Nashville’s 13 Top Food Tours (With Prices)

Nashville isn’t just about country music; this city offers some of the best culinary experiences in the South. From sizzling hot chicken to innovative bites in trendy neighborhoods, Nashville’s food scene is as lively as its music. Many tours combine history, local culture, and delicious bites, making each outing a well-rounded experience.

We love the Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour for its small-group vibe and insider tips, and the Music City Food, Drink, Sightseeing Walking Tour along Broadway for its lively downtown exploration. These tours give you authentic tastes and a real sense of Nashville’s vibrant food culture.

Nashville is a city where food is as important as the music. The variety of tours range from neighborhood strolls to private experiences, all offering mouthwatering samples. Whether you’re into Southern comfort food, artisanal bites, or craft beverages, Nashville has a tour for you. Let’s explore the top options and find the one that fits your appetite.

Quick Overview

Our list includes walking tours, private tastings, and themed food and drink excursions. They cover different neighborhoods like 12 South, East Nashville, The Gulch, Germantown, and Music Row. Each offers a unique focus, from Southern classics to modern trends, often including historic insights and local stories.

For example, the Downtown Nashville Food Tour highlights landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium along with tasty bites, while the East Nashville Walking Food Tour dives into a more artsy, eclectic scene. Now, let’s dig into each experience.

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

At number 1, this 12 South neighborhood tour offers a taste of Nashville’s trendiest street. With your local guide, you’ll explore top coffee shops, stylish restaurants, and cafes. The tour includes sampling a breakfast taco, a famous gourmet cookie, and a juicy burger—each from highly acclaimed spots.

The small-group setting makes it relaxed and intimate, perfect for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at Nashville’s food scene.

Guests love the mix of savory and sweet, with one reviewer noting the “delicious variety of food” and “knowledgeable, upbeat guide.” The secret tasting adds an element of surprise, making this a memorable way to see 12 South through your stomach.

Bottom Line: Great for lovers of Southern bites, sweet treats, and neighborhood charm—plus insider tips from a friendly guide.

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

Number 2 on our list takes you through downtown Nashville’s Broadway district, blending food with culture and history. Over around three hours, your guide will point out landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium and the Pedestrian Bridge while you sample iconic Southern dishes, including smoked pork and Nashville Hot Chicken. The tour also features sweets from a local favorite and a specialty cocktail.

Guests rave about the guide’s knack for sharing Nashville’s music and food stories, with many saying it was “the best thing we did.” The pace is leisurely, with plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy hearty tastings.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a lively downtown experience with strong local flavors and cultural insights.

3. East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings

Number 3 explores the artistic and eclectic East Nashville, known for its creative vibe. This three-hour tour features BBQ, secret Southern dishes, and local hidden gems. You’ll visit a retro diner featured on Netflix, enjoy Memphis-style BBQ in a food hall, and end with a beloved secret dish. The guide highlights East Nashville’s music and art scenes, making it more than just a food trip.

Reviewers praise the “bold flavors” and the fact that the tour mixes well-known eats with offbeat finds. It’s a great choice if you want to combine culinary discovery with a taste of Nashville’s artsy side.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those looking for a mix of smoky BBQ, vibrant street art, and authentic local stories.

4. Downtown Nashville Food Tour With Sidewalk Food Tours

Number 4 offers a downtown experience focused on The Gulch district. You’ll visit five restaurants, tasting classics like biscuits, Mexican tacos, ramen, and Louisiana-style gumbo. This tour emphasizes Nashville’s culinary diversity and history, with stops at well-loved venues. The guide shares stories about the neighborhood’s growth, making the tastings even more meaningful.

Guests appreciate the “friendly, knowledgeable guide” and the “variety of delicious foods,” often saying they felt full and satisfied. It’s a solid pick for those who want to sample a wide range of Nashville’s culinary styles in a relaxed setting.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a diverse, well-paced downtown food walk with local stories.

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

This niche combines smoked meats, craft beers, and craft whiskeys over around four hours. It visits popular hotspots like Central BBQ and a local brewery, with tastings that include BBQ trio meals, bourbon flights, and beer pours. The guide provides deep insights into Nashville’s drink and food culture, making it ideal for those who love pairing great eats with locally brewed beverages.

Reviewers highlight the “fun, informative” nature of the tour and the “great food and drinks.” The tour’s longer duration and focus on alcohol make it perfect for adult groups wanting a more indulgent experience.

Bottom Line: For those who enjoy pairing Southern BBQ with local brews and spirits in a lively setting.

6. Nashville Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Number 6 is a private version of the neighborhood food crawl in 12 South. It offers a customizable, intimate experience with enough food for a full meal. You’ll try pulled pork, hot chicken, banana pudding, and surprise dishes, all with a private guide. Perfect for families, couples, or groups who want flexibility and personalized attention.

Guests say it’s a “great way to get your bearings” and appreciate the “variety of delicious foods.” The private tour’s higher price reflects its exclusivity, but for those seeking a tailored experience, it’s well worth it.

Bottom Line: Best suited for private groups wanting a flexible, guided taste of Nashville’s top eats.

7. Private Small Group Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour

Number 7 combines culinary stops with Nashville landmarks in a private van. Visiting five venues, you’ll sample everything from fried chicken to whole-hog barbecue. The 3-hour tour includes insight into Nashville’s music scene and history, with enough food to substitute for a meal.

Reviewers mention the “full, satisfying experience” and the “friendly, educational guide.” It’s a great option for small groups who want to combine sightseeing with eating. The private setup offers comfort and personalized stories, making it ideal for travelers with specific interests.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a private, relaxed trip with a focus on food and Nashville’s iconic spots.

8. Downtown Nashville: Food Tour

Number 8 offers a downtown exploration focusing on historic landmarks and seasonal local cuisine. Over three hours, you’ll visit five stops with dishes like elevated comfort food and Nashville’s first “combination candy bar.” The tour provides a balanced mix of history and bites, making it ideal for those interested in Nashville’s past and present.

Reviewers rave about the “delicious food” and the “knowledgeable guide,” often noting that the tour feels like a cultural walk with tasty rewards.

Bottom Line: A fit for travelers who want to combine Nashville’s historic sites with innovative food.

9. Nashville: The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour

The Gulch neighborhood is known for its modern vibe and murals. This 3-hour tour offers a chance to sample barbecue, hot chicken, pastries, and sweets while exploring the lively street art and contemporary architecture.

Reviewers appreciate the chance to combine visual street art with authentic Nashville flavors, noting the “delicious bites” and “fun atmosphere.” It’s ideal for travelers who want quick bites in a hip urban setting.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want a mix of food, art, and city buzz in a shorter tour.

10. Germantown Neighborhood Food & Sightseeing Walking Tour

This historic tour takes you through Germantown’s Victorian streets, with stops at the Farmers’ Market and local eateries. Sampling BBQ, craft beer, and chocolates, it offers a culinary look at Nashville’s oldest suburb.

Reviewers highlight the “interesting stories” and “delicious food,” making it especially good for history and food fans alike. It balances walking with tastings, around 3 hours total.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a mix of historic scenery and diverse bites.

11. Food and Walking Tour in East Nashville

Number 11 focuses on East Nashville’s eclectic food scene. Spanning about three hours, you’ll visit chef-owned restaurants, breweries, and specialty shops. The tour emphasizes the neighborhood’s artistic flair and offbeat charm, with stops that include locally loved spots and a little bit of history.

Reviewers enjoyed the “friendly, knowledgeable guide” and the chance to try “Best of Nashville” dishes. It’s perfect for those who love to explore neighborhoods on foot with a focus on innovative and artisanal foods.

Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a more local, artsy experience with diverse tastes.

12. Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Number 12 is one of the most popular, with over 2,200 reviews. This small-group tour takes you through either East Nashville or 12 South, with multiple tastings including an infamous secret dish. You’ll sample Southern favorites like pulled pork, hot chicken, and banana pudding.

The tour is praised for its variety of delicious food and engaging storytelling. Reviewers say it offers a “great way to get your bearings” and is “packed with tasty bites and insider tips.”

Bottom Line: Very good for first-timers who want a comprehensive, fun, and flavorful introduction to Nashville’s neighborhoods.

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

Number 13 combines food tastings with music history along Nashville’s Music Row. Over around three hours, you’ll visit iconic locations like RCA Studio B and sample diverse Southern fare. The guide shares stories of Nashville’s musical legends and hidden stories behind the scenes.

Reviewers mention the “knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide” and the “delicious, well-selected stops.” It’s perfect for music lovers who also want to indulge in Nashville’s culinary scene.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers combining a love of music with great local flavors.

How to Choose

When deciding which tour fits your style, think about your budget, interests, and the neighborhoods you’d like to explore. Want a private experience? The Private Small Group Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour offers tailored attention.

Prefer a neighborhood with artistic flair? The East Nashville or Germantown tours provide rich local culture. For a dive into downtown Nashville, the Broadway or Downtown options are perfect.

Consider your pace—some tours include more walking and sightseeing, others focus solely on tastings. If your goal is to sample a variety of Southern barbecue and spirits, the Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue offers a longer, more indulgent experience. Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall, when Nashville’s vibrant food scene draws more visitors.

Final Thoughts

Nashville’s food tours span a wide range of experiences—from neighborhood strolls with secret bites to comprehensive downtown explorations. For a relaxed, intimate outing, the Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour is hard to beat. If you want to combine sightseeing with sampling Nashville’s best Southern fare, the Downtown Food Tour or Gulch Tour are excellent choices.

For those who want a more curated, private experience, the Private Nashville Tour guarantees personalized attention, while food and drink enthusiasts will love the Bourbon and BBQ for its focus on indulgence.

No matter what your tastes or schedule, Nashville has a food tour that will satisfy your curiosity and your appetite. Be sure to book in advance, and get ready to enjoy some of the best bites the city has to offer.