The Optimist

"The Optimist opened in West Midtown in 2012 and has since maintained its status as Atlanta’s buzziest seafood restaurant. The massive main dining area is often full of white collar business teams, yacht owners, and couples celebrating big nights out. If it's too packed and noisy, there’s a quieter oyster bar area that feels more like a retro diner—plus, it’s fun to watch the oyster prep. But we care about the food, not the fanfare. And dishes like their legendary meaty lobster roll help to keep The Optimist on top of our Best Seafood guide." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"The Optimist opened in West Midtown in 2012 and has since maintained its status as Atlanta’s buzziest seafood restaurant. The massive main dining area is often full (yeah, this place is that popular) of corporate teams, yacht owners, and couples celebrating big night outs. If it's too packed and noisy, there’s a quieter small oyster bar area that feels more like a retro diner—plus, it’s fun to watch the oyster prep. But we care about the food, not the fanfare. And dishes like the creamy smoked fish chowder, delicious beignet-style hush puppies, and their legendary meaty lobster roll, solidify why Optimist is one of the better seafood spots in the city. Food Rundown Smoked Fish Dip A must-order appetizer, this fish dip is served cold and topped with capers and olive oil. Each bite on a cracker is a little vinegary, a little citrusy, and a little buttery in all the best ways. Spanish Octopus This is tied with Kyma for our favorite octopus dish in Atlanta. The exterior is crispy, the interior is perfectly tender, and the hot honey drizzle gives everything a sticky heat. Shrimp A La Plancha Hopefully you don’t mind getting your hands dirty because this dish rewards your messy nails with a better ROI. Whole shrimp (heads and all) sit with chunks of toast in an amazing chili butter sauce that would make any protein taste good. photo credit: Johnny Autry Oysters It's kind of their thing, so get a dozen. There's a nice range of options here, including all the usual suspects from Powder Point to Mere Point, and a daily Happy Hour when you can roll up and get as many as you want for $1.50 Opti Burger It seems like a sin to come to this seafood sanctuary and order a burger—until you taste it. Double stacked with caramelized onions, pickles, and enough melted american cheese to warrant a lactaid pill, this burger will make any fish FOMO fade away. photo credit: Johnny Autry Lobster Roll Aside from oysters, this is their other big dish (it is good), so first timers should order it just to say they’ve had a taste. It’s served cold with a heaping portion of lobster meat drizzled in a mild tarragon aioli inside a soft brioche bun. Georges Bank Scallops This comes with four thick, meaty scallops drowning in a buttery lemongrass bearnaise sauce. It’s not revolutionary, but if you love butter and scallops (we do), it’s a win." - Juli Horsford

"ATL residents already know about this seafood restaurant that’s been a big name in the city since 2012. No West Midtown guide would be complete without The Optimist, but it isn’t just an obligatory addition—its reputation as a top seafood restaurant is well earned, especially if you like oysters since they have a big variety. The massive subway-tiled dining area is usually full of corporate groups hitting Happy Hour after work and couples looking for a romantic dinner over aphrodisiacs, so you should make a reservation before you come. Plus, the buttery lobster roll on a brioche bun is one of our city favorites." - jacinta howard, juli horsford, nina reeder

"At The Optimist in West Midtown, you’ll find “Wake Up, Feel Good” (green tea, lime, curacao, centum herbs, and yuzu soda) and “Chase the Day” (Spanish vermouth and Aveze liqueur) — either drink will give a ram their wings." - Denise K. James

"The Optimist, a West Midtown seafood powerhouse, rightfully remains the most well-known spot to snag high quality oysters. That’s because there's a nice range of options here, including all the usual suspects from Powder Point to Mere Point, and a daily Happy Hour when you can roll up and get as many as you want for $1.50. There's an outdoor dining area which, like the massive, modish dining room, is always full so reservations are a good idea, but walk-ins can usually find a seat at the raw bar, where staff shuck and plate these briny beauties." - juli horsford