The Optimist

Atlanta, Georgia

Provided byShebeko/Shutterstock

PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Home North America United States Atlanta, Georgia DiningThe Optimist

The Optimist

The Optimist is one of Atlanta’s best spots for seafood. From the wood-fired oysters to the lobster rolls, the menu is packed with fresh, flavorful options. The raw bar is a must, and if you’re into Southern seafood, the gumbo doesn’t disappoint.

Information

address914 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta
openingHoursMon–Thu 5pm–10pm, Fri 5pm–11pm, Sat 3pm–11pm, Sun 3pm–10pm
phone+1 404 477 6260
websiteVisit website

More in Dining

Nikolai’s Roof

Nikolai’s Roof

Nikolai’s Roof is all about the view—set on the 30th floor of the Hilton, it gives you one of the best skyline panoramas in the city. The menu leans French with some Russian influence, offering dishes like beef tartare, duck breast, and caviar service. It’s on the pricier side, and the vibe is definitely more old-school fine dining, making it a good pick for a special occasion.

DiningRead more →

Bones Restaurant

Bones Restaurant

Bones is Atlanta’s classic, no-nonsense steakhouse—the kind of place that’s been around forever and still does things right. The service is sharp, the steaks are top-quality, and the sides (fried onion rings, lobster bisque, creamed spinach) are just as good as the main event. It’s got that old-school, clubby feel, so expect a lot of business dinners and special-occasion meals. The pecan pie is a must. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends.

DiningRead more →

Metro Cafe Diner

Metro Cafe Diner

Metro Cafe Diner is a downtown spot that’s part diner, part late-night hangout. The menu covers all the diner basics—burgers, sandwiches, breakfast all day—plus a full bar if you’re in the mood for a drink. It’s one of the few places in the area open late, so don’t be surprised if you see a mix of night owls, tourists, and locals grabbing food after a night out.

DiningRead more →

Busy Bee Cafe

Busy Bee Cafe

As the name suggests, they get quite busy here, but your wait will be rewarded with one of the best soul food in town. The Busy Bee has been open since 1947 and has served from President Obama to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. If you're looking for some good southern comfort food at affordable prices, you should definitely check this place out.

DiningRead more →

Holeman & Finch

Holeman & Finch

People of all ages come to this modern gastropub to try their famous burgers and seasonal dishes along with unique drinks. The atmosphere at Holeman & Finch is fun and inviting, including a seating arrangement that encourages a communal vibe among diners.

DiningRead more →

Gunshow

Gunshow

At Gunshow, the dining experience is taken to another level. There are no menus to choose from. Instead, dishes are offered to diners on rolling carts. Few walls and an open kitchen are part of the decor here. All in all, a fun and unique experience not to be missed while in Atlanta.

DiningRead more →

Ria's Bluebird

Ria's Bluebird

Ria’s Bluebird is a classic spot for breakfast and brunch in Atlanta, with everything from fluffy biscuits to their famous rum-soaked French toast. They serve breakfast all day and lunch from 11am to 3pm, with plenty of tasty vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a local favorite, so be prepared for a wait, but it’s totally worth it.

DiningRead more →

Flying Biscuit Cafe

Flying Biscuit Cafe

All-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at several locations of the Flying Biscuit Cafe throughout the city. The staples here are huge biscuits, black bean cakes, organic oatmeal pancakes, and turkey meatloaf.

DiningRead more →

Miller Union

Miller Union

Miller Union is all about simple, seasonal food done right. The menu changes often, but expect dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients—perfectly cooked fish, farm-fresh veggies, and their famous farm egg baked in celery cream. If you’re into Southern flavors with a modern twist, this place delivers.

DiningRead more →

Ray's In the City

Ray's In the City

Ray’s in the City is one of downtown Atlanta’s go-to spots for seafood, with fresh fish flown in daily and a solid selection of steaks and sushi. It’s a little more upscale but not overly fancy, making it a good pick for a nice dinner without feeling too formal. The wine list is extensive, and if you time it right, you can catch live jazz while you eat.

DiningRead more →

Aria

Aria

Aria is a Buckhead staple for a reason—it’s upscale without being stuffy, and the food is consistently excellent. The menu leans New American, with seasonal dishes that are simple but perfectly executed. Think buttery scallops, slow-braised short ribs, and house-made pastas. It’s dinner-only, so plan ahead, and don’t skip dessert.

DiningRead more →

Tomo

Tomo

Tomo is one of Atlanta’s best spots for high-quality sushi and Japanese dishes. Tucked into the Ritz Carlton Residences near Phipps Plaza, it’s a sleek but unpretentious place where the focus is on fresh ingredients and careful preparation. Chef Tomohiro Naito, originally from Osaka, brings serious skill to the menu, whether it’s delicate sashimi, creative rolls, or perfectly seared wagyu. The sake list is just as impressive.

DiningRead more →

Silver Skillet

Silver Skillet

Since 1956 the Silver Skillet has been serving Southern cooking to the Atlanta community, some of the city's favorites can be found here such as eggs, grits, and the very popular lemon icebox pie.

DiningRead more →

Agave Restaurant

Agave Restaurant

Agave is a hidden gem in the heart of the artsy neighborhood of Cabbagetown. It features eclectic Southwestern food and a great selection of unique drinks.

DiningRead more →

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View is Atlanta’s only tri-level dining complex, featuring a revolving upscale restaurant, a rotating cocktail lounge, and an observatory View Level offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the magnificent Atlanta skyline. The menu offers seasonally influenced, contemporary American cuisine for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

DiningRead more →

Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia is one of Atlanta’s top spots for a special-occasion meal. It’s a prix-fixe experience—four courses, with dishes built around seasonal ingredients, many sourced from the owners’ farm. The menu changes, but expect thoughtful, beautifully plated dishes, like butter-poached lobster or perfectly seared duck. The setting is refined but not stuffy, with an industrial-modern feel that keeps it from being too formal. It’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for one of the best dining experiences in Atlanta, it’s worth it. Reservations are a must.

DiningRead more →