger 🍔... nice and juicy. And our cocktails was something light and refreshing and something strong and sweet. It was tasty and gave a little buzz. Just overall a great and tasty experience. Reservations are required for dinner.

Ali & Nic

Delicious food, great ambiance! Had a few different dishes and all were excellent; fresh and tasty! Service was also very good; waitress was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions✅

JASON LIN

The service are excellent Oysters are not I was expecting And food are little over priced

Binormal “BiNormaL”

The food was pretty bland, potatoes over charred. I know what char and burnt is. The drinks was strong. I set at the bar and felt rushed. The bartender was cool but we weren’t offered any bread, took awhile for the food to arrive. I can say the ambiance was the best part. Food is about taste add your special sauces, seasonings and flavor. I didn’t get much of a exquisite delight but I will try again

Néomi Richards

Incredible. I’m a little boozy but I had to come back and update my review right away. The atmosphere, food and service were incredible. Everything I had hoped for. Gi was our server and ensured that everything was perfect. The best service I’ve had anywhere honestly. The roasted oysters were TO DIE FOR. Cocktails were refreshing. The red fish was amazing. Travis and Allison on the management team are phenomenal. Overall 10 star experience. I’ll be back and then back again.

Treasure Arthur

I LOVE the optimist. That is it. There isnt an item on the menu that is a miss. I have come here with a large group of girlfriends, by myself at the bar, on dates, and for new years eve!!! The bread and oysters are just 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 The staff is super friendly. I wish they expanded their selection of tequila, but thats about it!!! …

Lucas Litwin

Super yummy and fancy place in Atlanta. Went with a group of 6 and everything we ordered was absolutely fantastic. If I am back in Atlanta I will be stopping in again.

S H

Came here for a drink after having dinner up the street. We sat at the bar. The bartenders were nice and so was a vibe of the restaurant but the drinks weren't very well made. I might come back to try to dinner because the food looked good but i'd go elsewhere for cocktails.

Ken Coffman

Excellent food and enjoyable ambiance. First time in Atlanta for this Pennsylvania boy and loved the service, the food, and the Old Fashioned cocktail. Recommend the Grouper and the Hush Puppies!

Samantha Eaves

A top notch seafood experience in ATL, from raw oysters, to shrimp ala plancha, to whole branzino. All treates gorgeously. The cocktail menu, tho small, is fun. Particularly loved a recent mezcal drink. Servers are all attentive and friendly. The only note that has often struck weird with me is the host - the layout, the staffing - the lack of information. But once you make it past that - superb!

David Bellissimo

The service was super, Ryan greeter, Jon, server, and all helpers bringing the meal together! We had fabulous drinks made to order! Bread rolls absolutely delicious, soups hot and tasty! Our group ordered the " Refuge " and we were delighted by the spread and variety of seafood! A very strong signal that a Five Star Restaurant takes pride in having clean and well supplied individual Bathrooms! The manager on Sunday night was cordial and helpful with a pleasant thank you and asking how the evening events transpired! I specifically complimented the entire presentation of food, ambiance of decor, friendly servers, and over the top drinks!

Andrew Pencek

My wife and I have probably been here 10 times. The food is great and the service is even better. Everybody there is very friendly and they know how to properly course out your meal. Always get the octopus. Always get the shrimp a la plancha. Those are delicious every time. The recipe for the octopus changes from time to time. Most recently it was a buffalo iteration and it was delicious. My wife also gets the whole roasted lobster every time. Not a lot of places will roast a whole lobster for you. I most recently got the grouper and very much enjoyed it. Side of fried rice was okay. Tasted like curry. A bit too salty. The hush puppies are fantastic. Powdered sugar makes them more of a dessert for me. The accompanying butter is amazing.

Jessica Gonzalez

Probably the best seafood I've had in Georgia! We had a wonderful experience! It wasn't that hard to find in a downtown area of Atlanta. Valet parks your car. The atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant is beautiful! The staff is amazing and checks on you often. The food....where do I even begin. Everything that we had took our breath away. You've got to order the shrimp/bread appetizer! The mahi mahi is also amazing as well as the fish dishes. There is a separate oyster menu you order from. All incredibly fresh. The drinks are also good, but they could have a bit more to choose from on their menu. We can't wait to go back! Definitely worth the price for what you get!

Joshua Wartenberg

One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Without a doubt my top spot in Atlanta. Amazing crudo and a really cool whole shrimp dish in a fantasticly put together and welcoming space

Bella

Great food, great place! Best seafood Resturant in ATL hands down!

Elijah Philpotts

I'll be honest and say that I've been to several spots across Atlanta and the United States that have great food and service. But The Optimist definitely outclassed all of them with the level of service. I've never had someone wipe the table off after I spilled bread crumbs on it. Or literally bring extra cloth napkin for my main entree. The service here is amazing. The food was also really good as well. The chicken that I had was tender and flavorful (but just enough flavor to where it wasn't overbearing). I would definitely recommend it.

pacoloco4life

This was the best seafood experience I've had in Atlanta. I grew up here and I've been to Atlanta Fish Market, Legal Seafood, and various other really good seafood restaurants. This one beat them all. Our waiter was great as well. He was knowledgeable about the food and was able to answer any questions we had. The atmosphere was great also. The only hiccup of the night was valet, but it wasn't a big deal we just self parked. The good thing was unexpectedly the manager came and apologized about the valet issue without prompting from us. I can't wait to go back loved it.

Arnold Gerrish

Very nice food! For starters, the octopus was delicious- sweet and spicy. I had the scallops, which were lovely, and a side of blue corn grits. The table also ordered the hush puppies which are delicious- almost like dessert. The ambiance is nice, but it is loud. Would be nice if the music was turned down a bit. Service was fine, nothing special, which I suppose I expected more. Overall, very nice evening!

Angela Chang

Great food and very nice service. Lobster rolls were phenomenal, and they came with these delicious chips fried in kitchen. Oysters were pretty good; I recommend the ones from the southern states... some of the northern oysters were a little brinier and smaller (but idk maybe you’re into that). Fish is pretty tender too.

Jack Futch

Very cool restaurant. Definitely a must-try in Atlanta. Their food is awesome, the service is great, and the atmosphere is to die for! You can sink some putts outside on the putting green while waiting on a table in their beautiful, and quite large restaurant. The seafood is fantastic here and, of course they are famous for their raw oyster bar. Always a treat to get to dine at this fine establishment.

Jampa Mason

Our server Vanessa was wonderful! Her recommendations were on point and her service was nothing less that attentive and kind. The food was amazing! We will defiantly be coming back!

Craig Osborne

Fantastic! One word reviews count correct? Where to start? From the ambiance, the food, the service, all the way back to making the reservation, The Optimist impresses in every way! We ordered a number of apps including a variety of oysters and everything was amazing! The seafood chowder (or whatever they called it) was the best I’ve ever had, full of great complimentary flavors and substance! All of our dinners were delicious and were a family who shares so I’m speaking for not only the opinions of my group but personal experience as well. I was here once before in the mid heat of summer, we sat outside and it was very spur of the moment and things were great! Last nights occasion was planned based on previous experience and were worthy of a full review! Two words: Top Notch! If you like great seafood in a classy setting, this is the spot for you!

Nimesh Patel

Good upscale seafood restaurant. Great service.

Christopher Young

This is a very nice place. Has the perfect vibe/atmosphere and good food. Perfect for a date

Walt Moorhouse

Very good experience. The expertly prepared veggies were superb accompaniment to the seafood.

Dong Jae Lee

7 years in Atlanta. This is my favorite place for special occasion / date night if yall are into seafood. Oysters are fresh, crab soup & mussels are incredible. Most dishes are above average, and the ambiance is at the top.

Joy Hamilton

We had two business meals in one week and much to our enjoyment. Both evenings The Optimist was hopping with no empty tables and no intimate tables of two. The place is vibrant, lively, and alive and fun. Our meals both evenings were delicious and everyone at our tables agreed. My best advice is to communicate to your server as to your taste. Try anything on the menu and be adventurous. One item I do remember is another diner and myself shared a larger seafood stew and the kitchen automatically served it on two plates. Nice!

Kevin Graham

It's rare to find service that's elevated to a level of expertise like this. Ambiance 9.9 Food 9.9, Drinks 9.9 Service 9.9. I'm not sure where they'd find the other .1 but I'm confident they will find it.

Brad Hall

Great place and will be back sooner than later. Everything was perfect & the food excellent..

GundeeOSU

A superior dining experience! The atmosphere is comfortable, service was impeccable (thank you Michael!), and the dinner was amazing. 6 exceptional oysters began the meal. Then we chose the tuna tartare and octopus as appetizers and both were complex & delicious, needing to be savored. The perfectly cooked octopus in particular is bold and bright with many flavors. Main courses for us were the seared tuna - outstanding all around - and the bourzin which was perfectly cooked and delicate. It is hard to impress my chef wife, however she came away smiling. We'll be back!!

Paul Henry Studios (Paul Henry)

best oysters in town, amazing service and the seafood menu options - your taste buds are in for a real treat

Raja Haider Hussain

Avengers ate there and so I went there too. My wife and I really enjoyed everything about this restaurant. Eclectic mix of menu. . Octopus was super delicious, starters and main courses where awesome. Don’t skip this place .

Anthony Kam Chuen Chan

I had a gumbo and scallop. Both are nice. They are very busy so lead to a delay of getting a second order of drink though they offer it for free. This is a fine place to have dinner.

Cbow

So disappointed I didn't take pic. I was so hungry just dove right in. Had the Lobster Roll w/Fries...OMG...decilious!!! Friendly staff, and quick service as this was a to go order placed inside restaurant. Valet was also friendly and helpful. Not first time here, and will be going back.

John Sanders

Excellent top quality oysters as always!!!... shrimp was excellent as well!!!

Allison Golden

Great Atmosphere!!! Delicious food!!! My server was awesome!! And beautiful !!!!Amanda was her name!!! She gets!!! 10 thumbs up!!!!

PPG

Food and Service were exceptional. I had a party of (4) with no reservations on a Saturday night. They seated us anyway and it was a wonderful experience.

Jennifer Hunter

From start to finish our experience was delightful. We had a great waiter named Daniel we were served by. He served us very quickly and promptly and we had great conversation with him. His recommendations for dinner were spot on. We had raw oysters and we had roasted oysters for appetizers. For dinner we had the red fish and the scallops, we ordered the hush puppies as a side. We also had more raw oysters for dinner. The rolls that come out while we were waiting to order were delicious, they’re hot and fresh and the butter and salt mixture is delightful. The service we got from everyone was incredible, if you needed something, somebody that was not our waiter or waitress served us to make sure that we had what we needed. The red fish with the jalapeño corn was so mouthwatering. The scallops were seared to perfection. The drinks and the wine pairing went well with the meal. We will definitely be back!

Matt Sicignano

Nice decor inside, and a small patio outside, great for nice nights. Very good seafood, if a little pricey. Good craft cocktails, but very poor selection of wines by the glass. There is a charge for parking. Service is great! M

Jacqueline Couturier

We had the most incredible experience at The Optimist last night. I made our reservation on open table with a short note letting the restaurant know that we were celebrating my son’s 12th birthday and that he has autism and is a huge foodie. Not only was the food incredible- my son’s favorites were the assorted raw oysters, the grilled octopus, and the striped bass- but the staff went above and beyond to make his night amazing. His menu was stamped “Happy Birthday” and he was spoiled with several surprises including some incredible roasted oysters that weren’t on the menu, some Optimist swag, a hand signed card from the staff, and a chance to talk to the chef and see what was going on in the kitchen. He said it was like getting to see an episode of Top Chef (one of his favorites) in person. Thank you to everyone who made his night so very special. I know he won’t forget it. And neither will this appreciative mom!!!!!

L. Gabrielle Petty

I had the branzino, great food, great cocktails and amazing service.

Daniel Perez

If you're looking for a private table for two, this not your place. All tables for two are arranged in a row; very close to each other. Long bench on one side of the tables and chairs across. The people sitting at adjacent tables are closer than the one across. Just couldn't have a private conversation.The food was tasty but not enough for the $$$. Service was excellent. Lively crowd. Valet parking only.

Jonathan Kloepping

Food and service were phenomenal. Was a walk-in party of 4 and was able to have an enjoyable evening without any issues. Highly recommended!

Raymond Clark

Exceptional Food and Service! Made the Experience worth the Price! Thank you!

Tom George

Excellent food! The dinner rolls served to you at the start of the meal are amazing, and covered in was must be liquid gold butter. Had smoked fish dip for a starter which was delicious. For the entree I went with a Grouper, cooked perfectly. Fish is flown in daily and is super fresh, some of the freshest in ATL. Ambience was very nice with a relaxed vibe. Wife's birthday and they out a candle in the dessert which was a nice touch. Highly reccomend!

Monica Chavarria

Its always a great time whenever we get to make it out to The Optimist. Service is the best around, food is delicious, the oysters a dream! We went to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and felt very safe considering the pandemic. Tables were spread out, staff and guests alike had masks on (except when seated and eating). They were busy but not crowded. Happy to be able to provide them our patronage and support this tasty Atlanta staple.

Julia Shelton

One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten. Oysters were delicious! Duck fat swordfish is highly recommended. Best shishito peppers ever. Tuna crudo was awesome. Service was excellent. Atmosphere is very cool!!

Photo Synthetic

Unbelievable!! The best meal I had all year. I don't think there is a bad item on the menu. I had the swordfish, cooked in duck fat to make the juiciest piece if a fish that is usually quite dry. My fiancé had the groupers and in my opinion, he ordered the best dinner out of our party of three. His father had the scallops. Cooked to perfection, although I prefer them caramelized and with a light crust from the pan. It was truly above the bar and worth the price range, which is considerably higher than our average dinner out. My new favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I couldn't speak enough about how wonderful the food was, but the great service deserves mention as well. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu, prompt, attentive, and friendly. Had such a great night here. Highly recommend.

S. Jones

Fresh seafood, great drinks, good crowd. Went most recently for a business dinner amd The Optimist, yet again, did not disappoint. I highly recommend the lobster bisque the seafood tower and the grouper.

Naz Joon

One of our favorites. Sold service and food.

Marina Barragan

This was an incredible experience. The food was superb, the staff was wonderful, and the atmosphere was both relaxing and beautiful. I personally got the octopus and scallops, which was excellent, and everything I tried off my friends dishes was just as good. As well, one of my friends is a vegetarian and the staff took wonderful care of him and made an off-menu dish that I was quite jealous of.

Tony Dillard

Waitress was great and very helpful. Food was amazing and well worth the visit

Tamara Hill

The grilled octopus 🐙is tender and flavorful but the star of the show are the mussels in a coconut infused sauce with grilled bread. It is a meal by itself. You taste the lemongrass, basil and coconut which makes a delicious symphony of flavors that you 😋cannot ignore. I had the grilled lobster 🦞which is succulent and buttery. You must go 🚶there and experience their food and outstanding wait staff.

Veronica Penaloza Wolfermann

Get the beef tartar and the she crab soup. Amazing flavors, environment and staff. I had an amazing time and will visit again.

Luis Alicea

Went with my wife to the Optimist restaurants after see the reviews in open table. The restaurant look a fusion of old and new concept, really nicely !!! All the servers were very friendly, attentive and efficient. Our appetizers were amazing!!! octopus, lobster bisque and lobster with chips. The main dish were a very good branzino and grouper fishes. All of them tasted wonderful, a lot of fusion of flavors! The selection of wines were good. No doubt this is one of my favorite restaurant in Atlanta.

Sideen Dunbar

Dinner was lovely and the dessert was extremely delicious

Sophia Kane

The Optimist is hands down my very favorite restaurant in Atlanta! The staff and service is always exceptional, and of course the food will blow you away time after time! Our most recent experience further exceeded our expectations and was our first time dining with Daniel as our server. He helped us with every course, and made our evening one we will never forget! We can’t wait to come back for Valentines day! Moral of the story - phenomenal food and service every time!

Katherine Schofield

Great atmosphere, food and service. I rated it a 4 out of 5 because it was hard to read the menus without a flashlight. If you don’t like seafood, this is not the place for you. Very few non-seafood entree options; maybe 2-3 total.

Chiffani PR

The best seafood and service! The restaurant’s entire decor and the meal were beautifully curated. We enjoyed a wonderful night out!

Jessi Searing

Initially I was disappointed with my service and I went for a birthday. The celebration on that day was botched. I talked to the manager, Travis, who promised if I came I'm again the experience would be much better. We went for another birthday and it was amazing. Travis did an amazing job: the staff was attentive and it was a very special evening over all. I was extremely impressed with everything. Our water glasses were never empty, the food came out in a timely manner, and any cocktail that we ordered was made and delivered promptly. In both instances the food was incredible, from the oysters to scallops to lobster everything was nailed, but the second experience made up for the first one tenfold. Great service and management. I would highly recommend this place for a celebration or a lovely evening out, especially when Travis is managing.

Kayla Kim

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Came here for my mother's birthday and we love everything about this restaurant. We reserved an early spot on the list and were kindly greeted by the hostess even while they were still preparing for opening. As we were led to our table, we weren't expecting to be placed in the BEST spot in the entire restaurant! It was the table almost in the middle, back right of the kitchen and had the best view of the bar. We also had this feeling like there was no one around us, even though customers started to flood into the restaurant, they were placed around us. Like the restaurant was to ourselves for the night :) haha even a couple sat next us when we finished! Our waiter was incredibly top notch, from explaining everything about the menu (&how it works since it was our first time), checked on us from time to time, recommended my brother and dad a seafood dish (EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE NOT SEAFOOD LOVERS) and they ate everything on their plates! How crazy is that! FOOD - AMAZING DESSERT - AMAZING SERVICE - AMAZING COCKTAIL - AMAZING VIBE ON POINT WILL COME BACK? - YES Thank you so much for making this an incredible birthday experience for my mom! Can't wait to try out new dishes!

Gwen Cox

The Optimist provides a bright, enjoyable setting and plenty of interesting approaches to seafood. We had a large group and the service was excellent. Clearly the waitstaff cares about providing a wonderful dining experience and they are well supported by management. Fresh oysters were presented well, and included one of the better hot sauces we've had in that it was a really round but sharp sauce. Each diner who had a fish dish commented on the excellent presentation. Two diners who had grouper did mention it was a little dry. The She Crab soup was excellent, very flavorful and not heavy or cloying. Hush puppies, which are often an afterthought at many seafood places, were quite a surprise in how well they were done. It's nice to see a chef really dial in every offering on the menu. Overall, a fun experience, atmosphere, and consistent menu presentation. The hostess was great as well, as we had our group arrive in dribs and drabs and she was very gracious in getting everyone to our table.

Ashleigh Coffie

Great food, great waitress. No long wait. Loud inside though. Tables a little close too but 🤷🏾‍♀️

Warren Simmons

Second time here was for Valentine’s Day, and Valorie created an absolutely memorable experience. She was on top of every single detail, and the kitchen brought everything expected and more. Couldn’t ask for a better dining experience.

Rebecca Woody

The atmosphere is lively and a little loud. The service /our waiter was very prompt and very attentive. The bread was outstanding! My husband had the she crab soup and I had the fish chowder , we both thought the soup was wonderful. Our main dish , he had redfish i had halibut was pretty good not great and the vegetables were interesting..? Overall it is a very good restaurant, wish our main dish would have been better oh and I had a mixed drink that was excellent

John Alexander

Nice atmosphere, great food, got a unexpected kick out of the spicy sauce for the oysters!! Very pricey, but good...

Cambium Int

Ocean flavor in your mouth. Best oysters I had in the South

QuoVadis Rashad

The dining environment was fabulous. We had great service. Several persons made sure we had a memorable experience. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. The meal was delicious. Scallops, duck, fish soup, the sides, fish, and kale salad was absolutely mouth watering.

Ryan Walker

Amazing dinner with my mom who was visiting ATL for the first time. Delicious food, great vibe, cool decor and theme. Definitely coming back again.

Alan Peck

Very good lunch. I took my wife to the Optimist for lunch because she had been wanting to try them out for some time. Great experience all around, the food was delicious, fresh and everything my wife had been hoping for. The hush puppies were an out of this world good indulgence. Our waiter, Daniel L was the best, he knew the menu and made excellent recommendations. Will definitely be back soon to try out the dinner menu.

roberta orlandini

Spectacular food and drinks. This place never disappoints me.

Contact

Photos