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The OptimistvsAria
Both restaurants are recommended by expert writers. Overall, The Optimist is the choice of most writers compared to Aria. The Optimist has a TripExpert Score of 87 with endorsements from 9 publications such as Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and Frommer's.
The Optimist
Fodor's
Zagat
BlackBook
Gayot
Travel + Leisure
On the Grid
Where
The Infatuation
Condé Nast Traveler
Frommer's
914 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318
From $31/night
Fodor's "Named Esquire magazine's Best New Restaurant of 2012, the Optimist lives up to the hype, serving top-notch seafood in a dazzingly refurbished warehouse space." Full review
Zagat4.5
"This Westside seafooder from owner Ford Fry (his JCT. Kitchen & Bar is just a clam's throw away) baits crowds with a range of raw to roasted fin fare and beachy cocktails." Full review
BlackBook "Upscale fish spot from chef Ford Fry raises the oyster to an art form."
Gayot14.0
"Styled after a fish camp, The Optimist fields both a restaurant and a raw bar operation adjacent to the main dining room." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Whether you swing by the first-come, first-served oyster bar or go for a full meal at the barrel-vaulted main restaurant, it's clear that chef Adam Evans knows seafood." Full review
On the Grid "The experience that Ford Fry has created with this intown “seaside fish camp” is so stellar, this is the first place we send out-of-town guests." Full review
i
And if you geek out on a branded experience as much as we do, you’ll be sure to love Smith Hanes’ aesthetic touches from the surf chic décor all the way to the match books and beach keys.
Where "This chic restaurant embodies coastal living—from tangy cocktails to delicious starters (seafood gumbo, mussels in crabby-coconut broth, fried clam roll), roasted fish dishes and a wine list." Full review
The Infatuation "It’s a great option for when you want have a few cocktails on the astroturf patio and then eat some oysters or a whole roasted fish." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Legendary seafood in a landlocked city
The vibe
Warehouse turned upscale seafood house
The drinks
Fun and approachable
The food
Go for the lobster roll
The service
Over and above" Full review
Frommer's "I'm not a huge fan of shellfish, but I'll admit the oyster bar was impressive with its sheer volume of selections. The seared scallops are a winner, with their accompanying glazed pork." Full review
i
Be sure and call a couple of weeks early to make a reservation.
Aria Frommer's Travel + Leisure Zagat Gayot Fodor's
Not For Tourists Travel + Leisure Where The Infatuation Condé Nast Traveler
490 E Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
From $41/night
Frommer's "Since opening a dozen years ago, Aria has remained a hit among the dozens of top-quality dining choices in the busy Buckhead area." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A simple black and white color palette and a sprawling, spider-like chandelier set the stage for inventive Nouveau American fare at this Buckhead restaurant." Full review
Zagat "Dubbed the place for "special occasions", this "longtime favorite" in Buckhead via chef-owner Gerry Klaskala "continues to impress" with "masterful" New American fare." Full review
Gayot16.0
"This vibrant, stylish establishment welcomes its guests through a curtain of silver beads, designed to represent a complete break with the past." Full review
Fodor's "Chef Gerry Klaskala's talent is best captured by his love of rustic and hearty "slow foods" - cooked over a roll-top French grill." Full review
Not For Tourists "Memorable upscale cuisine, award-winning restaurant."
Travel + Leisure "At Aria, owner and executive chef Gerry Klaskala crafts inventive Nouveau American fare such as Niman Ranch slow-roasted pork shoulder and Zinfandel-braised beef short rib." Full review
Where "Chef Gerry Klaskala presents modernized versions of American comfort food (braised beef short rib, veal osso bucco, slow-roasted duck, etc." Full review
The Infatuation8.5
"Aria is exactly what you think of when you hear fine dining, from the small, seasonal menu and carefully designed interior to the overly friendly service." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Pristine fine dining on the weekends, wonderful casual dinner spot during the week." Full review
