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Restaurant Reviews List >
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Seafood Restaurant Reviews
The Optimist Reviews List
The Optimist
The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist is simply "The Hamptons meets The South." We are passionate about sourcing sustainable seafood and preparing it in classic ways. We're not reinventing the wheel -- just perfectly roasting "farm," fish and shellfish over Georgia hickory. Menu items range from the most authentic seafood gumbo with "pot luck" garlic bread to Maine lobster rolls, Gulf grouper with smoky spring Vidalias, and an ever changing selection of super fresh East and West coast oysters. The cool irony is that we have adapted a historic country ham aging "house" into an amazing space of comfort and escape through inspirations of coastal surf culture.
Oh... and if you are not a seafood person, we LOVE meat too! No worries, be optimistic! :) ...Ford and Adam
See more The Optimist details
730 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 730 reviews
5 stars
(431)
4 stars
(216)
3 stars
(57)
2 stars
(24)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(545)
- hot spot(407)
- special occasion(333)
- neighborhood gem(296)
- vibrant bar scene(277)
- good for groups(238)
The Optimist Reviews List
Review 1 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and great service. It is hard to find a good place for seafood in Atlanta, but the Optimist does it right. I would bring clients here for a lively dinner again and again. Highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Ready for our reservation. Service was just a tad off at the table - not fully engaged. Halibut and scallops were perfect. Salted Caramel ice cream was a bit metallic; Morelli's is better. Beignets were fabulous."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/22/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The optimist was incredible. We had oysters, soft shell crab, the swordfish, the tuna and the peel and eat shrimp. Everything was absolutely amazing and I recommend this to anyone who loves oysters. Or seafood. Or food."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/21/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was not my first time coming to the Optimist, but as usual it was amazing! I love everything about this restaurant! From the ambience, to the amazing food! I would definitely recommend this reastaurant."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Casual Elegant??
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food/service experience was wonderful. Too many good choices to choose from and all were excellent. This was a special occasion and the website says it is Casual Elegant for dress code. NOT!! The wait staff were in jeans/tshirts/crocs/tennis shoes, etc. as was most of the dining guests. Not a place if you are really wanting to do something special except for the food being great. We were definitely overdressed. But we will be back, only next time in verrrry casual dress."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Attention to Detail
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was surprised when the waitress came back and said that someone had accidentaly thrown away some leftovers we planned to take so a new order was being prepared. That kind of attention to detail will bring me back not to mention all the other wonderful aspects of the experience."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great out of town find
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I read about The Optimist in Southern Living magazine several months ago and we already had a trip to Atlanta planned. My husband and I ate here for our anniversary. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Our waiter was very attentive and the food was amazing! Didn't have anything that wasn't wonderful. We were so full we couldn't hold dessert but got some of the cashew, bacon caramel corn and took back to the hotel. Wish we'd tasted it before we left because we would've gotten more than one bag!! All in all it was a great evening and a great find. Will definitely visit again when we are back in town."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"GREAT GREAT GREAT ............."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we live in Asheville nc and own a restaurant. Hardly ever want to go out to eat. It was recommended for us to check out the optimist.
Excellent choice. Well worth the 3 hour drive!!"
Excellent choice. Well worth the 3 hour drive!!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 10 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yum Yum Yum!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There was a group of six of us and we all are foodies and it was an amazing meal. From starting at the bar with fresh juiced cocktails to almost one of every appetizer (octopus was amazing) to dinner with scallops and last but not least the beignets for dessert! Everything was wonderful and the restaurant was well set up and very different. Can't wait to return!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 11 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love The Optimist
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great dining experience at The Optimist! The food was great, service was friendly and knowledgeable. The restaurant is definitely the most beautiful in Atlanta. It was my husbands birthday and everyone was so great about the surprise element we added at the last minute. We got stuck in traffic and the hostesses were understanding and accommodating. I know understand what all the buzz surrounding this restaurant is all about - thank you for a great night!
Also the caramel with sea salt ice cream cup was delicious!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice, but not sure it was worth the price.,oysters were fine, but at $36-$40 a dozen I'll stop eating them..gumbo and she-crab soup was excellent..entrees were good, but not great..Jonathon, the server, was great..cannot understand why this place has valet parking...may return for lunch, but not for dinner"
Dined on 5/19/2013
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Review 13 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Exceptional experience all around--bar was great (had time to have 2 cocktails while waiting for friends to arrive), waiter was absolutely one of the best I have ever experienced (great suggestions, was available but very subtle appearances, etc.), and the food was awesome."
Dined on 3/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 14 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Space is nice but food choices were weak. Mostly smaller plates at lunch. Sandwiches and appetizers. I was expecting decent sized portions and was disappointed. I had a shrimp loaf which was mostly bread."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 15 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our server, Mary was outstanding."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 16 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never disappoints
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my second time at the restaurant, and once again Chef Evans has written a menu to please and delight. I had the mussels in green curry sauce and chiles to start and a tautog fillet with pepper jelly. My fiancée had a frothed she-crab soup and a grouper with a bacon tomato purée. The menu does tend to change according to the availability of ingredients, but everything is always less than 72 hours fresh. Definitely a go for a special occasion!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The Optimist
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As an Atlanta/Buckhead native, I've experienced far better. The lunch menu had very few food selections while there was an extensive wine list on the back of the menu. So perhaps it's a better place to go for cocktails and appetizers as opposed to a meaningful meal. The prices were high and the quantity of food not too great. We ordered the lobster roll & fries to share for an appetizer. It was slow in coming and tapas-portion size. The fried oysters were large and lovely. The tuna in my salad nicoise was shredded and had a strange, smokey flavor. I was sort of expecting a tuna filet.
We sat at a half booth/half-chair table. I don't think I've ever sat on a more uncomfortable square wooden chair in my life.
I can't recommend the Optimist."
We sat at a half booth/half-chair table. I don't think I've ever sat on a more uncomfortable square wooden chair in my life.
I can't recommend the Optimist."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 18 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fail
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My review would've been different but.... My reservation was at 9:30. We got there a half hour early with the intention of enjoying a cocktail or two at the oyster bar. After checking in, we sat down at the oyster bar. The entire 30 minutes that we sat there, no one spoke to us at all. Even though everyone sitting around us was being taken care of by someone. When the host came over to seat is at our table he asked if we needed to close out our bar tab. When I said that no one had even spoken to us his response was: " well I'm glad that worked out for you then. " ..... How would you feel? The food was fine. Our server was fine. I have no plans to return."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 19 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fish Heaven
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first visit was very enjoyable. Went early to beat the crowd & noise. We had fish& chips, huge portion, so split that, had fried oysters, best we ever had, small cold scallops, very good, beet salad. hush puppies, coconut pudding for dessert. . Chris , our waiter was best we have had in long time. lots of great fish dishes to choose from. we will be back."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 20 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Way too noisy for conversation. They need to do something about this. It's not fun shouting across the table!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
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Review 21 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Optimist Rocks
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The experience at the Optimist exceeded my expectations - from the valet attendant, the host and the wait staff -- everyone was customer centric and motivated to serve. I will definately recommend to my friends."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place for a casual biz lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service and food were both outstanding. Drink prices are a little on the high side compared to similar local restaurants. Lobster roll tasted a little like something you might get at Publix, but the hush-puppies more than made up for it. I also tried a bight over everyone else's entree and found all to be quite tasty. Will definitely return."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 23 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hot spot carries the flame
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Read the reviews, took an off hour reservation as was out of town and limited in my availability. The experience was everything I anticipated. Excellent fish creatively prepared. I am from Florida, so initially I thought, "Another fish camp? Pass." This is not your Daddy's fish house, kids. They do up the price with even the sides separately priced, so no bargains here, but great food, high cool factor and very good service (albeit a few too many staff on constant patrol) make it worth the $180 meal, with dessert, wine and tip."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 24 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Server was extremely knowledgable. Food was amazing. The only complaint was that service slacked a bit half way though as the restaurant got busier, bu overall the food and ambiance shined through."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 25 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Pricey for what it is
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Atlanta lacked a great seafood fine dining/hot spot. The Optimist is attempting to fill that void, but has missed the mark in delivering a great seafood experience that is worth the price."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 26 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food, awesome experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The space is beautiful, the food was fantastic and our server was outstanding. I think his name is James?"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 27 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day Dinner at The Optimist
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We visited for Mother's Day. The place was very busy at 6:15, which is early dinner by Atlanta standards. Everything we eat was very good, starting with the dinner rolls and ending with desert. Given the high ceiling and no sound deadening material, the noise level was high, so not really a romantic dinner spot."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best seafood in ATL
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is the new king of seafood in Atlanta. Great balance of fine dining coupled with relaxed modern atmosphere. Food is spectacular. You must get the grilled octopus! Raw oysters were the best set-up and freshest I've ever eaten. The flourless chocolate dessert rocks too."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 29 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best meals I've ever had
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"From the moment we walked in we felt very at home. We were a few minutes early and decided to sit at the bar. None of us recognized any of the red wines offered so we asked the bartender for his recommendation - it was delicious. So much so we ended up having 2 bottles.
Then, when we were seated the waitress could NOT have been more friendly knowledgeable and genuinely happy to be serving our table.
Started with the mussels that 3 out of 4 at the table said they would not eat - ended up having to fight to get my share as they went from wanting "just a bite" to loving it! The hush puppies were insane! Each of us had a different fish and all of us were blown away.
This truly was one of the best meals I've ever had!"
Then, when we were seated the waitress could NOT have been more friendly knowledgeable and genuinely happy to be serving our table.
Started with the mussels that 3 out of 4 at the table said they would not eat - ended up having to fight to get my share as they went from wanting "just a bite" to loving it! The hush puppies were insane! Each of us had a different fish and all of us were blown away.
This truly was one of the best meals I've ever had!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 30 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took my family out for dinner and everything was spot on from being seated to the service and the food. The pace of the meal was perfect and each course was excellent though the white fish chowder may have been the highlight of the meal. Definitely looking forward to going back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was outstanding. The fried oysters were yummy and the halibut was cooked perfectly. The service was also excellent."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 32 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was very pleased with The Optimist. Food was delicious! Beautifully flavored without going overboard. I had the hake fish and it was fantastic! Will definitely return!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 33 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great seafood!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great seafood and great atmosphere. Took my wife here recently for our anniversary and we had a wonderful time. Stand our dishes were the grouper, fried oysters, scallops and the best octopus we have ever had. I highly recommend!"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 34 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another fantastic find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All you have to do is follow Rick (the GM) around to find the "next" great restaurant in Atlanta. As if the oyster bar weren't enough, now that they have opened the patio area - fantastic!"
Dined on 10/19/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 35 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food at its finest. Fit for foodies"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 36 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a neat restaurant that the food and the service were great."
Dined on 3/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 37 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice Spice!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Swordfish and fried rice are both wonderful. They are on the hot side but delicious!
Littleneck clams are great app. Service was a little slow and forgetful but friendly."
Littleneck clams are great app. Service was a little slow and forgetful but friendly."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 38 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were celebrating my mom's birthday and it couldn't have been better! Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable and the food was outstanding. Would definitely go back and highly recommend it!"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 39 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The charred octopus appetizer is one of the best things I've ever had. Perfect entrees and sides as well. Service was excellent and corrected a mistake by the bar staff without me mentioning it. I'll definitely be back."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 40 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had the seafood gumbo and the scallops, both of which we absolutely delicious. The warm bread with sea salt and butter was a great snack while you wait. Order a side of the hushpuppies, they are a must."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 41 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Almost perfect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been to this restaurant twice, and we are already planning to go again. The food is terrific, and the wait staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. It is a little overpriced, and it therefore is not somewhere we can go too often. The cheapest entrées are $18, and the more expensive items exceed $30. They do have a good and reasonably priced kids menu, though, and it would be possible to get a full meal with an appetizer and salad. With the exception of the expense, this is one of the better and more interesting places we have been to in a long time. We are very excited it is here."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 42 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
FUN FOR "OUT-OF- TOWN' guests!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent form begin to end! Lovely food and great service. Highly recommended to anybody interested in"food and atmosphere" ! I hope you enjoy as much as we did!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 43 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very Good Seafood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went to celebrate our daughters graduation from college. The octopus was good. I have had better, but that was in Greece. The mussels were very good also. We had Redfish, Scallops and Fish and Chips. The Redfish and Scallops were as good as any we have had before. The Fish and Chips, while a large portion was not that great. I don't think that Pollock makes for a good fish and chips.
Overall a very good place to eat. It is priced in the higher end, but is good."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 44 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service ok - servers main objective was to turn the table.
Out of Expresso - what??? Hard to believe a restaurant "Fit for Foodies" could run out of Expresso!
My first there was outstanding - not so anymore.
Sent many out-of-towners here, but not anymore."
Out of Expresso - what??? Hard to believe a restaurant "Fit for Foodies" could run out of Expresso!
My first there was outstanding - not so anymore.
Sent many out-of-towners here, but not anymore."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 45 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not impressed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had heard great things about The Optimist. My boyfriend and I were really excited to try it. The experience was extremely disappointing. The appetizer we got- whole GA shrimp- was good but nothing spectacular. Both our entrees were lacking. For a $26 piece of fish we both expected more. The best part of the meal was the beignets we had for dessert. Needless to say we probably will not be back."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 46 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Top shelf food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my girlfriend here for date night. Food was unbelievable good and I'm not even a big seafood fan. Cocktails were also awesome. Just be prepared to drop some $$$."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 47 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perfect spot for a date night. Everything was excellent - the food, the wine list, and the service."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 48 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Oysters not to be missed!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We took a couple of friends from Maine to The Optimist and it was a home run! I decided I really wanted two of the appetizers instead of starter and a main. I had the fried oysters to start and they were perfect, crunchy not soggy on outside, sweet and slightly briny on inside and enough to share with my friends. I then had the Mussels in Curry appetizer as my main course and again, so many lovely mussels, I ended up sharing because I couldn't finish all of them! Wonderful evening—noise level was energetic so if you have issues ask for a table to the side or at a banquet."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 49 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was impeccable and the food was amazing"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 50 for The Optimist
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Worth a second try
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend and I went specifically for the lobster roll at lunch. The lobster was fresh tasting and delicious but overwhelmed a bit by the taste of celery. The lobster roll was disappointingly small for the price. When the waitress asked if I would like to substitute something else for the french fries, she neglected to tell me that there was a $4.00 charge for the substitution. Given all that, I plan to go back to try the fish and chips and the shrimp because I have confidence in the quality and taste of the food and the restaurant is definitely worth a second try."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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