15 Amazing Food Tours In Nashville

Nashville is renowned for its lively music scene, but its food is just as compelling. From crispy fried chicken and smoky barbecue to fresh pastries and eclectic neighborhood eateries, the city offers a wealth of flavors waiting to be explored. Nashville’s diverse neighborhoods, like 12 South, East Nashville, and The Gulch, each have their own culinary identity, making it a perfect city for food tours that reveal both local specialties and hidden culinary stories.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the best food tours in Nashville—each one offering unique experiences, from small-group walking adventures and private tastings to themed tours focusing on music history or craft beverages. Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll through trendy streets or a deep dive into Nashville’s historic neighborhoods, this list helps you choose the experience that fits your taste and schedule.

Quick Overview

This list includes a variety of Nashville food tours: small-group walking tours through neighborhoods like 12 South, East Nashville, and Germantown, offering tastings of Southern classics and local favorites (Nashville Walking Food & Drink Tour), private culinary experiences with tailored tastings, and specialty tours combining food, music, and local culture (Food & Music History Tour of Nashville’s Music Row). Expect everything from historic landmarks and live music to craft whiskey and BBQ sessions—each designed to give you a tasty taste of Nashville’s soul.

1. Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Discover Nashville’s most stylish neighborhood with this lively 12 South tour led by an insider guide. This Secret Food Tours experience offers a three-hour walk through a street lined with coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and restored buildings. You’ll sample everything from a famous breakfast taco to a gourmet cookie, with a secret tasting included—something you won’t find in any guidebook. Your guide shares local tips and recommendations, making this a practical way to get oriented and taste Nashville simultaneously.

Guests rave about the friendly guides and the relaxed pace, with reviews highlighting the variety of savory and sweet bites and the insider knowledge. The tour is perfect for those wanting a casual, intimate introduction to Nashville’s culinary scene without feeling rushed. The $99 price covers generous tastings, and the small group setting ensures plenty of personal attention from your guide.

Bottom line: If you want a fun, relaxed way to explore Nashville’s foodie streets with local insights, this tour hits the sweet spot.

2. Music City Food, Drink, Sightseeing Walking Tour along Broadway

At number 2, this downtown Nashville tour blends history, music, and food over roughly three hours. Starting at the historic riverfront, the Broadway walk visits landmarks like Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame, while sampling iconic dishes such as Nashville Hot Chicken and smoky barbecue. Along the way, you can enjoy a specialty cocktail and listen to live music, adding a lively, authentic flavor to your experience.

Guests praise the guide’s local knowledge and the generous food portions—which often double as a hearty lunch. This tour is ideal for those interested in combining Nashville’s musical roots with its culinary offerings, making it an active, fun way to see the city. The $108.16 price includes multiple tastings and a strong dose of Nashville’s lively atmosphere.

Bottom line: Perfect if you want to experience Nashville’s vibrant downtown, its musical heritage, and its signature foods all in one go.

3. Nashville: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

This guided foodie tour offers a three-hour stroll through Nashville’s core, focusing on local flavors and cultural stories. The tour emphasizes variety, with stops at popular eateries that serve everything from savory to sweet, including some authentic Nashville dishes. The guide shares fascinating insights about the city’s food culture, traditions, and history, enriching your taste experience.

Guests describe the tour as plentiful and informative, with some praising the guide’s storytelling skills. The $105 ticket price includes tastings at multiple stops—visiting well-loved local establishments—making it good value for those wanting a comprehensive, relaxed foodie walk.

Bottom line: This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a balanced mix of food, culture, and city sights in a three-hour window.

4. Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour

For serious food and drink lovers, this four-hour tour combines smoked meats, craft beers, and whiskeys at Nashville’s top hotspots. Starting at Central BBQ, you’ll indulge in barbecued specialties and flights of local brews, then visit a distillery for whiskey and bourbon tastings. It’s a more immersive experience for those who want to pair their barbecue with local spirits.

The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring personalized attention. Reviewers note the high-quality stops and the educational aspect, with one saying, “Our guide was full of information and historical details.” The $189 cost reflects the inclusion of multiple food and drink tastings, making it a premium experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a fuller sensory experience—combining Nashville’s barbecue, craft beer, and whiskey scene.

5. Nashville Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

This private tour (see details here) is perfect for small groups or families wanting a tailored experience. Lasting about three and a half hours, you’ll visit four local eateries sampling dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches, hot chicken, and smoked turkey with grits. The private setting allows for more questions and personalized attention, making it a flexible way to explore Nashville’s foodie neighborhood, 12 South.

Tour guides focus on insider tips that help you navigate Nashville’s dining scene beyond the tour. Reviews mention the variety of food and the guide’s friendliness. The price, at $335 per person, reflects the premium for exclusivity and in-depth access.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a private, customized experience with plenty of tastings and local insights.

6. Nashville: The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour

At number 6, this Gulch tour highlights Nashville’s modern, eclectic downtown neighborhood. Over three hours, you’ll sample smoked barbecue, Nashville hot chicken, pastries, and sweet treats, all while exploring murals and contemporary landmarks. The tour’s focus on local flavors and urban vibe makes it a favorite for those wanting a taste of Nashville’s up-and-coming culinary scene.

Guests praise the passion of guides and the variety of food, especially on rainy days where guides deftly navigate the weather. The $98 fee offers a good balance of delicious samples and city sights.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in modern Nashville with an emphasis on street art, murals, and foodie stops.

7. Private Small Group Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour

This private, three-hour food and sightseeing tour combines culinary tastings with Nashville landmarks, including Music Row, the Parthenon, and historic districts. It includes enough food for a full meal, along with private transportation, making it a comfortable, scenic way to see the city while sampling local dishes like fried chicken and barbecue.

Tour guide commentary aims to deepen your understanding of Nashville’s music and food culture. Reviews highlight the personalized experience and the quality of the variety of stops. The cost, around $482.84 for up to 3 people, is ideal for those seeking a luxury, private day.

Bottom line: Best for groups wanting an exclusive, flexible day combining sightseeing and gourmet tastings.

8. Downtown Nashville: Food Tour

This Downtown Nashville tour offers a three-hour exploration of the city’s culinary heart, including stops at historic venues and popular eateries. You’ll sample seasonal fare, including Nashville hot chicken, barbecue, and a unique “combination candy bar”. It’s designed for those wanting a broad taste of Nashville’s classic dishes with stories about local heritage.

Guests appreciate the well-curated stops and knowledgeable guide. The $145 fee includes four savory bites and one sweet treat, which are enough for a light lunch.

Bottom line: Perfect for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive downtown tasting combined with cultural insights.

9. Germantown Neighborhood Food & Sightseeing Walking Tour

Germantown is one of Nashville’s most historic neighborhoods. This guided tour combines Victorian architecture and local eats like BBQ, craft beer, and handmade chocolates, with stops including the Farmers Market and Tennessee State Museum. Perfect for those interested in local history and culinary craftsmanship.

Guests describe the tour as informative with delicious samples. The $86.44 fee covers lunch-like tastings, making it a cost-effective way to see a historic area while sampling Nashville’s best bites.

Bottom line: Ideal for history and food lovers wanting a relaxed walk with local flavor.

10. Private: Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour W/ Secret Food Tours

This private version of the popular 12 South tour (see details here) offers a personalized three-hour walk through Nashville’s trendiest avenue. Your guide introduces you to local favorites like breakfast tacos, Southern hot pork, and a famous gourmet cookie. The private setting is perfect for those wanting more questions answered and a flexible pace.

Reviews emphasize the variety of dishes and the insider tips shared. Priced at $335 per person, it’s a premium choice for families or small groups seeking a tailored experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting exclusivity and customization in their Nashville food tour.

11. Food and Walking Tour in East Nashville

At number 11, this East Nashville tour covers five tastings over three hours. Known for its eclectic eateries, the neighborhood offers dishes voted “Best of Nashville.” Your guide shares stories of East Nashville’s past while you sample Southern classics, artisanal foods, and local brews.

Guests mention the friendly guide and the varied, delicious stops, emphasizing the neighborhood’s artistic vibe. Priced at $145, it’s perfect for those keen on diverse flavors and cultural stories.

Bottom line: Great for travelers interested in local arts, history, and food in a lively neighborhood.

12. Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

This highly popular food crawl has over 2,200 reviews and offers two neighborhood options: East Nashville or 12South. Each tour lasts about 3.5 hours, where you sample Southern dishes like pulled pork, Tennessee whiskey glazed donuts, and a “Secret Dish”. The small group format encourages intimate conversations and local insights.

Guests praise the variety of food and the rich stories shared by guides. This tour appeals especially to those wanting to experience Nashville’s neighborhoods with a local and sample a wide range of dishes.

Bottom line: Excellent for foodies who enjoy comprehensive neighborhood sampling and informative storytelling.

13. Food and Music History Tour of Nashville’s Music Row

At number 13, this food and music tour combines tastings at five locations with visits to iconic Music Row landmarks. You’ll enjoy Southern fare with seasonal twists, complemented by stories of Nashville’s music industry. The guide’s passion and storytelling bring the city’s melody and flavor alive.

Guests mention the engaging guide and delicious stops. For around $145, this tour offers a distinct blend of culinary and cultural history, ideal for music lovers and food explorers alike.

Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in music history along with their taste of Nashville.

14. Walking Food & Drink Tour of Downtown Nashville

This downtown experience offers a three-hour walk covering Nashville’s most iconic sites. It includes hot chicken, barbecue, local beers, and visits to landmark venues like the Ryman Auditorium. The tour’s focus on storytelling and community makes it a standout.

Guests praise the balance of food and city history and mention the mildly indulgent nature of the tastings, enough to serve as a meal. The fee of $179 makes it a value-packed experience for those wanting a comprehensive downtown overview.

Bottom line: Best suited for first-time visitors who want an all-in-one tour of Nashville’s history, sights, and flavors.

15. Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour

Finally, this van-based tour features multiple neighborhoods and seven tastings, including barbecue, hot chicken, and a local frosty cocktail. It combines food, culture, and city sights in a three-hour adventure, perfect for those who want to cover more territory without the walking fatigue.

Guests love the organized flow of tastings and the opportunity to see Nashville’s diverse neighborhoods. The $114.10 fee offers a good balance of variety and comfort.

Bottom line: Ideal if you want to cover multiple neighborhoods with a guided, all-in-one experience.

How to Choose the Best Nashville Food Tour for You

When selecting a Nashville food tour, think about your budget, time constraints, and interests. Prefer a neighborhood-focused experience? The 12South or East Nashville tours provide intimate local flavor. Want a more comprehensive downtown experience? The Downtown Nashville Food Tour or Taste of Nashville deliver a broad taste of the city’s history and cuisine. For private, personalized outings, the Private Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour offers flexibility.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date. Consider time of day—most tours run around midday—so plan your meals accordingly. If you’re a spirits lover, the Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Tour might be your best bet for a deeper dive into Nashville’s craft beverage scene.

Final Thoughts

From neighborhood strolls with authentic Southern bites to private culinary adventures, Nashville’s food tours cover a wide range of tastes and interests. If you’re interested in music history combined with food, the Food & Music History Tour is a standout. For a relaxed, intimate experience, the Secret Food Tours or private options are excellent choices.

No matter which tour you pick, booking early will help ensure you get the date and time that works best. With so many delicious options, it’s guaranteed you’ll leave Nashville savoring more than just its famous tunes—your taste buds will thank you.