Best Lobster Roll in Nashville 2026: The Optimist
A quality lobster roll lives or dies in the details. The lobster must be fresh (thank the overnight-fish gods who get it to us in this landlocked town); the bread must be split-top and lightly toasted brioche; the dressing should be light enough to avoid sogginess, even when tossed in either butter or mayo. Having eaten lobster rolls at dozens of spots around the country — both Maine and Connecticut style — I devour them all with delight. Nashville has added many tasty (if pricey) versions of the treat across the city — Fishmonger and Boston Commons’ versions are top-tier — but our pick for Best Lobster Roll comes courtesy of The Optimist. The Germantown restaurant serves its lobster roll as two smaller “twin” rolls with a perfect bread-to-fresh-lobster ratio, imported lobster, lightly dressed in mayo on a toasted, house-made bun. They’ve got the details right.
Past 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 High-End Seafood (2025), Best Lobster Roll (2022) and Best Seafood (2021).
