Nashville is known for many things: the famed Honkytonk Highway, hot chicken, beautiful landscapes, and the Cumberland River that runs right through downtown. Most folks do not know, however, that Nashville is now the home to The Optimist. The seafood-centric eatery is cheekily designed after a fish camp and has brought the taste of the ocean to a landlocked state. Learn more about it below, and perhaps plan a visit for yourself! Oysters, anyone?

The Optimist - Official Website The Optimist may appear humble from the outside, but the flavor cooked up behind these walls is anything but low-key. Locals rave about the great food, casual atmosphere, and high-end quality of every dish.

The Optimist - Official Website The interior looks and feels like an upgraded New England eatery. The staff is kind and thoughtful, aware enough of your needs to give you a great experience but not overbearing. The Optimist is a great place for a simple date night, an evening to yourself with a good book, or perhaps a family celebration.

The Optimist - Official Website The menu is constantly fluctuating with new, delicious opportunities, but starters like smoked fish chowder and gulf shrimp remain a constant. You can order a “plateaux” to share, like “The Opportunist” that boasts 6 oysters, 6 shrimps, smoked fish dip, ceviche and tuna poke.

The Optimist - Official Website The “Starving Man” is similar, but serves up 18 oysters and shrimp, smoked fish dip, tuna poke, ceviche, and an ENTIRE LOBSTER. If you’re not looking for pure decadence (who isn’t?!), then put in an order for lobster rolls, red snapper, or an order of chicken and dumplings.

The Optimist - Official Website Sides of zucchini fries served with squash blossom aioli and roasted tomatoes round out delicious entrees. Try out the beignet style corn milk hushpuppies, or snag a side of creamer potatoes made with parsley, sea salt, and yes - butter.

The Optimist - Official Website The Optimist brings the fresh taste of the seaside to the heart of the American south. It’s where you’ll find some of the best oysters in the city, and with a full cocktail and dessert wine menu, there’s something to sip throughout the entire meal.

The Optimist - Official Website Have you been to The Optimist? Will you be visiting? Reservations can be made online ahead of time, and dining is available on the patio and in the dining room from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

Find out how to indulge in a meal from The Optimist with a visit to its official website.

The Optimist - Official Website

The Optimist may appear humble from the outside, but the flavor cooked up behind these walls is anything but low-key. Locals rave about the great food, casual atmosphere, and high-end quality of every dish.

The interior looks and feels like an upgraded New England eatery. The staff is kind and thoughtful, aware enough of your needs to give you a great experience but not overbearing. The Optimist is a great place for a simple date night, an evening to yourself with a good book, or perhaps a family celebration.

The menu is constantly fluctuating with new, delicious opportunities, but starters like smoked fish chowder and gulf shrimp remain a constant. You can order a “plateaux” to share, like “The Opportunist” that boasts 6 oysters, 6 shrimps, smoked fish dip, ceviche and tuna poke.

The “Starving Man” is similar, but serves up 18 oysters and shrimp, smoked fish dip, tuna poke, ceviche, and an ENTIRE LOBSTER. If you’re not looking for pure decadence (who isn’t?!), then put in an order for lobster rolls, red snapper, or an order of chicken and dumplings.

Sides of zucchini fries served with squash blossom aioli and roasted tomatoes round out delicious entrees. Try out the beignet style corn milk hushpuppies, or snag a side of creamer potatoes made with parsley, sea salt, and yes - butter.

The Optimist brings the fresh taste of the seaside to the heart of the American south. It’s where you’ll find some of the best oysters in the city, and with a full cocktail and dessert wine menu, there’s something to sip throughout the entire meal.

Have you been to The Optimist? Will you be visiting? Reservations can be made online ahead of time, and dining is available on the patio and in the dining room from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

There’s more fun to be had in Tennessee! Check out our site archives for more adventurous opportunities. 

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Address: 1400 Adams St, Nashville, TN 37208, USA