If you’re searching for the best food tour in Nashville, you’ll find plenty of options. But what makes one food tour stand above the rest? At A Little Local Flavor, we believe it’s a combination of incredible food, immersive storytelling, deep community roots, and thoughtful, founder-led details you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local looking for something new, our public Downtown Nashville food tours are a can’t-miss experience — consistently rated among the best things to do in Nashville.
What Makes Our Nashville Walking Food Tour Stand Out
We know you have choices. But here’s what makes A Little Local Flavor the most recommended and highest reviewed Nashville food tour with over 2,300 five star reviews:
You’ll Taste the Best, Not the Cheapest
Unlike other tours that build their menu around pricing or convenience, we only serve the best dish at each stop. Think smoked brisket that melts in your mouth, hot chicken with flavor that will knock your socks off, or a handmade caramel from a fourth-generation family business. These are not sample bites, they’re signature dishes crafted by Nashville’s most talented chefs and makers.
Some items we serve aren’t even on the menu anymore, they’re exclusive to our guests. You’ll get to experience the kind of behind-the-scenes access that usually requires a local’s recommendation.
We’re the Only Locally Founded and Operated Tour Company Left
In a city increasingly dominated by national chains and out-of-town ownership, A Little Local Flavor stands out. Our founder Christine Wheatley didn’t just build this business from scratch, she still lives in Germantown, just over a mile from Broadway, and hand-picks every tour stop, dish, and drink served on our Nashville tours.
Unlike competitors that were sold to new owners post-COVID or belong to larger chains with no local roots, we’re truly local. That means your dollars stay in Nashville. In fact, we’re proud to have invested over $1 million into locally owned businesses through our tours.
We don’t just show off Nashville, we’re part of it.
Stories That Bring the City to Life
Our guides aren’t just foodies, they’re performers, musicians, writers, and artists who’ve been trained in the art of storytelling. You’ll hear about Nashville’s hidden history, from the Christmas Day bombing to the quirky origin of our city’s hot chicken obsession. And you’ll learn about the chefs, families, and neighborhoods that make Nashville what it is today.
Want a sneak peek? One of our favorite stops features Leon’s Candy, a fourth-generation Greek family business still making caramels by hand. Another is a downtown rooftop restaurant that pioneered Nashville’s skyline dining scene, family-owned in one of Broadway’s oldest buildings. And don’t miss the whiskey stop, where you’ll sample an infusion from a brand born behind the bar by a former bartender at the iconic Josephine in 12 South.
Every dish tells a story. And we’re here to tell it well.
This Tour Builds Real Friendships
One of our favorite memories? The time a group spontaneously broke into Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” with the passengers of a pedal tavern that was stuck in traffic. Both groups were belting it out at the top of their lungs, they were strangers turned friends, dancing on the sidewalk in downtown Nashville.
That’s the kind of connection our tours create. We’ve had guests stay out well beyond the tour, continuing to explore the city together, even joining each other for dinner later that night. We’ve seen lifelong friendships form between guests from different states. Our tours draw business owners, executives, solo travelers, and families — and somehow, they always seem to find common ground.
If you’re looking for a food tour where real bonds are made, this is it.
Nashville Walking Food Tour Details
Where We Go
Our Downtown Nashville walking food tour includes 5–6 restaurant and tasting stops, each hand-selected for its flavor, quality, and connection to the city. Stops rotate based on availability but have included:
Acme Feed & Seed (historic, multi-level rooftop)
Leon’s Candy (handmade confections)
D. Andrews Bakery (James Beard finalist)
Standard Proof Whiskey Co. (local infusions born behind the bar)
The Southern Steak & Oyster (a flagship Nashville restaurant)
Mike’s Ice Cream (30+ years in business, independently owned)
You’ll cover about 1.3 miles total, with plenty of breaks and seated tastings along the way.
Tour Duration
2.5 to 3 hours
Group Size
Our public tours are small enough to be personal but big enough to be fun, capped at 12 guests per guide.
What’s Included
All food and drinks
Expert guide trained in Nashville history, storytelling, and local recommendations
Access to exclusive dishes and insider stories
Dietary accommodations available with advance notice
Reviews That Speak for Themselves
We’re proud of our 2,300+ five-star reviews and recognition in the Top 1% of Things to Do Worldwide on TripAdvisor. But don’t take our word for it — here’s what our guests have said:
“Best food tour we’ve done both domestically and internationally. The food spots and historical content were top notch.”
““You can tell how passionate this company is about supporting Nashville’s local restaurants and makers. It’s not just a food tour, it’s a love letter to the city.””
A Tour With a Bigger Purpose
When you book a food tour with us, you’re supporting:
Family-owned restaurants and legacy businesses
Local musicians, bartenders, and creatives
A team of guides who use this job to fund their artistic dreams
Just like Kyle Elliot, Brittany Moore, Sam Blasko, and Stephanie Joyce, all past tour guides who are now full-time musicians, or Rachel Martin, who became a full-time writer after her 2nd book landed a raving New York Times review and a feature on NPR. Your support goes far beyond a meal, it supports Nashville’s creative future.
Booking Your Public Food Tour in Nashville
Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a date, or bringing your family along, our public Nashville walking food tours are perfect for:
First-time visitors looking for a unique intro to the city
Food lovers seeking the best bites in town
Locals entertaining out-of-town guests
Anyone who wants to support local businesses while having a great time
We recommend booking early — especially during weekends and high season — as our tours often sell out.
Book your tour now and experience the best food tour in Nashville for yourself.
Final Bites: Why A Little Local Flavor is the Best Food Tour in Nashville
In a city overflowing with things to do, we’re proud to offer something truly special — a food tour that goes beyond the plate. With unforgettable dishes, engaging guides, deep community connections, and an unmatched commitment to local businesses, we don’t just give you a taste of Nashville. We help you fall in love with it.
Come hungry. Leave inspired.
Founder-led. Locally rooted. Always delicious.