The Optimist - Atlanta

Food was fantastic! What a selection of gourmet...Service matched quality of food. Highly recommend

If you're looking for a top-notch seafood restaurant in Atlanta, The Optimist is an excellent choice. From the moment you walk in, you'll be struck by the chic and modern decor, which perfectly complements the restaurant's coastal-inspired menu. The food at The Optimist is simply outstanding. The restaurant sources the freshest seafood available, and the menu is creative and innovative, with plenty of options for both seafood lovers and meat eaters. Standouts include the crispy oysters, the grilled octopus, and the whole roasted fish, which is expertly prepared and presented. The service at The Optimist is also exceptional. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, without being overbearing. They'll help guide you through the menu and offer suggestions for wine pairings or cocktails. One of the highlights of dining at The Optimist is the atmosphere. The restaurant has a lively and energetic vibe, with a bustling open kitchen and a sleek bar area. It's a great spot for a date night, a special occasion, or a night out with friends. Overall, I highly recommend The Optimist in Atlanta. It's a standout restaurant in a city known for its culinary scene, and the seafood is some of the best you'll find anywhere. If you're a seafood lover, this restaurant should be at the top of your list!

If you are a lover of fresh seafood in a modern lofty atmosphere this place is for you! Optimist has an eclectic seafood menu full of Fish and my personal favorite, Oysters! This is one of the few “oyster bars” in the city of Atlanta that has an extensive list of fresh oysters. Bravo!

10/10 food, drinks and service! The octopus and roasted oysters are ah-mazing! Spicy marg could be spicier but won't hold that against them.

From owner Ford Fry and Chef Adam Evans The Optimist in downtown Atlanta is not only the best seafood option in the city but possibly restaurants period. Here, mostly local high-end seafood is the standard but preparations that are unique and create the cuisine exciting drives a focus. One example of this was the octopus appetizer. Having tried this dish in multiple variations at first the pairing with pickled vegetables initially caused concern. The sweet sauce akin to southern pork BBQ however contrasted well with the sharp vinegar flavors of the veggies. A dab of mustard seed gave the impression that this dish was meant to substitute for a traditional charcuterie plate. The simple sounding descriptions but inventive execution didn't end there however. Another favorite was their version of a surf and turf, which consisted of a filet of swordfish resting atop some shredded beef short rib. This was the most savory plate and is one of their specialties. To elevate their oyster options they also make in house their saltines and hot sauce which in my opinion is not needed to enjoy but certainly added a unique twist. Our bartender kept the evening flowing smoothly and even though I opted out of the popular holiday cocktails the classics I ordered were on point and true to form. I was also blown away they were able to secure a bottle of Hill Farmstead Saison which speaks loudly to their beer monger. The Optimist is not only a must try in Atlanta but one to become a frequent visitor.