“It took a while, but seafood is finally well-represented in Nashville’s dining scene, and the palace of seafood delights is The Optimist. One of the Nashville outposts of Atlanta chef Ford Fry, The Optimist is a high-energy spot in an industrial part of Germantown that delivers a convivial vibe.”
“While our area New Englanders might disagree, Nashville really might have a lobster roll to rival the best of the bay. The Optimist’s lobster roll “twins” are served with really crunchy fries, with the freshly imported lobster on their signature house rolls. Unlike the normal buns you’d get at a lobster joint in Maine, you get two delicate sliders with flavor for days.”
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Read More“Whether you’re seeking a hiatus from a desk that looks like it’s been hit by a tempest or looking toward the horizon for a celebratory splurge, The Optimist’s high-end seafood cuisine will give you a mouthwatering experience. Executive chef Mike Parhm uses a fusion of contemporary and classic methods, combining the delicate flavor of frigid-water fish with sweet Jonah crab swimming in a buttery beurre blanc sauce.”
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Read More“The Optimist’s outdoor bar, Jacqueline, is a must for warm-weather sipping. With shaved ice cocktails and a postcard-worthy setup, it’s one of the city’s best patios for a photo-worthy drink.”
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Read More“There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but the real catch is at The Optimist. With a seafood-forward menu that feels both refined and indulgent, the restaurant invites couples to linger over shareable favorites like fish and chips, grilled swordfish, and a beautifully prepared whole flounder. Designed for savoring the moment together, it’s the kind of date-night destination where great food, easy conversation, and a little coastal magic come together effortlessly.”
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Read More“Located at the Hammer Mill development in Germantown with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating (and a breezy bar upstairs), the menu here changes, but an opulent seafood tower and oysters are always a good start.”
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Read More“Ford Fry is taking his hit Atlanta seafood restaurant to Music City; while the second edition aims to capture the spirit of the original, it won't be an exact replica. Expect wood-grilled seafood, upgraded comfort food, and Southern ingredients. Downstairs, guests will find the adjoining craft cocktail lounge, Le Loup.”