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.
🎟️ Book the experience every foodie raves about:
Downtown Nashville Walking Food Tour →
Award-winning. Locally owned. 5+ tasting stops. History, humor, and unforgettable bites.
Take a Walking Food Tour in Downtown Nashville
If you do one thing in Nashville—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 2,000 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)
🎟️ Book your Downtown Food Tour now →
Limited spots. 5+ tastings. Local guide. 5-star reviews.
Reserve your spot →
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.
Want to taste most of these without having to hunt them down?
Our Downtown Food Tour features many of these flavors—plus insider stories and off-menu surprises.
Book your tour now →
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—it'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.
Fun fact: The market has been operating since the early 1800s, making it one of the oldest running culinary institutions in the city.
Pro tip:
We highlight the Farmers Market in our upcoming digital neighborhood guides—which include mapped-out food stops, local favorites, and hidden gems you’d never find on a Yelp list.
➡️ Join the waitlist to get the East Nashville or Germantown guide first →
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:
Southern Belle Biscuit Company
Learn to make flaky, buttery Southern biscuits from scratch with TV personality Maryann Byrd. It’s funny, informal, and surprisingly therapeutic.Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Workshop
Design your own candy bar and learn about the sweet, weird history of America’s first combination candy bar—born right here in Nashville.Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Tour + Whiskey Tasting
Walk through the history of Tennessee whiskey in a restored 1800s facility and sample small-batch pours you won’t find outside the state.
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.
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 →
✅ [📱 Download a Digital Neighborhood Guide]
Coming soon: self-guided food & culture itineraries for East Nashville, Germantown, and Wedgewood-Houston.
➡️ Join the waitlist →
Hungry Yet?
Great. Now get off the screen and go experience the real Nashville—one bite at a time.