The Optimist

favthingsatl
Best seafood in Atlanta bar none. Soft Shell Crab is out of this world. And ::what:: the gnocchi side ::might:: be the best gnocchi I've ever had ::again, what?::

Rachel T.
Great place and guaranteed every time you get your check you'll say.. Whoops!!

Rachel T.
You're not a true Atlantan unless you try out this new spot. Enjoy the casual side; enjoy fresh oysters and raw bar, punch of the day, play some putt put & feel like you've just left the beach.

Mel D.
The lobster rolls are the best. Chunks of lobster nestled in a soft toasted roll. I would also recommend the West Coast oysters.

Wren H.
The lobster rolls are worth it!

Toreya S.
The lobster was divine! For once not served with butter! Thank goodness. The octopus was the best I've had outside of Greece. Outstanding!

russ m.
EVERYTHING is sublime. this place, while pricey, is so worth it. take friends and enjoy.

George J.
Try the Donuts, Corn Ice Cream, Red Pepper Jam (via @Foodspotting)

Emily
Get the woodfire roasted beets, they rock!

rj v.
Get the shoestring fries and ask for them well done. They come out extra crispy and are a contender for the best fries in Atlanta.

George B.
Just had the trout in pepper jelly sauce.

Michele
Octopus kimchi and old salty dog. Yum.

Brandi S.
Apps. better than entrees and about the same size. Octopus, fried clam roll, hushpuppies :) Tuna/scallop entree overpriced and over rated. Burnt mushroom side, over salted octopus.

Leshelle
Great gumbo

Jennifer U.
One of the best meals I've ever had in my life: I had the seared tuna with octopus and potato salad -- out of this world good.

Ayesha Samiyyah K.
Best fish house in Atlanta! Why aren't you here yet? ;)

Jeff P.
Rare Tuna entree is very good with a great combination of favors.

David M.
Fantastic food and great atmosphere. The place to come for seafood.

George J.
Try the Corn Milk Hushpuppies, Beignet Style - Omg (via @Foodspotting)

George J.
Try the Gulf Grouper, Roasted Beets (via @Foodspotting)

@HeyJK
Check out the raw bar!

kneeseespieces
the oyster bar is perfect for a date, the plates are sized to share a perfect portion. you'll be spending a pretty penny but it'll be worth it. house made hot sauce is amazing.

Atlanta Eats CBS
Beer Battered Haddock and Chips - A serving is about enough food for two people. Fish and chips might be a Brit classic, but The Optimist's dish will remind you that history is written by the winners.

Mike C.
Octopus is fantastic.

Tirrell W.
The Lobster Roll is a great light lunch. The BEST Lobster Roll I've had in the city.

National Car Rental
Just named best restaurant in the country by Esquire magazine. Great seafood. Cozy oyster bar. Get the garlicky tiny clams and pork belly. They even have putt-putt while you're waiting!

G J.
Try the Fried Soft Shell Crab - Amazing... (via @Foodspotting)

G J.
Try the Fish and Chips (via @Foodspotting)

G J.
Try the Angels on Horseback (via @Foodspotting)

Bryan C.
This is the best restaurant to go to if you have a thick wallet and want some supremely good food.

Mark F.
Tasty lobster roll at lunch

Cecilia W.
Very disappointed. The hype set my expectations too high.

Eater
Ford Fry's much-hyped fish camp and oyster bar in West Midtown opened in May and has since been the recipient of praise galore. Don't forget to leave some time for miniature golf. [Eater 38 Member]

Matt M.
Try the trigger fish and the duck fat poached swordfish

prentice s.
the raw oysters are to die for! the happy hour rocks, great place to people watch

Fadia K.
Try a little bit of everything! The gumbo and white fish chowder was fresh. Loved the scallops with Oxtails and brown chicken jus. Don't skip on dessert.

Mike A.
The chopped salad was amazing, I will definitely be coming back!

Patrick L.
Shrimp a la plancha is messy but totally worth it. Try the brussel sprouts, even if you think you don't like them. Oh and the hush puppies, you're a fool if you walk out of here without trying them!

L'Ron M.
The Tea Juana cocktail is amazing!

Felix C.
Be careful turning into the parking lot. The speed bump is pretty high.

Brad W.
Get the beignet style hush puppies. Indescribably good

Nicole L.
Striped bass with ham and bok choy is amazing. You have to order a side of the shoestring potatoes!

Carly L.
The east coast oysters and the shrimp a la plancha were phenomenal! Also the hush puppies beignet style are a must try! Amazing restaurant and service!

Tim H.
Incredible seafood restaurant! Even if you're an oyster noob, the staff is very noob-friendly and gives great suggestions, so try it!! Great for lunch, gotta try the lobster roll!! Excellent flavors

Creative Loafing Atlanta
Gently poached in glorious duck fat, this swordfish steak is all meaty and supple. It's surf and turf 2.0, and one of CL's 100 Dishes to eat in Atlanta before you die.

Creative Loafing Atlanta
The she-crab soup is a piping hot bowl of buttery froth is packed with crabby ocean flavor. One of CL's 100 dishes, this menu item is filled with sweet and salty notes of emulsified crab roe.

Andrea J.
The hush puppies are MORE THAN AMAZING!

Creative Loafing Atlanta
A carefully curated oyster selection so fresh you'd think you lived on the water. It's no surprise the raw bar here made Creative Loafing's 100 Dishes list.

Creative Loafing Atlanta
One of CL's 100 dishes to eat before you die, the Hot Buttered Rum includes actual butter (and rum, of course). Who puts butter in cocktails?! These guys.

Chelsea G.
The hush puppies were so good I couldn't stand it. I barely see the point in living without them.