If you're the kind of traveler who plans your itinerary around where to eat next, you're going to fall hard for Nashville. This city isn’t just Music City, it’s full-on Food City, where every block has a story, a dish, and a local who’s proud of both.
Whether you’re into spicy hot chicken, biscuit-making, craft cocktails, or discovering hidden gems on a walkable tour, this guide will show you the best things to do in Nashville for foodies, and why the city’s food scene deserves a spot at the top of your list.
- 01Take a Walking Food Tour in Downtown Nashville
- 02Savor Iconic Dishes That Define the Nashville Food Scene
- 03Nashville Culinary Activities That Go Beyond the Plate
- 04Cap Off Your Day with Nashville’s Cocktail Culture
- 05Wine and Vineyard Experiences for Food Lovers
- 06Final Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Nashville
- 07Book the Best Food Tour in Nashville, Or Plan a Private Culinary Experience
I only recommend top-rated, locally owned Nashville experiences I know and trust. As a local guide, I’ve personally vetted everything on this page. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you, which helps support this site and the local businesses we love.
Take a Walking Food Tour in Downtown Nashville
If you do one thing in Nashville, just one thing, make it a walking food tour. No foodie experience captures the Nashville food scene quite like this. It’s not just about what’s on the plate (though that’s excellent). It’s about the people, the stories, and the unexpected gems tucked between honky tonks and high-rises.
At A Little Local Flavor, we specialize in award-winning, locally led walking food tours that combine unforgettable flavors with behind-the-scenes history. You’ll sample dishes that define Nashville, visit hidden neighborhood spots you’d never find on your own, and hear the stories that tie it all together, from Prohibition-era bootlegging to the invention of the Goo Goo Cluster.
“Our guests constantly tell us this was the highlight of their trip,” says Christine, owner and founder. “It’s the kind of experience where you walk away full, both from food and from stories you’ll keep telling.”
With over 2,600+ five-star reviews and 5.0 rated across all platforms, it’s clear why A Little Local Flavor outshines the pack:
This is not a generic sightseeing loop. This is immersive, walkable, edible storytelling.
Perfect for:
Curious travelers who want more than a checklist of attractions
Groups looking for a fun, low-effort, high-reward outing
Corporate teams planning Nashville culinary activities with built-in bonding
Locals entertaining guests (and earning serious host points)
Underground Donut Tour
Looking for something lighter on the budget but still packed with flavor? The Underground Donut Tour is a sweet way to start your day. You’ll stroll through Nashville while sampling the city’s best donuts, hot, fresh, and made by locals who have been perfecting their recipes for years. It’s family-friendly, casual, and a fun alternative if you’re not up for a big meal but still want to taste something truly local.
Nashville Morning Coffee Tour
If a full food tour feels like too much before noon, the Nashville Morning Coffee Tour is the right speed. It’s a relaxed, caffeinated walking tour through downtown’s best independent coffee shops, with quiet streets, golden morning light, and a guide who tells you the story behind every building you stand in front of.
This is the one I send people on when they’re traveling solo, easing into a long day, or want a Nashville food experience that doesn’t involve a full meal. It’s also a great pre-show, pre-Broadway, or pre-meeting move if you want to start your day with caffeine and context instead of a tourist trap.
East Nashville Food Tour
Step off the tourist path and explore Nashville’s creative side with an East Nashville Food Tour. This neighborhood is known for its indie vibe, and the restaurants reflect that, think chef-driven dishes, funky cocktail bars, and stories that show the heart of the local community.
You’ll sample everything from elevated Southern comfort food to globally inspired plates, while learning how East Nashville grew from a local musician’s haven into one of the city’s hottest dining destinations.
Murals & Mimosas Tour
Why choose between culture and cocktails when you can have both? The Murals & Mimosas Tour pairs Nashville’s famous street art with bubbly drinks and brunch bites. Pose in front of iconic murals (hello, Instagram feed!) while sipping on mimosas and enjoying small plates that keep the morning lively.
This tour is especially popular for bachelorette parties and girlfriend getaways. It’s a perfect way to combine Nashville’s art scene with the city’s reputation for all-day brunching.
Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Factory Tour
Step inside Nashville’s beloved bean-to-bar chocolate factory, Olive & Sinclair, for a behind-the-scenes tour of how their Southern-inspired chocolate is made. You’ll smell roasting cocoa beans, see the stone-grinding process, and sample unique flavors like bourbon nib brittle and duck fat caramels.
This experience is short and affordable, making it perfect to add onto a weekend itinerary. Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss it, and it’s a great stop if you’re already exploring East Nashville.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour
If you want bold flavors, this one’s for you. The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour is exactly what it sounds like: smoked meats, Tennessee whiskey, and local brews. You’ll sink your teeth into smoky brisket and ribs, sample craft beers, and enjoy the smooth burn of small-batch bourbon, all while learning the backstory of Nashville’s food and drink scene.
This is a hearty experience, so bring your appetite. It’s also one of the best ways to check off multiple iconic Nashville flavors in just one afternoon.
Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour
Nashville hot chicken has achieved legendary status, and this tour pairs it with another local classic: Tennessee whiskey. The Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour is fiery, fun, and full of flavor. You’ll try the city’s most famous dish in authentic spots, then cool off (or heat things up even more) with craft cocktails and whiskey tastings.
This is a great choice for adventurous eaters who want the “real deal” hot chicken experience with a knowledgeable guide to tell the story behind it.
Savor Iconic Dishes That Define the Nashville Food Scene
Everyone’s heard of hot chicken, but if that’s all you try while you’re here, you’re missing 90% of what makes the Nashville food scene unforgettable. This city’s culinary culture is a wild blend of comfort, history, rebellion, and creativity. These are the dishes that tell its story.
Hot Chicken at Prince’s: The Original Heat
This is the dish that put Nashville on the culinary map. But don’t confuse it with the touristy versions. The original hot chicken is spicy, crispy, and vinegar-forward, and Prince’s Hot Chicken still does it best. One bite in, and you’ll understand why locals treat it like a rite of passage.
Local tip: Not all hot chicken is created equal. For the full experience, start mild… then work your way up. Maybe bring milk.
Meat & Three at Wendell Smith’s or Swett’s
The “meat & three” is a Nashville staple: you pick one protein (fried pork chop? catfish?) and three Southern sides like mac and cheese, turnip greens, and cornbread. It’s the ultimate local comfort meal.
Places like Wendell Smith’s and Swett’s have been doing it right for decades, serving up soul food that sticks with you.
Why it matters: This is working-class Southern food at its finest, no frills, just flavor.
Fried Bologna Sandwich at Robert’s Western World
Served with a Moon Pie and a cold PBR, this dive-bar classic is pure, nostalgic Nashville. Robert’s Western World might be known for live honky tonk music, but their fried bologna sandwich is a culinary experience in its own right.
Pro move: Go during the day when it’s quieter, grab a sandwich, and stay for the music.
Bushwacker from Broadway Brewhouse
This boozy frozen concoction is part milkshake, part hangover, and all fun. Made with rum, chocolate, and creamy chaos, the Bushwacker is a beloved Nashville guilty pleasure, especially on a hot day. Our owner Christine calls them, “The adult version of a Wendy’s frosty”
Fruit Tea from Puffy Muffin or Calypso Café
It’s sweet. It’s citrusy. It’s served ice-cold and nobody outside Tennessee understands it. Fruit tea is Nashville’s unofficial non-alcoholic signature drink. And once you try it, you’ll get why locals treat it like liquid gold.
These aren't just meals, they’re bite-sized history lessons, passed down through kitchens and corner booths across generations.
Nashville Culinary Activities That Go Beyond the Plate
Looking for things to do in Nashville for foodies that don’t just involve sitting at a table? This city delivers experiences that are immersive, interactive, and delicious from start to finish. From cooking classes to tastings and vibrant markets, these Nashville culinary activities let you go hands-on with the flavors that define the city.
Wander the Nashville Farmers’ Market
Located just steps from the Bicentennial Capitol Mall, the Nashville Farmers’ Market is a year-round destination for locals and travelers who want to explore Music City through fresh, local flavors. It’s not just produce, t's a hub for chefs, artisans, and serious food lovers.
Inside the Market House, you’ll find everything from Thai street food and vegan soul plates to artisan coffee and handmade pastries. Outside, farmers and vendors sell seasonal produce, baked goods, jams, and food gifts you won’t find in tourist shops.
The Nashville Farmers’ Market has been operating since the early 1800s, making it one of the oldest running culinary institutions in the city.
Join a Hands-On Cooking or Tasting Class
Want to roll up your sleeves and get into the kitchen? These are a few of the best Nashville food experiences for anyone who likes their flavor with a side of fun:
These aren’t just tourist stops, they’re interactive memory-makers that connect you with Nashville’s culinary roots.
Planning a corporate retreat or group outing?
We can help you combine these experiences with a private walking food tour for a full-day culinary adventure.
Plan your custom outing →
Cap Off Your Day with Nashville’s Cocktail Culture
After a full day of food-fueled adventures, there’s only one way to end it: with a perfectly crafted drink. Nashville’s cocktail scene has exploded in recent years, and downtown is where you’ll find some of the best bars in the city, all walkable from our food tour route.
Whether you're craving a speakeasy, a skyline view, or a moody booth with a local whiskey pour, here are a few of our favorite stops:
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Tucked away in East Nashville, this low-lit gem is a favorite among locals for a reason. Elevated cocktails, velvet booths, and moody vibes = perfect date night.
Attaboy Nashville
No menu, no nonsense. Just tell your bartender what flavors you like, and they’ll craft something custom. It’s part speakeasy, part magic trick.
L27 Rooftop Lounge
End your day with a view. This downtown rooftop bar serves skyline views with every sip, and it's especially stunning at sunset.
Wine and Vineyard Experiences for Food Lovers
Nashville’s wine and vineyard scene is quietly excellent. Here are two day-trip-worthy experiences that pair beautifully with a food tour weekend.
Final Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Nashville
Let’s keep it simple. If you're hunting for the best Nashville tours and food experiences, keep these three tips in mind:
Book ahead. Popular spots and tours fill fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
Mix casual with elevated. A biscuit in the morning, craft cocktails at night? That’s the Nashville way.
Go with locals. Yelp can’t replace someone who’s lived it. That’s why our tours and digital guides are built by people who actually live here, and eat a lot.
Want more than a list of restaurants? Our walking tours and digital guides are made to help you explore Nashville through food, without wasting time or money on tourist traps.
Book the Best Food Tour in Nashville, Or Plan a Private Culinary Experience
At A Little Local Flavor, we help visitors experience Nashville the right way, through unforgettable bites, stories, and insider access that no sightseeing pass can offer.
Whether you’re:
Visiting for the first time
Planning a corporate event or team outing
Hosting a private group
Or just hungry for something authentic…
We’ve got you.
Book a Downtown Food Tour
5+ tastings from hidden gems
Guided by locals
Walkable, flavorful, unforgettable
Reserve your spot now →
Plan a Private or Corporate Tour
Perfect for team building, retreats, or client experiences.
We customize everything, from routes to restaurant rentals.
Inquire about private group tours →
Hungry Yet?
Great. Now get off the screen and go experience the real Nashville, one bite at a time.
Visiting Nashville?
Our downtown Nashville food tour is the #1 rated culinary experience in the city, with 2,600+ five-star reviews. Three hours, six stops, live music, and every dish hand-picked by a local.
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