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. But for me it’s all about the menu: a multifarious array ranging from basics (oysters both raw and roasted, smoked fish chowder) to spectacularly creative (a recent entrée was an inspired yellowfin tuna crudo with watermelon, seasoned with chili-tamarind). Do take a look at the list of cocktails, which are not only brilliant but boast flavors that complement seafood.
More Best of Nashville wins: The Optimist also took Best Seafood (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021), Best Dessert (2021), Best Wine List (Restaurant or Bar) (2021) and Best New Restaurant (Opened since October 2019) (2020) in the Readers' Poll. In our Writers’ Choice they’ve been named Best Lobster Roll (2026, 2022) and Best High-End Seafood (2025).
