The Optimist Menu

Step into The Optimist, Atlanta’s premier seafood restaurant, located at 914 Howell Mill Rd. This vibrant eatery offers a delightful marine-inspired menu that entices food lovers with fresh, exquisite dishes. Guests rave about unique offerings like grouper cheeks and a stunning seafood tower, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality.

Noteworthy highlights include their celebrated key lime pie, deemed the best in Atlanta, along with expertly prepared oysters and the melt-in-your-mouth New York Strip. The warm, inviting atmosphere is complemented by attentive staff, making each visit special—whether it’s a birthday celebration or an anniversary dinner.

Every review echoes a similar sentiment: exceptional service paired with delicious food creates a memorable dining experience. The Optimist isn't just about seafood; it's about creating connections, celebrating moments, and savoring delightful flavors within a welcoming space.

Flounder Crudo

Grapefruit, asparagus, buttermilk, poppy. Warning: Eating raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, and shellfish might increase the risk of foodborne illness.

US$16.00

Snapper Crudo

Strawberry, rhubarb, ginger. Warning: Eating raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, and shellfish might increase the risk of foodborne illness.

US$16.00

PEI Mussels

Dashi butter.

US$16.00

Hearth Roasted Clams

Pernod, fennel, leek, sourdough.

US$18.00

Opti Burger

"Double stack", caramelized onion, comeback sauce, pickles.

US$18.00

Roasted Half Chicken

Confit garlic, thyme, lemon.

US$30.00

White Oak Pastures Secreto

Ramp top verde, grilled lemon.

US$32.00

Corn Milk Hush Puppies

"Beignet style", cane syrup butter.

US$12.00

Shaved Squash

Cucumber, torn herbs, thyme, sumac.

US$14.00

Grilled Peaches

Pickled onion, goat cheese, mint.

US$14.00

Basmati Fried Rice

Vadouvan, smoked fish, egg, spring veg.

US$14.00

Watermelon

Scallion, toasted peanut, ginger.

US$14.00

Grilled Calamari

Piperade, burnt olives, preserve lemon.

US$18.00

Crispy Fried Oysters

Cornmeal crusted, white BBQ, pickles.

US$16.00

Smoked Fish Chowder

Smoked fish, bacon, scallion, oyster crackers.

US$14.00

Spicy Kale Salad

Chorizo, Calabrian chili, confit shallot, Parmesan.

US$14.00

Skate "Wings"

Pickles, spicy honey, caper, mustard seed.

US$18.00

She Crab Soup

Sherry, crab, shrimp toast.

US$14.00

Seafood Gumbo

Oyster, shrimp, andouille sausage, "Potluck" garlic bread.

US$14.00

Fish House Salad

Local greens, shaved vegetables, pink peppercorn, crouton.

US$12.00

Whole Ga Shrimp A La Plancha

"Sopping toast", arbol chili butter, lime. Messy, but worth it!

US$16.00

Peel & Eat Shrimp

Old bay, cocktail sauce, "Comeback sauce".

US$15.00

Peppercorn Crusted Grouper

Iberico vinaigrette, kilt arugula.

US$33.00

Whole Haddock

Spring peas, preserved lemon.

US$32.00

Fluke

Cauliflower, meuniere, almond.

US$33.00

Fish And Chips

Malt aioli, tarter.

US$20.00

Monkfish

Coq au vin, charred allium.

US$28.00

Skate Wing Schnitzel

Charred greens pickled ramp.

US$28.00

Redfish

Salsa Verde, lemon, sea salt.

US$24.00

REGISTER

By clicking on “Register Now” button you are accepting the Terms & Conditions