Our 7 Favorite Chattanooga Food Tours

Chattanooga may be known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures, but its food scene is equally compelling. The city’s mix of Southern comfort, innovative eateries, and diverse international flavors makes it an ideal setting for food tours that provide both delicious bites and local stories. Whether you’re after a quick taste of downtown’s hotspots or want to explore the historic Southside neighborhood, Chattanooga offers a variety of guided experiences that go beyond just eating — they tell the story behind each dish and the people who make it.

In this guide, you’ll find seven of the best food tours in Chattanooga. From intimate, small-group crawls to storytelling walks that highlight Black-owned eateries, each offers a different angle on the city’s culinary identity. We compare their itineraries, unique features, prices, and reviews to help you pick the right match for your taste buds and schedule. If you’re curious about regional flavors, local history, or just want a fun way to explore the city, these tours have you covered.

Quick Overview

Chattanooga’s top food tours include a downtown Chattanooga Food Tour that features up to four curated dining spots with optional wine pairings, a Historic Southside Food Tour that combines history with tastings at family-owned and micro-distillery stops, and a ChattaBrunch Food Tour focusing on four eateries with an emphasis on tapas-sized dishes and cocktails. There are also specialty tours like the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour, which spotlights Black-owned restaurants with behind-the-scenes stories, and the Southside Food Tour with Lunch, offering an in-depth neighborhood exploration. All tours range from 1.5 to 3 hours, with prices from $65 to $139 per person, ensuring options for different budgets and interests.

1. Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour

At $139.00 per person, the Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour stands out for its variety and intimate experience. This 3-hour, small-group guided food crawl takes you through Chattanooga’s vibrant downtown district, offering up to four curated dining locations. The tour features a mix of local and international cuisines, with optional wine pairings that elevate the experience.

What makes this tour special is the blend of curated stops, like the Hotel Indigo Chattanooga — Downtown, which hosts Wanderer, a gastropub that offers creative American dishes. The tour also includes a modern French-inspired restaurant, Old Gilman Grill, and rooftop Argentinean eatery Paloma Bar de Tapas, all with a focus on local flavor and culinary innovation. The small size (only 8 participants) makes it personal, allowing for plenty of interaction with your guide and the restaurant staff. Reviewers praise guide Alex for his knowledge and friendliness, calling the tour a great way to sample Chattanooga’s diverse food scene.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an insider’s look at downtown Chattanooga with a variety of dishes and a personal touch, all within a compact group.

2. Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga

At $129.00 per person, the Historic Southside Food Tour offers a 3-hour walk that combines history and food in Chattanooga’s lively Southside neighborhood. This tour is unique because it dives into the stories behind the buildings, owners, and food, providing context that elevates each bite.

Starting at Taqueria Jalisco, a family-owned restaurant that evolved from food truck to a Mexican favorite, you’ll also visit Slick’s Burgers — made from an Airstream camper — and experience Chattanooga’s own micro distillery, Gate 11. The tour ends with tastings at Main Street Meats, a USDA butcher with over 350 bourbon options, and the eclectic Fountainhead Taproom, serving mead, kombucha, and mocktails. Ravaud and Briana are highly praised guides who bring history and flavor together seamlessly. A standout is the chance to learn about Chattanooga’s local food culture while enjoying excellent bites.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those interested in local history and food stories, especially if you appreciate craft spirits and family-owned eateries.

3. ChattaBrunch Food Tour

Priced at $119.00 per person, the ChattaBrunch Food Tour is a 3-hour adventure that focuses on Chattanooga’s brunch scene. It features four stops, each offering tapas-sized dishes, designed to give a broad taste of the city’s culinary offerings. This tour emphasizes meeting the owners and learning about the people behind the food.

Highlights include visiting Adelle’s Creperie, where authentic French-style crepes are served, and Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, a cheese lover’s paradise. You’ll also explore H*Art Gallery, which supports underserved populations through art, and the exclusive Common House, a private social club with farm-sourced entrees and a stylish patio view of Lookout Mountain. Tour guide Renaud is praised for his engaging storytelling, making this tour both tasty and educational.

Bottom Line: Best suited for brunch lovers and those wanting an arts and community-focused experience with great food and local stories.

4. MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour

At $65.00 per person, the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour is the shortest and most affordable option, lasting about 1.5 hours. Focused on Black-owned restaurants, it offers a chance to explore Chattanooga’s cultural landscape through its culinary and artistic expressions.

Stops include Uncle Larry’s, famous for its fried fish and Southern classics, as well as local restaurants like Chatt Smoke House and Proof Incubator, where you can taste Louisiana-style po’boys and yakamein. The tour also includes behind-the-scenes stories about these establishments, making it ideal for those interested in social history and community stories. Ravaud, the guide, is appreciated for his personable approach and storytelling.

Bottom Line: This tour is best for visitors wanting a short, meaningful cultural experience that combines food, history, and social activism.

5. Chattanooga: ChattaBrunch Food Tour

Costing $119 per person, the Chattanooga: ChattaBrunch Food Tour is similar in spirit to the smaller tour but places a bit more emphasis on local flavor and community stories. This 3-hour walking experience visits four restaurants where you meet the owners and taste tapas-sized dishes, including cocktails if you wish.

Highlights include visiting spots like Adelle’s Creperie and Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, along with the unique H*Art Gallery and the private Common House. Guests rave about guide Renauld for his engaging personality and the delicious selection of food, making it a good choice for foodies who want meaningful conversations along with bites.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who want a relaxed, conversational tour that combines food, art, and local culture.

6. Chattanooga: Downtown Food Tour with 3-4 Tastings

At $139.00 per person, the Downtown Food Tour offers 3 hours of exploring Chattanooga’s core. You’ll visit up to four curated dining spots, sampling a wide variety of local dishes in a relaxed, guided environment. The tour emphasizes diverse culinary offerings and is ideal for those who want to get a broad taste of downtown’s food scene within a short time.

Reviewers highlight the expert guidance of Alex, who shares interesting stories about the city’s culture and cuisine. This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer a structured yet personal experience with plenty of food to try and some historical context. Price-wise, it offers solid value given the number of tastings and the quality of the stops.

Bottom Line: Great for visitors who want a comprehensive downtown experience with enough food and storytelling for an afternoon outing.

7. Chattanooga: Southside Food Tour with Lunch

Finally, at $129 per person, the Southside Food Tour with Lunch takes you on a 3-hour exploration of the Southside neighborhood, with a focus on its history and evolving food scene. The tour includes a variety of foods and drinks, like mocktails and kombucha, with visits to multiple establishments including a distillery.

This tour is particularly suited for those interested in understanding the history along with a tasting experience, with stops designed to showcase both the neighborhood’s past and its current culinary innovations. The guide provides insights into the area’s development, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy learning as they eat.

Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers who want to enjoy Chattanooga’s Southside atmosphere while sampling its best bites.

How to Choose the Right Food Tour

Choosing among these food tours in Chattanooga depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re after a comprehensive downtown experience with wine pairings, the Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour offers a balanced mix of variety and intimacy. For those wanting to explore local history and culture through food, the Southside options (Southside Food Tour with Lunch or Historic Southside Food Tour) will provide deeper context along with delicious bites.

Travelers interested in storytelling about the city’s Black-owned establishments should consider the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour. Meanwhile, those looking for a more casual, brunch-focused experience might enjoy the ChattaBrunch Food Tour, especially if they appreciate meeting local owners and artists.

Book early during peak seasons — spring and fall are prime times — and consider combining a tour with other local activities to make the most of your visit.

Chattanooga offers a wide array of food tour options that suit different tastes and interests. Whether you want a quick downtown sampler, a cultural deep dive, or a neighborhood stroll with a meal, these tours promise an authentic taste of what makes Chattanooga special. Pick the one that best fits your curiosity and schedule, and prepare to enjoy some of the city’s best bites and stories.