The Optimist - Nashville

Name: The Optimist - Nashville
Address: 1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN, United States, 37208
Telephone: (615) 709-3156
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

3040 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 17, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 45 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighbourhood gem

The Optimist transports landlocked Tennesseans to the coast for super-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Our menu weaves together classic and modern seafood favorites, cocktails of the season complement the fare, and an extensive outdoor patio and “game” area complete the full experience.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood
Hours of Operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Mike Parhm
Private party facilities
We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
Private party contact
Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

Location
1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208
Neighbourhood
Germantown
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

What 3,040 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Optimist in Nashville is a seafood lover's haven, celebrated for its "amazing food and service." Diners rave about the "fresh oysters," "delicious cocktails," and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for special occasions. The attentive staff and inventive dishes like the "lobster roll" and "scallops" make it a must-visit destination.

3,040 Reviews

C
Caissa
VIP
Richmond
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Always fantastic food: fresh fish and oysters and always love the atmosphere. But last night service was not at its best. Our server didn’t get us our drinks from the bar until JUST before our appetizers arrived. We did have the delicious rolls to snack on, but then so did the two-top beside us who received seconds, I think! In fact, all of the servers seemed to be distracted by our neighboring two-top. Strange.
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J
Joshua
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Optimist never disappoints. Incredible food and service. Until next time!
Is this helpful?
N
Nathan
Nashville
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic as always! Best seafood in Nashville!! Can’t wait to come back!
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P
Patterson
Nashville
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always love the food and service. On the special event evenings such as Valentine’s Day we would love to see a little more variety in the desserts. Two of the three were the same as last year. With such great chefs let them loose for dessert. Also, went to the upstairs bar after dinner and the bartender was excellent. He could have use a 2nd person so we did not have to want so long to pay our bill or get a 2nd drink.
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T
Tim
Nashville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great drinks. Great food. Great service. A little loud.
Is this helpful?
K
Keri
VIP
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
By far my favorite restaurant to visit in this amazing city!!
Is this helpful?
C
Christina
Nashville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. Lobster rolls and fries were perfectly done. And the Brigantine was super tasty! Would definitely go back!
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J
Jon
Nashville
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time at the Optimist. Very cool atmosphere and food was awesome. This is a place where you need to be thinking fish and oysters, but all were spot on along with the Tuna Poke & Smoked fish dip. Would recommend to anyone and thanks for a great experience!
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
VIP
Caribbean
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Alice, made a great meal exceptional.
Is this helpful?
J
Justin
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience. Good food and service. Will definitely go back again.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.8 stars by 3040 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 17, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 45 times today

1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Germantown
Hours of Operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mike Parhm
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/nashville
Phone number
(615) 709-3156
Private party facilities
We have 2 areas that can accommodate private events! Our Captain's Room can seat up to 10 guests and our Private Dining Room can seat up to 30 guests or up to 16 guests semi privately. The Optimist is also available for a full restaurant buyout!
Private party contact
Angela Clover: (678) 536-6506

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

The Optimist - Nashville

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves

Menu

Start

Smoked Fish ChowderUS$12.00

Shrimp and Oyster GumboUS$14.00

Plateaux

The OpportunistUS$52.00

The RefugeUS$74.00

Fish and Meat

Lobster Roll "Twins"US$30.00

Wood Grilled Mahi MahiUS$31.00

Sides and Such

Shaved Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

Smoked Fish Fried RiceUS$13.00

Desserts

French Almond CakeUS$8.00

Coconut PieUS$8.00

What 3,040 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Optimist - Nashville restaurant rated?

Is The Optimist - Nashville currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

12 Nashville restaurants that our local editor loves