The Optimist - Nashville

4.8

3051 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 27, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 62 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 3,051 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 dream, offering "fantastic food and service" with a "cool vibe." The restaurant is praised for its "fresh oysters," "incredible staff," and "delicious rolls." Whether for a special occasion or a casual night out, it promises a memorable dining experience.

3,051 Reviews

S
Susan
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great! Service was great! Ambience was great!
Is this helpful?
S
Sean
VIP
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience. Food quality was excellent. Service is always great. Bread service Is legendary. Normally go to the original on in Atlanta.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing place fresh seafood, one of my favorite in the city to go to
Is this helpful?
C
Courtney
Nashville
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Our server was amazing. It was our second time visiting, but the time around was a bit lacking compared to the first. Although the food was delicious, the pricing for what you receive is a bit much. Food and drinks were on the slower end for delivery as well. I would try once more in the future, but overall it was just okay.
Is this helpful?
L
Lynne
VIP
Chicago
109 reviews
5.0
109 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food and service. Anita took great care of us! Excellent experience in every way.
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l
lindsay
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Waiter definitely affected our experience in a 'not so great' way. Wait times were long and things were forgotten. He was a little odd.
Is this helpful?
E
Eileen
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Very good evening at Optimist. Food excellent, service/server very nice/attentive. Bottle of wine with dinner was a bit slow to arrive. Additional dessert choices would be nice
Is this helpful?
K
Kim
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
James is the absolute best! If you go, ask for Him and you are sure to have an incredible experience!
Is this helpful?
A
Andy
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a great spot. It is off the beaten path but an absolute gem. Great food/drinks and cool vibe. Would highly recommend and return!
Is this helpful?
E
Eric
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really nice experience. Staff was delightful. Food was delicious.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Optimist - Nashville is rated 4.8 stars by 3051 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 27, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 62 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 3,051 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