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. Pair the wood-roasted oysters with a cocktail (get one from the seasonal outdoor bar, Jacqueline, when it’s open) and a delightful dessert. The restaurant’s historically inspired postmodern design, along with a consistently rotating menu, will leave you yearning to return to this comforting yet elegant port in the storm.
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 Seafood (2021).
