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Lobster rolls, gumbo, wood-fired oysters & more in a lofty, country-modern space with a raw bar.
Hours
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
| Friday | 5–11 PM |
| Saturday | 3–11 PM |
| Sunday | 3–10 PM |
| Monday | 5–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 914 Howell Ml Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 477-6260
Website: https://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comtripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Michelle Hutch
we went to The Optimist for our Valentine’s Day. we left full and so happy with our experience! the food was so fresh, and there was not one thing that we did not love. we got oysters to start our night; they were extremely fresh and perfectly served with the best homemade hot sauce and mignonette! we then moved onto the she crab soup and hamachi. the server thoughfully had the kitchen split the soup into 2 smaller bowls since we were sharing everything. the only complaint we had was that we wished the hamachi portion was bigger because it was so good! we got the flounder and swordfish for our entrees with the braised greens and proper chips on the side. the fish was cooked to perfection, and the braised greens were one of the best greens we have ever had. their cocktails were so refreshing and fun! definitely recommend The Optimist recommend for a nicer dinner spot!
… moreAnna Jones
We had an amazing experience at The Optimist in Atlanta! Our server, Allie, truly went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. She was attentive, friendly, and made excellent recommendations.
The food was phenomenal from start to finish, and the oysters were incredible. Everything arrived in a timely manner, and the overall atmosphere made the experience even better.
We will definitely be back — highly recommend asking for Allie if you visit!
… moreThe food was phenomenal from start to finish, and the oysters were incredible. Everything arrived in a timely manner, and the overall atmosphere made the experience even better.
We will definitely be back — highly recommend asking for Allie if you visit!
Boujee on a Budget Traveler
We had a 5:30 PM dinner reservation and the service was impeccable from start to finish. Our waitress was fun, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable about the menu, with great recommendations that made the meal even better.
Food was excellent. We ordered the cod, a dozen and a half oysters, and I shared the fall veggies with my husband—yum. I ordered the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes — everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. My cocktail was also fantastic.
We loved the vibe here: upscale but relaxed, lively without feeling overwhelming. This is a great spot for a date night or a special dinner, and I definitely recommend making a reservation.
Bonus for value: we used our Chase Sapphire card and received a dining credit, which made the experience even better. Extra bonus — we took a Waymo from Midtown, which was such a fun way to get there.
Highly recommend and will absolutely return.
… moreFood was excellent. We ordered the cod, a dozen and a half oysters, and I shared the fall veggies with my husband—yum. I ordered the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes — everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. My cocktail was also fantastic.
We loved the vibe here: upscale but relaxed, lively without feeling overwhelming. This is a great spot for a date night or a special dinner, and I definitely recommend making a reservation.
Bonus for value: we used our Chase Sapphire card and received a dining credit, which made the experience even better. Extra bonus — we took a Waymo from Midtown, which was such a fun way to get there.
Highly recommend and will absolutely return.
Shanru
Great experience — from the start, the service was amazing. Our server was very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Wide selection of wines and drinks, and I enjoyed the rolls that came with our meal. All of the seafood tasted very fresh. I’m not normally a big fan of oysters, but the ones we had were fresh and tasted great, especially with some lemon juice. We had a larger party, so would definitely recommend reservations if that’s the case. Valet parking offered (in the deck next door).
… morePhong
My wife and I went here to celebrate a recent career accomplishment and for me to experience this ATL staple restaurant. We luckily found an 8:15pm reservation on a Saturday night. Unfortunately, we waited until after 8:55pm to get seated (arrived at 8:20pm). There were 3 hosts in the front and at least 5-6 groups waiting as well with multiple people getting frustrated at the wait times too. They claimed to have “looked for us” but I politely checked on our table at least 2x before they finally sat us. We never heard or saw anyone try to call out names despite standing “behind the curtains” exactly as instructed by the hosts. Not sure if it was new hires or sudden congestion, but that experience almost made me not want to come back to this place.
On a good note – I really enjoyed the flounder, Spanish octopus, Swordfish (a bit over cooked), winter veggies, drinks, and the key lime pie. The taste was as good as it gets however very pricey considering seafood at even other smaller cities. Our server was pretty good but not could’ve been more friendly.
Overall, I’m 50/50 in terms of returning to this restaurant considering I paid a $220+ and received only good dining service and a horrible host service (with reservation).
… moreOn a good note – I really enjoyed the flounder, Spanish octopus, Swordfish (a bit over cooked), winter veggies, drinks, and the key lime pie. The taste was as good as it gets however very pricey considering seafood at even other smaller cities. Our server was pretty good but not could’ve been more friendly.
Overall, I’m 50/50 in terms of returning to this restaurant considering I paid a $220+ and received only good dining service and a horrible host service (with reservation).
Ashley Brehm
The atmosphere and food were amazing. Our sever SR took great care of us and gave us some wonderful recommendations. Food leaves you full but not stuffed, I loved the blackened redfish. Would absolutely eat here again! Grab a reservation as it gets busy!
… moreJeannine Orr
Bella Purdy was our fantastic server tonight on January 17, 2026..a party of 4. The hostesses and food expeditors including management were incredible as well. Everyone was so hospitable, the ambiance was amazing, we did not feel rushed, Bella checked on us, explained any questions that we had, was very knowledgeable and even packed our take home meals that we could not finish. The food was awesome as well. We all tried some different things and shared. Great mocktails..loved the fresh oysters and haddock chowder. Loved the hot cloths with lemons to clean our hands after the peel and eat shrimp. We had a lovely time..highly recommend the spicy kale salad and fresh oysters. She crab soup, basmati rice, crispy haddock, redfish and braised greens were delicious. They are always busy but the food comes out quickly and hot. I highly suggest making reservations online especially if you’re planning to go on the weekends. We always make reservations just to get a table but they do have outside seating with very heaters. The valet parking was only $6 but a couple of us parked across the street and walked over. Thanks to the wonderful team at the Optimist for consistent outstanding service during the last several years we’ve been visiting. Never ever a bad time or walked away disappointed. Thanks Bella!!!!! She expressed that she loves her job and it shows.
… moreAngela Ashworth
We enjoyed dinner here. We were given a gift certificate. The food was beautifully prepared. The restaurant is nice and our server was awesome. Honestly we felt the tables were too close together and the music was too loud and the oysters were really small for the price. The steak could have had more seasoning. The salmon was some of the best I’ve ever had and the rolls and potatoes were perfect! The lava cake looked delicious but it was overly gooey. Almost like uncooked brownie batter and Hershey’s syrup.
… moreLee Hwang
Hands down the best food, service, and ambiance in Atlanta. Our waitress Autumn was phenomenal, the most attentive we have ever experienced. The food quality is unmatched: most unique, flavorful dishes with fresh local ingredients. The best culinary experience in Atlanta (likely one of the best in the country).
… moreNorah
I love it here. I am thankful I don’t live in the apartment complex next door, I fear I’d never cook if I did.
Good wine and beer selection to start. And the house bread? Don’t get me started. It is buttery and delicious and crispy in all the right spots.
The stars of the show for me were the oysters. I am sorry if you enjoy southern oysters, but northern oysters are just so so so much better. And the optimist clearly knows this and agrees — all the oyster options (when we went) were northern oysters. We got SO many and they were all SO good. My one complaint is that the mignonette game was a little weak.
For mains we got the tuna steak, lobster roll, and scallops. All were amazing. I’m not usually a peppercorn person but the tuna steak made me one.
For dessert we got the key lime and chocolate cake. Both were great ends to an already great dinner.
Would give more stars if I could. Will come back for oyster happy hour!
… moreGood wine and beer selection to start. And the house bread? Don’t get me started. It is buttery and delicious and crispy in all the right spots.
The stars of the show for me were the oysters. I am sorry if you enjoy southern oysters, but northern oysters are just so so so much better. And the optimist clearly knows this and agrees — all the oyster options (when we went) were northern oysters. We got SO many and they were all SO good. My one complaint is that the mignonette game was a little weak.
For mains we got the tuna steak, lobster roll, and scallops. All were amazing. I’m not usually a peppercorn person but the tuna steak made me one.
For dessert we got the key lime and chocolate cake. Both were great ends to an already great dinner.
Would give more stars if I could. Will come back for oyster happy hour!