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About
The Optimist
Welcome to The Optimist, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Nashville at 1400 Adams St. This inviting establishment has quickly made a name for itself, becoming a premier destination for seafood lovers and food enthusiasts alike. With a menu that boasts an array of beautifully crafted dishes, every visit promises an exceptional dining experience.
The Optimist is a masterclass in seafood, featuring highlights like the succulent mahi mahi with salsa verde and roasted lemon, and the exquisite whole flounder dressed in pecan and browned butter. Each dish embodies the spirit of freshness, employing only the finest ingredients to tempt your palate.
Customer reviews speak volumes about the culinary delights awaiting you. Jessica Villavicencio raved about her meal as one of the best she has ever had, praising the freshness of the oysters and the standout redfish. Elizabeth Landin's Tuesday night experience was marked by the seamless service and a menu where every bite was a celebration of flavor. Fernel Valdez celebrated an anniversary here, lauding not only the food but the exceptional service that left a lasting impression.
The dessert offerings also command attention. A slice of coconut pie, topped with chantilly cream and toasted coconut, or the strawberry pudding cake with hot buttered rum is the perfect way to conclude your dining adventure. The sweet endings are curated to ensure a balanced finish, as affirmed by customer reviews highlighting their subtle sweetness and delightful presentations.
As you step inside The Optimist, you are welcomed by a vibrant atmosphere complemented by attentive and friendly staff. Reviewers consistently commend the service, with many noting the knowledge and enthusiasm of their servers, which adds a warm, inviting dimension to your dining experience. The variety present on the menu ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you're on a romantic date or celebrating with a group.
In summary, The Optimist is not just another seafood restaurant; it is a celebration of culinary artistry, service excellence, and an atmosphere that enhances your dining experience in Nashville. Whether you are indulging in the freshness of their seafood or relishing in their decadent desserts, The Optimist stands out as a must-visit culinary destination that you will undoubtedly want to return to.
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“ One of the best meals I’ve ever had We loved the decor and our server was great. Every single thing we ordered was exquisite: the bread, the oysters were so fresh, scallops with gnocchi. Had one of the best fried octopus ever! The red fish was a highlight with broccolini My husband enjoyed the Artic char. The pineapple cake was the perfect ending to a fantastic dinner. It wasn’t overly sweet. ”
“ On a random Tuesday night, I decided to come to this restaurant because I had heard good things about their seafood. I was not disappointed. My experience differs from others because I walked in on a Tuesday night (no reservation, no waiting time). The server was absolutely wonderful. He was continuously making sure our table was clean and we were taken care of. The food was great. We went for "The Optimist" and there was not a single bite I did not enjoy. The only thing I would recommend is to have more NA options for those who do not drink alcohol. Thank you! ”
“ We celebrated our anniversary at The Optimist and had an amazing experience! The food was phenomenal, but what really stood out was the service. Huge thanks to Amy—she was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and made us feel truly special. Can’t wait to come back! ”
“ One of our favorite spots in Nashville! The food is always excellent with great variety. Their sauces are incredible and the fish quality is top-notch. Perfect for a date or group dinner. ”
“ Saw so many good reviews for this restaurant so we figured we would give it a shot for our first night in Nashville! So glad we did, our server Amy was FANTASTIC. Best service we have had in a long time. The menu is unique with something for everyone. Highly recommend the platters. The refuge was incredible! ”
“ It had been two years since I first heard about this place, and I finally had the chance to visit. We mainly went for the oysters, and they didn’t disappoint—especially the Susy Lady oysters from Florida. The menu has changed a lot, but the swordfish immediately caught our eye. We ordered it along with the red curry prawns, smoked fish chowder, and Szechuan-seasoned long beans. We loved everything, especially the swordfish and prawns. I highly recommend this place—it was a fantastic dining experience with thoughtful, delicious food and personable service. ”
“ Can’t say enough about The Optimist! The food was incredible, and the service was just as great. Carter was our server and we couldn’t stop talking about him for the rest of the night. We came here for my birthday and all the staff were so sweet and made me feel so special. We felt appreciated here as guests. Everything we ordered was delicious. Can’t wait to come back the next time I’m in town. ”
“ I cannot say enough kind words about the optimist. 1 year ago my fiance and I went to celebrate our soon to be wedding week and everyone went above and beyond to celebrate us. They even put together a “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” basket and had everyone in the restaurant sign a card. Flash forward one year and my husband and I decided to go back to celebrate our anniversary. We experienced not only the same service as the first time, but once again, the entire staff made us feel so special celebrating an anniversary with them. They even went as far as to stamp out menus with “happy anniversary” and they even all signed a postcard for us for our “paper” anniversary. 10000/10. Please go! Also, Gabriel was our server and he was more than great! Thank you SO MUCH to this entire staff. We will be back many times in the next year but also to celebrate our 2 year anniversary! ”