The Optimist Menu

Introducing the Menu at The Optimist

At The Optimist, a premier seafood restaurant located in Atlanta, culinary enthusiasts are treated to an impressive array of oceanic delights. The menu features a distinctive selection of fresh offerings, with highlights including the indulgent Opportunist seafood platter, boasting oysters, shrimp, ceviche, and jonah crab for $65. For those seeking a more opulent experience, the Refuge plate adds a chilled lobster for $105.

Among the wood-hearth roasted fish, the tender Halibut with salsa verde and the aromatic Branzino infused with ginger and lemongrass stand out as must-tries, priced at $36 and $39, respectively. Meat lovers will enjoy the expertly cooked NY Strip Steak for $67, or indulge in the signature “Opti” Burger for just $18.

With a cozy ambiance and attentive service, The Optimist promises a memorable dining experience where freshness shines in every dish.

DINNER - OPPORTUNITIES

• TUNA CRUDO

  , nuoc cham, citrus, szechuan peanuts

  US$18.00

• HAMACHI CRUDO

  apple, ponzu, black garlic, calabrian chili

  US$18.00

• HALIBUT CRUDO

  sobressada aquachile, pistou, watermelon radis

  US$18.00

• SMOKED FISH DIP

  pickled mustard seed, dill, house saltines

  US$14.00

DINNER - START

• SHE CRAB SOUP

  sherry, crab, shrimp toast

  US$18.00

• SMOKED FISH CHOWDER

  smoked fish, bacon, chive, oyster crackers

  US$14.00

• SEAFOOD GUMBO

  oyster, shrimp, andouille sausage, “potluck” garlic bread

  US$16.00

• CRISPY FRIED OYSTERS

  green goddess, pickles

  US$18.00

• GA APPLE SALAD

  farm greens, banyuls vinaigrette, asher blue, garlic crumble

  US$14.00

• SPICY KALE SALAD

  confit shallot, chorizo, calabrian chili, parmesan

  US$14.00

• PEEL & EAT SHRIMP

  old bay, cocktail sauce, “comeback sauce”

  US$18.00

• PEI MUSSELS

  plum wine, lemongrass, coconut, thai bird chili

  US$18.00

• SPANISH OCTOPUS

  giardiniera, spicy honey, capers, mustard seed

  US$21.00

• WHOLE SHRIMP A LA PLANCHA

  “sopping toast”, arbol chili butter, lime …messy, but worth it!

  US$19.00

DINNER - PLATEAUX

• THE OPPORTUNIST

  oysters, shrimp, ceviche, smoked fish dip, jonah crab

  US$65.00

• THE REFUGE

  oysters, shrimp, ceviche, smoked fish dip, jonah crab, chilled half lobster

  US$105.00

• THE STARVING MAN

  oysters, shrimp, ceviche

  US$145.00

DINNER - WOOD HEARTH ROASTED FISH

• HALIBUT

  salsa verde, lemon, sea salt

  US$36.00

• REDFISH

  asparagus, gribiche, lemon sabayon

  US$38.00

• MONKFISH

  cannellini bean, red chimichurri, crispy artichok

  US$38.00

• TUNA

  pickled shiitake, eggplant, orange, dumpling sauce

  US$38.00

• GEORGES BANK SCALLOPS

  braised beef, heirloom carrot, horseradish, chow-chow

  US$38.00

• BRANZINO

  coconut, ginger, lemongrass, mushrooms, thai herbs, peanuts

  US$39.00

• “DUCK FAT POACHED” SWORDFISH

  cauliflower, lentil, garam masala, caper, golden raisin

  US$39.00

• MAINE LOBSTER ROLL

  brioche, duke’s mayonnaise, dill

  US$38.00

• ROASTED MAINE LOBSTER

  seaweed butter, breadcrumbs, lemon

  US$39.00

DINNER - FARM, WOOD HEARTH ROASTED

• “GOOD BREED” CHICKEN

  lemon, dates, parsley

  US$30.00

• PRIME NY STRIP STEAK

  roasted mushrooms, pan jus

  US$67.00

• “OPTI” BURGER

  , double stack, caramelized onion, “comeback”, american cheese, pickles

  US$18.00

DINNER - SIDES & SUCH

• CAULIFLOWER

  sultana vinaigrette, olives, sumac, labneh

  US$13.00

• CRISPY POTATOES

  saffron aioli, parmesan

  US$13.00

• BROCCOLI FLORETS

  red miso, lemon, garlic

  US$13.00

• BASMATI FRIED RICE

  vadouvan, smoked fish, peanuts, egg, herbs

  US$13.00

• CORN MILK HUSHPUPPIES,

  “beignet style”, cane syrup butter

  US$12.00

• BRAISED GREENS

  bacon, dashi, potlikker

  US$13.00

DESSERT

• COCONUT PIE

  TOASTED COCONUT, CHANTILLY

  US$9.00

• CARA CRAKINE CHOCOLATE DELICE

  BROWN BUTTER ICE CREAM

  US$10.00

• APPLE PUDDING CAKE

  HOT BUTTERED BRANDY, CINNAMON CREME

  US$9.00

DESSERT - FROZEN

• SORBET OF THE MOMENT

  US$4.00

• VANILLA ICE CREAM

  US$4.00

• MALTED MILK ICE CREAM

  US$4.00

• SALTED CARAMEL ICE CREAM

  US$5.00