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The Optimist, Atlanta, GA

The Optimist

4.7
4.7
9140 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 78 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Hot spot
The Optimist brings a seaside fish camp experience to landlocked Atlantans. The ever-changing menu features high-quality, sustainable seafood masterfully paired with fresh, local ingredients. From sophisticated, daily-catch dishes to crudos and beachside classics, chef-owner Ford Fry’s the Optimist transports guests to their favorite coastal haunts.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
  • Phone number
    (404) 477-6260
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Eddie Barrett
  • Private party facilities
    The Optimist has a variety of event spaces that include bar events, restaurant buy outs, private dining up to 20 guests, semi-private dining for up to 50 guests.
  • Area
    West Midtown
  • Cross Street
    8th Street
  • Parking details
    $5 Valet service is offered through the Brady parking garage, located on property. Additional surface street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, as well as additional lots in the area.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wine

Experiences

  • Valentine's Day at The Optimist!

    US$125.00 per person

    14 Feb 2025 only
    The best way to spend the evening with your special someone is "coast side!" Celebrate Valentine's Day at The Optimist with a four-course prix fixe menu Executive Chef Edward Barrett for $125 per person. Two tiers of wine pairings available for an additional $45 or $85 per person. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, coastal inspired cuisine and much more! We look forward to celebrating with you!

What 9,140 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Atlanta

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Optimist in Atlanta is renowned for its "excellent food and service." Guests rave about the "delicious seafood," particularly the oysters and chowder. The ambiance is vibrant, with knowledgeable staff enhancing the dining experience. While some may find the portions small and prices high, the "flavor and quality" consistently draw patrons back.
9,141 Reviews
  1. John

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

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

    Is this helpful?

  2. Nicole

    VIP

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

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

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  3. Misty

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

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

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  4. kita

    Atlanta

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

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

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  5. Kelly

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

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

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  6. Bridget

    Houston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

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

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  7. Sy

    VIP

    Atlanta

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome food and service!!! Everything we ordered was good. Oh and the bread! Chef’s kiss!

    Is this helpful?

  8. michael

    Amsterdam

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 5 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    All good but the kitchen was a bit slow tonight , was the the first time we had this

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  9. SheilaF

    VIP

    New York City

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 3 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was wonderful! Excellent food, beautiful atmosphere, great service. Don’t miss the cod cheek, it’s delicious! It’s interesting bc it can be a romantic place, but also perfect to bring your clients for a business dinner. It’s my go to restaurant when I’m in Atlanta.

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  10. BenT

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 3 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Longtime fans! We haven't been in a few months, but it was spot on! Our server, Brett - FANTASTIC!!! Great recommendations, always excited when presenting us his favorite bites/dishes and cocktails... we were super grateful to be sitting with him this evening!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Optimist offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (404) 477-6260.

The Optimist is rated 4.7 stars by 9140 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 78 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Optimist

914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    8th Street
  • Area
    West Midtown
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    $5 Valet service is offered through the Brady parking garage, located on property. Additional surface street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, as well as additional lots in the area.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Eddie Barrett
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wine
  • Phone number
    (404) 477-6260
  • Private party facilities
    The Optimist has a variety of event spaces that include bar events, restaurant buy outs, private dining up to 20 guests, semi-private dining for up to 50 guests.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
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