7 Of The Best Food Tours In Chattanooga

Chattanooga stands out as a fantastic food destination thanks to its blend of regional flavors, historic districts, and innovative chefs. This city offers a remarkable variety of food tours that highlight its local and international culinary scene.

Whether you’re into sampling Southern classics, exploring multicultural flavors, or enjoying craft drinks with a side of history, Chattanooga’s tours deliver.

We’ve especially enjoyed the Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour for its curated mix of upscale gastropubs and rooftop dining, and the Historic Southside Food Tour for its deeper dive into the area’s roots along with its delicious offerings.

If you’re a history and foodie lover, you’ll find these tours combine storytelling with mouthwatering bites, making your visit both tasty and memorable.

For those seeking well-rounded experiences, the options range from small-group walking adventures, like the ChattaBrunch Food Tour, to immersive Southern wine and whiskey journeys. The variety ensures there’s something for every appetite and interest. Here’s a quick overview of the best Chattanooga food tours to help you pick your perfect match.

1. Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour

At number 1 on our list, the Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour is a 3-hour guided walk that introduces you to Tennessee’s vibrant food scene through a carefully selected mix of local eateries. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on curated dining locations that showcase everything from American gastropub cuisine at Wanderer in Hotel Indigo to Argentinean flavors at Paloma Roof Top Bar.

The tour includes sampling at up to four venues, with optional wine pairings, allowing you to indulge without the fuss of planning.

The small-group size of just 8 participants makes for an intimate experience, where you can enjoy personalized service and insightful commentary.

The itinerary offers a variety of stops—each with its own story, from the historic Old Gilman Grill to the rooftop views at Paloma. Tour guide Alex is praised for being personable and knowledgeable, sharing not only food but some fun facts about Chattanooga’s resurgence.

The reviews highlight the quality of the food, the friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to learn about local culture and cuisine firsthand. For a well-balanced, flavorful introduction to Chattanooga, this tour hits the mark.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a taste of downtown Chattanooga’s best, with a small-group experience and diverse cuisines.

2. Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga

Coming in at number 2, the Historic Southside Food Tour offers a 3-hour exploration beyond just the menu. This tour is unique because it incorporates local history and architecture along with the food. You’ll meet at Taqueria Jalisco, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that transitioned from a food truck, and learn about its journey to becoming one of Chattanooga’s top Mexican spots.

The tour continues with stops at Slick’s Burgers—a mobile-style eatery in an airstream—and the acclaimed Main Street Meats, renowned for its over 350 bourbon options.

What sets this experience apart is the storytelling aspect—you’re not just eating, but understanding the stories behind each location and how they tie into Chattanooga’s development. The tour guide Ronauld from France is highly praised for his knowledge and engaging narration, making the history as flavorful as the food.

Reviewers love how filling and authentic the food is, especially at the USDA butchery, where they enjoy everything from charcuterie to innovative cocktails. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy combining culinary delights with local lore.

Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and food lovers who appreciate the stories behind the bites, with a focus on Southside Chattanooga’s evolving scene.

3. ChattaBrunch Food Tour

At number 3, the ChattaBrunch Food Tour is a 3-hour walk through Southside Chattanooga that centers on brunch and breakfast favorites. This tour is a wonderful way to explore the city’s culinary brunch scene while chatting with local owners and chefs.

The tour includes stops at four restaurants, such as Adelle’s Crêperie, which offers authentic crepes and art, and the Common House, with its farm-sourced entrees and a private, member-only atmosphere.

What makes this tour special is its focus on morning and midday dining, perfect for those who want to experience Chattanooga’s breakfast culture. It includes tasting tapas-sized dishes and offers an optional cocktail pairing, making it suitable for a relaxed but flavorful experience. The intimate setting and personal stories from owners make this tour memorable.

The reviews mention how much they enjoyed the variety of dishes and the friendly guides. It’s particularly good for those who prefer a more leisurely pace and love brunch.

Bottom line: A great choice for brunch fans and those looking to combine food with a taste of Chattanooga’s local hospitality.

4. Chattanooga: ChattaBrunch Food Tour

This tour is very similar to the previous one, focusing on Chattanooga’s brunch scene, but it’s notable for its small size and personalized experience. The 3-hour walking tour takes you through four restaurants, offering tasting experiences and conversations with proprietors. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, food-focused tour with an emphasis on local flavors and stories behind each dish.

Participants rave about the delicious crepes at Adelle’s and the hearty biscuits and gravy at the Common House, which are made in-house. The tour also includes a peek into Chattanooga’s food culture and community, making it more than just a tasting.

Reviewers appreciate the friendly guides, especially their ability to blend engaging storytelling with food. The tour’s focus on tapast-sized dishes and cocktails makes it perfect for a mid-morning or early afternoon outing.

Bottom line: Excellent for brunch enthusiasts wanting a small-group, relaxed look at Chattanooga’s morning fare.

5. Chattanooga Southern Food and Wine or Whiskey Tour with Tastings

At number 5, this Southern Food and Wine or Whiskey Tour offers a longer, more indulgent experience. Over five hours, you visit the Georgia Winery for guided tastings and a bottle to take home, then explore Chattanooga’s historic Choo Choo before enjoying a whiskey tasting at a local distillery.

The tour concludes with a hearty dinner at Nic & Norman’s, a restaurant created by Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead.

This tour is outstanding for combining food, drinks, and local history in one package. It’s priced at nearly $300, but the value comes from the variety of experiences—wine, whiskey, and Southern cuisine—plus the opportunity to learn about Chattanooga’s regional beverages.

Reviewers emphasize the quality of the tastings and the engaging guides. It’s best suited for adventurous drink lovers who want a comprehensive day of taste and storytelling.

Bottom line: A premium, all-in-one experience perfect for connoisseurs or those celebrating a special occasion.

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

Ranking sixth, the Downtown Food Tour is a 3-hour guided walk that emphasizes curated dining spots in the city’s core. It’s run by a TOP-rated food tour company and includes access to a private social club featuring farm-to-table fare. The tour includes 3 to 4 tastings, showcasing Chattanooga’s culinary diversity and local ingredients along with transportation for convenience.

The tour’s highlights include visits to upscale restaurants and local favorites, with a focus on fresh, farm-sourced ingredients. Reviewers praise the mix of food and the seamless experience, noting that it’s great for those who prefer a guided, all-in-one downtown experience. The inclusion of transportation adds an extra layer of comfort, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

Bottom line: A well-rounded downtown experience, ideal for visitors wanting to sample several spots without worrying about logistics.

7. Chattanooga: Southside Food Tour with Lunch

Finally, the Southside Food Tour with Lunch offers a 3-hour journey into one of Chattanooga’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It’s a full-sampler of Southside’s evolving culinary scene, including stops at local eateries, a distillery, and a variety of drink options like mocktails and kombucha. The tour is led by a trained guide who shares insights into both the food and the area’s historical development.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive look at Southside with the bonus of a lunch included. The reviews mention the diversity of food, the friendly atmosphere, and the engaging storytelling. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in urban renewal and food trends.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting a detailed neighborhood tour with substantial tastings and cultural insights.

How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Chattanooga

When selecting your food tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and culinary interests. For a quick, downtown-focused taste, the Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour offers a balanced mix.

If you’re more interested in local history along with your bites, the Historic Southside Food Tour provides a deeper storytelling experience. Love brunch? The ChattaBrunch Food Tour is perfect, especially if you’re into breakfast foods.

For a more luxurious experience with drinks, the Southern Food and Wine or Whiskey Tour combines tastings with history in a longer format. Those looking for a more guided, curated downtown experience should consider the Downtown Food Tour, which includes transportation and access to a private social club.

Practical tips include booking early during peak seasons, especially for tours with small groups like the ChattaBrunch Food Tour, and considering your interest in history, drinks, or specific neighborhoods to find the best fit.

Final Thoughts

Chattanooga’s diverse food scene offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer a quick downtown sampler, a historical food journey, or a full day of wine and whiskey, the city has options that combine great bites with local stories.

For most visitors, the Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour and the Historic Southside Food Tour stand out for their balance of flavor and storytelling. If brunch is your thing, the ChattaBrunch Food Tour offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

To make the most of your trip, consider booking ahead—these tours tend to fill quickly, especially in peak seasons. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a delicious, authentic taste of Chattanooga that will leave your belly happy and your curiosity satisfied.