17 Best Food Tours in Nashville: Prices, Specialties, and How to Book

The Best Food Tour in Nashville
The Ultimate Nashville Travel Guide

'A Local's Guide to Nashville : Hidden Gems, Local Secrets, and Expert Tips for Crafting an Unforgettable First Trip,' is your ultimate insider's guide to unlocking the secrets of Music City! Crafted by two Nashville natives who have spent years immersed in this dynamic, music-loving city, this comprehensive 250+ page guidebook is your key to experiencing Nashville like a true local. Plan your entire trip from start to finish!

"I was in Nashville earlier this year and did all the touristy things. Since returning, I have discovered this guide. I am excited to be returning to Nashville again this year so I can find the more local attractions that I missed the first go. Buy this guide—you won’t be disappointed!!" - smwills

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Your Guide to Booking a Memorable and Tasty Tour of Music City

    Man presenting a plate of food during a stop at a local restaurant and food tour
    Source

    There’s no better way to get to know a city than by exploring its best restaurants. You get to soak in the local culture and cuisine. The challenge is always knowing where to go and how to get the biggest bang for your buck. 

    Luckily, Nashville is home to amazing tours that guide you through the city, exploring different foods or themes and providing more information about what you see and eat than you would get alone. A food tour is perfect for seeing the city and filling your stomach with great food. 

    While planning and booking your food tour through Music City, find a great place to lay your head. At Nashville Luxury Stay, we have unique rentals in the center of the action. Book with us and get ready for a trip full of fun, food, and flavor.

    TL;DR: Nashville Food Tour Highlights

    Our Favorites: 

    • Walk Eat Nashville: Offers thematic tours exploring downtown and East Nashville’s art and flavors. 
    • A Little Local Flavor: Award-winning tours featuring Downtown bites, craft cocktails, and cuisine. Notable for quality over quantity.
    • Local Taste of Nashville: Explore The Gulch and Germantown’s neighborhood cuisines with options for private tours.
    • Nashville Hidden Gems: Anas’s tours uncover Nashville’s hidden culinary and cultural gems, fostering connections and unforgettable experiences through expert guidance and personalized touches.

    A Taste of Nashville’s Diversity

    What sets Nashville apart in the food world is its blend of traditional Southern comfort with a dash of modern flair. Here, classic dishes meet contemporary twists, creating a diverse eating experience almost as diverse as the city. From hot chicken that keeps locals and visitors alike returning for more to casual spots that fill you up for less to fine dining and more, there’s a flavor for every palate.

    The Appeal of Food Tours

    Exploring the city through a Nashville food tour offers a chance to satisfy your hunger and dive into the city’s rich culture. Food tours serve as a bridge, connecting you with the local community and its traditions while offering a glimpse into how Nashville has become a hub of delicious innovation.

    These tours guide you to hidden gems and local favorites, bypassing the usual tourist spots for a more authentic experience. You can learn what makes each dish special, meet the people behind the flavors, and understand food’s role in Nashville’s identity. By stepping off the beaten path and into the kitchens and dining rooms locals treasure, you’ll enrich your understanding of Nashville, one bite at a time.

    17 Best Food Tours in Nashville

    Walk Eat Nashville

    Website

    Phone Number: 615-587-6138

    Price Range: starting at $109 per person

    Walk Eat Nashville offers a variety of tours with different themes. From its almost daily Downtown Food Tour, which explores comfort food and discusses the Country Music Hall of Fame, to its Mural and Food Tour, which shows off incredible murals and morsels of East Nashville, there are enough options to keep you coming back for more. 

    Walk Eat Nashville is one of the most popular food tours in town, so make sure to book early. Tours are easily booked online, where you’ll find real-time availability and details about every option. 

    Smiling women at diner, raising sandwiches in celebration at colorful counter.
    Source

    Nashville Hidden Gems

    Website

    Phone Number: 615 – 589 – 3400 

    Price Range: starting at $99 per person

    Embark on an unforgettable journey with Nashville’s own Anas, the connoisseur of hidden culinary treasures and cultural experiences. Anas’s tours transcend the ordinary, unveiling Nashville’s true essence through its hidden gems, and weaving a tapestry of flavors, stories, and connections.

    With Anas as your guide, prepare to delve into Nashville’s best-kept secrets, where every bite is a revelation and every encounter is a delight. Whether you’re a Nashville native or a first-time visitor, Anas’s tours promise an enriching exploration of the city’s culinary and cultural landscape.

    But Anas’s tours are not just about food; they’re about forging connections and creating memories. Along the way, you’ll meet fascinating people, hear captivating stories, and immerse yourself in Nashville’s culinary spirit.

    A group of diverse friends laughing and enjoying a meal together at a casual dining restaurant decorated with beach-themed paintings.
    Source

    A Little Local Flavor

    Website

    Phone Number: 615-815-1388

    Price Range: Starting at $139 per person

    A Little Local Flavor may only offer two main tours, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. That’s why this company earned TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award several times, putting it in the top 1% of worldwide attractions. 

    For foodies, the Downtown option is a great way to get some great bites, while the Craft Cocktails and Cuisine Tour pairs uniquely delicious drinks with amazing dishes. Make sure to book online and in advance to ensure you get a spot with these incredibly popular food tours. 

    Women smiling at rustic cafe table, enjoying drinks and desserts with 'hauf' sign on wall.
    Source

    Local Taste of Nashville

    Website

    Phone Number: 615-800-7052

    Price Range: Starting at $68 per person

    A Local Taste of Nashville offers in-depth tours of neighborhood cuisine. Choose between the Gulch and Germantown. In just under three hours, you’ll learn everything you need about these fun and exciting neighborhoods and sample some of the best dishes in town. For just a little extra (starting at $78 per person), you can make either one of these tours a private outing for up to 80 people! 

    Seven women clinking champagne glasses in festive venue with elegant architecture.
    Source

    Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $114.10 per person

    If you want to get a taste of Nashville without working up a sweat, the van-led tour from Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing is for you. Your driver and guide will introduce you to Nashville landmarks and local restaurants from the comfort of a heated/air-conditioned van. You’ll also enjoy a Bushwacker (a popular local cocktail) and some funky Southern dishes. Book online to secure your tour, because this one fills up quick. 

    Nashville Walking Tour with Secret Food Tours

    Website

    Contact: [email protected]

    Price Range: Starting at $99 per person

    Are you ready to try a slew of Southern foods that put Nashville on the map? The Nashville Walking Tour with Secret Food Tours lets you choose between East Nashville and the 12 South neighborhood. You’ll sample dishes like pulled port and Tennessee whiskey-glazed donuts. While your guide will give you all of the details of your surroundings, they won’t reveal the “secret dish” that’s a part of every tour. 

    Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure

    Website

    Phone Number: 844-366-8848

    Price Range: Starting at $55 for kids and $65 for adults

    Focused entirely on sweet indulgence, this tour is a dream come true for donut lovers. It highlights the best and most innovative donut shops in Nashville. Wear a good pair of walking shoes and satisfy your appetite. You’ll put in about 1.5 miles of walking in about two hours. They even offer special packages for bachelor or bachelorette parties, making this one sweet way to celebrate. 

    A box of assorted donuts with various toppings and flavors including sprinkles, nuts, and drizzled icing, displayed neatly in a cardboard box.
    Source

    Music City Food & Sightseeing Tour

    Website

    Price Range: Staring at $108.16 per person

    This three-hour tour expertly combines tasting Nashville’s famous dishes with visits to landmark sites like the Ryman Auditorium and The Country Music Hall of Fame. Enjoy stories of Nashville’s rich history while sipping cocktails, listening to live music, and snacking on yummy Southern dishes like smoked pork. This tour is full of fresh food and fun memories. 

    Germantown Food & Sightseeing Tour

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $86.44 per person

    Germantown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in town. It’s known for its rich history and culinary diversity, which make it stand out from other Nashville neighborhoods. Stroll through Bicentennial Mall Park, admire Victorian homes, and discover the neighborhood’s artsy murals. The tour, which lasts just under three hours, is guided by knowledgeable locals. Each tour can accommodate up to 12 people at a time, making it great for group trips. 

    Nashville 12 South Walking Tour

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $99 per person

    The 12 South neighborhood is one of the trendiest parts of the city. This 2-hour tour offers a taste of diverse cuisines, from Southern hot pork to breakfast tacos and gourmet cookies, amidst a backdrop of colorful murals and Instagram-worthy moments. You might even see Reese Witherspoon visiting her boutique, Draper Jane’s. 

    Nashville Fine Dining & Craft Cocktail Tour

    Website 

    Price Range: Starting from $199 per person

    The Fine Dining and Cocktail Tour is a way to treat yourself to a world of luxury and sophistication. This exclusive tour introduces you to five unique cocktails paired with the perfect plates of food. You’ll love sipping on your drinks and listening to the stories that made them happen. 

    Three colorful cocktails on bar counter: red with lime wheel, pink in stemmed glass with lime slice, pale yellow with lime.
    Source

    Nashville Walking Food & Drink Tour of Downtown

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $179 per person

    The Walking Food & Drink Tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Nashville and a popular option for those who want to show off the city to guests. This lunchtime tour includes a full lunch and three alcoholic beverages. You’ll learn about the secrets behind some of Nashville’s most iconic sites and feast on hot chicken, Southern BBQ, and more. 

    Dazzling Nashville downtown skyline
    Source

    Dabble Tours and Events

    Website

    Phone Number: 615-338-7579

    Price Range: Starting at $75 per person

    Dabble goes beyond the itinerary of any old tour. It offers some of the best food tours in Nashville, cooking classes, craft events, and more. You can explore Germantown, Downtown, and more by foot or van. Try Southern specials, hot chicken, and famous desserts while learning fun stories about Music City. All of their activities are available to book online, and there is a wide range of options to accommodate your schedule. 

    General Jackson Showboat

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $113.08 per person

    Experience the Cumberland River’s scenic beauty aboard the General Jackson Showboat. As one of the largest paddle-wheel boats in the country, this excursion includes lunch or dinner, complete with live entertainment and Southern cuisine; it’s a unique way to see Nashville from the water. Why wander around town when you get dinner and a show with amazing views of the Nashville skyline? 

    Scenic beauty of the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat during a breathtaking sunset excursion
    Source

    The Nashville Sandwich Tour

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $69 per person

    Have you ever wondered what truly makes something a sandwich? Is a hotdog, taco, or wrap the same thing? On the Nashville Sandwich Tour, you’ll get answers to your sandwich-related questions and plenty of food. During your time in East Nashville, you’ll fill your stomachs and minds with amazing bites and intriguing stories. Book online or contact the guide for a more personalized tour. 

    Delicious sandwich with side salad and fresh green toppings.
    Source

    Secret Food Tours – 12 South

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $99 per person

    On this three-hour tour, discover the 12 South neighborhood and all of its culinary gems. From the city’s most famous breakfast joint to historic sites like the legendary Dolly Parton studio, this food tour combines local flavors with cultural highlights. Beyond enjoying local culture and foods, you’ll also explore parts of the hottest shopping district in the area. Secure your spot online for a journey through one of Nashville’s most charming districts.

    East Nashville Foodie Tour for Burgers, BBQ & More

    Website

    Price Range: Starting at $99 per person

    The Burgers, BBQ, and More Tour is perfect for those who want to get straight to the food that makes Nashville stand out as a culinary destination. You’ll visit the trendiest spots in Music City and learn about the area’s history. Feast on spicy Southern-style chicken, homemade biscuits, top-notch burgers, and more. You’ll even get to try a surprise dish that will not disappoint. 

    Get the Most from the Best Food Tour in Nashville

    A close-up of a hot chicken sandwich and a side of mac and cheese
    Source

    To ensure your food tour is an unforgettable experience, consider these tips:

    • Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet, exploring Nashville’s sights and sounds. Comfortable footwear is a must to fully enjoy the day. 
    • Bring a Camera: From picturesque plates to tag-worthy street scenes, there’s plenty you’ll want to capture. 
    • Come Hungry: With various tastings ahead, it’s best to come prepared with an appetite. Don’t pass up the chance to savor everything by running out of room too soon!

    How to Book Your Spot on a Nashville Food Tour

    Securing your spot on one of Nashville’s food tours requires a little planning. Here’s a simple guide to ensure you don’t miss out.

    • Choose Your Tour: Select the tour that best matches your interests. Whether you’re looking to spend a day chomping on sweets or exploring savory Southern classics, Nashville has a tour for every palate.
    • Check Availability: Many food tours limit their group size to ensure a personalized experience, so it’s wise to check the availability as soon as you’ve decided on a tour. Weekends and holidays tend to fill up quickly, so consider a weekday tour for a more intimate experience. Many tours offer private, group, or corporate options, meaning you could easily include a special tour for your girls’ weekend
    • Book Early: Book your tour well in advance to secure your preferred date and time. This is especially important if you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons or planning to attend with a larger group.
    • Seasonal Considerations: Some tours may be seasonal or have special holiday themes. If you’re visiting during a particular time of year, look for tours highlighting seasonal specialties or festivities.

    Ready to Discover Nashville’s Best Bites?

    Exploring Nashville through its food tours is a fun and filling way to connect to the city. These tours are your gateway to experiencing Nashville in a way that goes beyond the usual tourist paths, and they take the guesswork out of where to grab a meal. 

    These experiences promise to satisfy your hunger and enrich your understanding of this dynamic city. Remember, the best food tour in Nashville is whichever one you choose. They are all that good!

    About the author

    Share this post

    Meet Kush & Ana

    Nashville Enthusiasts

    We are Kush & Ana Ratwani. We moved to Nashville in 2020 for Kush’s fellowship at Vanderbilt. When we moved here, the once vibrant music city, full of aspiring songwriters trying to be the next Carrie Underwood and pedal taverns full of brides to be was in a state of hibernation due to COVID. However, that was short-lived, and Nashville is now back to full speed! 

    We have loved living in Nashville so much so over the last few years that we even got married here in 2021! We feel Nashville has so much to offer, and it would take months to experience everything. From boutique shops to James Beard award-winning restaurants, who can forget live music every night on Broadway?

    We started “Grits & Grace” to blog about all of our favorite spots, highlighting why we love Nashville and why we firmly believe it’s the best city in the country! 

    Let us be your local tour guides on your journey to the Music City. 

    Kush & Ana Ratwani

    Our personal favorites
    Stay with us
    Scroll to Top

    FREE Nashville Starter Pack

    What this pack includes:
    ✅ Our essential Nashville packing checklist

    ✅ A list of over 40 must-visit spots to ensure you have an unforgettable trip 
    ✅ The 10 things you can’t miss on your first trip
    Done-for-you itineraries written by locals