Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Blueberry & Matcha Pavlova
Mushroom & Vermicelli Pithivier, Khao Soi, Celtuce, Horseradish
Golden Curry Corndog
The Diana," Fried Bologna Sandwich, Potato Chip Aioli
About
Bad Idea
Welcome to Bad Idea, a culinary gem nestled in East Nashville that seamlessly marries Laotian flavors with a French flair. Located at 1021 Russell St #101, this unique restaurant beckons adventurous diners with a menu that promises an explosion of taste, creativity, and harmony. For those seeking a delightful dining experience in a beautifully designed space, Bad Idea is a destination that shouldn't be overlooked.
As you step into Bad Idea, the atmosphere invites exploration. The layout features a bar, lounge, restaurant, and mezzanine—each space curated to offer a distinctive dining experience. One glance at the menu and your senses will be captivated by the array of desserts that redefine sweet indulgence.
- Blueberry & Matcha Pavlova – A divine creation at $12.00, this dessert is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, combining the delicate nature of pavlova with the earthy notes of matcha.
- Durian & Caramelized Milk MilleFeuille – At $10.00, this daring dish showcases the boldness of durian, counterbalanced beautifully by the sweet richness of caramelized milk.
- Chocolate & Hazelnut Paris-Brest – For $12.00, this classic dessert is elevated with layers of chocolate and hazelnut, ensuring a blissful finale to your meal.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Bad Idea boasts an impressive selection of wines, including remarkable offerings from Rare Wine Co. and Royal Tokaji, perfect for pairing with your meal or enjoying as a standalone experience. Each sip enhances the intricacies of the dishes, elevating your dining experience to new heights.
Guest reviews highlight the attentive service, warmth, and passion of the team behind Bad Idea. One guest remarked on the unique presentations of shared plates, particularly the yellowfin tuna, which showcased distinct preparations, making it a standout dish worth savoring. Others praised the comforting aspect of the meals, feeling like a luxurious home-cooked experience with unexpected twists.
Your visit at Bad Idea promises more than just food; it’s an opportunity to engage with delightful flavors and engaging company in a stunning environment. Don't let the name fool you; the only bad idea would be missing out on this extraordinary culinary experience! Whether you're diving into innovative desserts or exploring the extensive wine selection, Bad Idea is waiting to enchant your palate.
Plan your visit today by calling +1 629-729-4332, and prepare for a memorable evening that defies expectations!
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ This was a fantastic restaurant! I've not had Laotian food before but it was amazing. With a French flair! Our server, Callan, was the sweetest and the owner stopped by and we chatted with him for a while and he was great! We caught the tail end of happy hour and ordered the mushroom small plate. Awesome with a wonderful spiciness to it! Also had the boar pot pie and an amazing banana caramel dish of some sort. It was SO good! The main entrees are to be shared by 2 people. We ordered the yellowfin tuna and were blown away. That comprised of 4 plates of food, plus our 3 small plates earlier, a bit too much food. I absolutely loved how different parts of the yellowfin were presented 4 different ways. The collarbone was my favorite! It's one of those dishes I'll be thinking about often. My only disappointment was that I'm a craft cocktail girl and this is a wine bar. They do have a few basics though. I highly recommend this beautiful and unique restaurant! ”
“ Best food, best service, best place ever! The food guys, I can’t tell you how delicious it was. The tuna tartar he’ll yeahh! Just incredible. The waitress speaks like in a movie, so talented and perfectly professional! Do your self a favor and go to this place ”
“ The design of the space is interesting. its laid out in several sections . The bar , the lounge , the restaurant and the mezzanine . I think it is set up for several unique experiences based on where you are seated . The food is wonderful. Each better than the last. My best attempt at describing it would be “your home cooked meal with several interesting twists”. each of these is unque , flavorful but in the end nothing is overpowering. You feel the comfort of homecooking. Oh and definitely get the desserts. We got to meet the Chef Colby for a few mins . He seemed really humble and was so excited about what he was putting on the plates . The only bad idea you can have about this restaurant is you not going there :). ”
“ Quintessentially East Nashville dining. Think wine Somalia in a flannel shirt East Nashville. That man absolutely knew his wine too! These flavor profiles are crazy. Lots of spice and heat. I’m a minority when it comes to food spice (I can’t handle the heat) and while some dishes were too much for me, others offered amazing flavor. Don’t sleep on the insane dessert ice cream offering. It’s weird and worth it. Chef offers seasonal menus and I can’t wait to go back in the spring to see what’s new. ”
“ This is a memorable dining experience. Each dish was uniquely prepared, properly seasoned, and delightfully tasty. It’s clear this place is focused on being a wine bar. All the wine we had was outstanding. However, based on the cocktail I had here, I would not order a cocktail - stick to wine. They don’t know how to mix drinks. It really is a wine bar. It’s a beautifully designed restaurant in the Lao style of wood designs on the walls. The service was excellent. Just be aware, this is expensive dining - our total bill was 302 (includes 20% gratuity). We had a shared main course, 3 small plates (as this is what’s needed to leave full), two drinks each, and a wonderful pavlova dessert, but it was outstanding Laotian cuisine. ”
“ HEATHER IS AMAZING!! This was a recommended place from a good friend and we loved it so much! Get there before 6pm so you can do happy hour and get the fried bologna sandwich. I will dream about it haha! Atmosphere was chill and it’s a must if you’re in the area. ”
“ One of the best meals I've had in my life. We had almost one of everything, but the standout things for food were the crispy rice, sauce for the calamari, and the crepe pancakes. They each packed a level of intensity and complexity in each bite. The wait staff was also very considerate and I'm already looking forward to the next time I stop by! ”
“ Sophistication with a bow to art deco in interior is complemented with an attentive service and refreshingly atypical dishes ingredients. Expensive. Parking is limited. Great spot for a date night. Tables for two placed a little bit too close: expect someones button coming close to your food... Delicious desserts, but complemented with bo hot beverages. Located in a former baptist church building in highly gentrified neighborhood. The car's tag spotted parked next to the restaurant. ”