The Optimist - Table reservation

As someone who has tried another establishment by Chef Ford Fry and was disappointed by the food, I was slightly apprehensive about coming to The Optimist. Well, happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. Atmosphere The Optimist provides valet parking next at the apartment building right net to the restaurant for $5. Looking at the restaurant from the outside, it appears small but inside it has a large and beautiful setting. Appetizer/Bread The she crab soup rightfully earned its place as the most recommended appetizer on google reviews. The soup is decadent with cream, wine, and chucks of crab meat. The shrimp toast served with it is even better. The other appetizer I ordered was the GA peach salad I believe. This was a lot more disappointing than the soup unfortunately. The blue cheese and smell/taste salad dressing was very, very overpowering and the slices of peaches were so thin that it was not enjoyable as it could be. If you ever smelled nail varnish, I would say that's the closet thing that the salad dressing smells like; it's THAT pungent. The house made bread is a great combination between salty and sweet and almost has a biscuit like texture. It is also very, very filling so beware! Entrees I had the normal lobster roll which has cold lobster filling served on a warm brioche bun and their house made chips. I honestly loved their potato chips more than I loved the lobster roll; the chips were BBQ but not ketchup taste overpowering and had hints of cajun/old bay seasoning. The lobster roll is very decadent the lobster filling is already very creamy with mayo and the brioche bun makes it almost slightly overpowering. It's great that they served it with a slice of lemon to bring the much needed acidity to brighten the flavors. The other entrée was the swordfish, which was also highly recommended. This might be personal but I'm personally not the biggest fan of swordfish I felt that it lacks in the flavor department and needed more of the great tasting sauce to compensate. I loved the lady peas the swordfish was served with however. Service I had a very lovely server who was very attentive and very sweet. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but she made The Optimist experience much more enjoyable. Recommendations/Overall If I do come here again, I would try all the appetizers. It's more cost efficient and very filling.

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Excellent! I've only had oysters and drinks here but it's so good! Even their water is delicious. Big space that can suit all needs from casual drinks, to

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This was my second visit to The Optimist. I didn't think it was fair to write a review based on my first experience since I was dining with an employee at

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First time in Atlanta.. this place came recommended, and i was not disappointed. I ordered two starters and it was more than worth it! Mussels and GA...

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Amazing place! The location is quiet and on the outskirts of the city rather then right in the middle of all the crazy traffic.

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