The Best Food Tours To Take in Atlanta (And How To Choose the Right One)

Atlanta’s food scene is one of the most diverse and dynamic in the South. From classic meat-and-three plates to international street food, you can taste the city’s history and rapid growth in just a few blocks. Food tours in Atlanta are an easy way to sample different neighborhoods, learn local stories, and find new favorite spots—especially if you’re short on time or new to the city.

Below are some of the best types of food tours to take in Atlanta, what to expect in each area, and how to pick the tour that fits your budget, interests, and mobility needs.

Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Food Tours

Most Atlanta food tours focus on a specific neighborhood or theme. Choosing the right area is the fastest way to get a tour you’ll actually enjoy.

1. Atlanta BeltLine & Ponce City Market Food Tours

If you only do one food tour in Atlanta, many locals suggest starting along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, anchored by Ponce City Market.

Why it’s popular:

• Huge variety of food in a small area
• Easy, mostly flat walking along the BeltLine
• Mix of local restaurants, market-style vendors, and bars
• Great for first-time visitors and groups with mixed tastes

Typical highlights include:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE) – food hall with Southern comfort food, ramen, Latin street food, pastries, and more
• Stops at BeltLine-adjacent restaurants for tacos, barbecue, or small plates
• Optional drink pairings at craft cocktail bars or breweries

Many BeltLine tours include 2–3 hours of walking with several tasting stops, so you’ll want comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Best for: First-time visitors, food hall fans, people who want to explore the BeltLine and get a broad overview of Atlanta’s food scene.

2. Downtown Atlanta & Centennial Olympic Park Food Tours

Downtown Atlanta tours often combine history, architecture, and food. They’re especially convenient if you’re already visiting landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or the Center for Civil and Human Rights near Centennial Olympic Park.

What you might experience:

• Classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, and collard greens
• Quick bites from long-running local spots
• Desserts or pralines from sweet shops
• Short walks between sites like Fairlie-Poplar, historic buildings, and public art

Downtown tours are typically less food-hall focused and more about old-school Atlanta flavors. They can be a good match if you’re interested in how Atlanta’s food connects to its civil rights and cultural history.

Best for: Travelers staying downtown, history-minded visitors, and people who want to pair sightseeing with tasting local staples.

3. Inman Park & Krog Street Market Food Tours

Inman Park is one of Atlanta’s most charming intown neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and easy access to the BeltLine. Many tours here include Krog Street Market, one of the city’s most popular food halls.

Expect:

• A mix of Southern-inspired small plates and global flavors
• Artisanal treats like ice cream, baked goods, or gourmet snacks
• A short walk through residential streets and onto the BeltLine
• Street art and murals near Krog Street Tunnel

Compared to Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market is smaller but more intimate, which some people prefer. Inman Park is also well known for brunch and date-night restaurants, so evening tours can be especially enjoyable.

Best for: People who enjoy walkable historic neighborhoods, smaller food halls, and a mix of casual and slightly upscale bites.

4. West Midtown & Craft Food/Drink Tours

West Midtown (sometimes called Westside) has transformed from an industrial area into a hub for restaurants, bars, and design shops. Food and drink tours here often feel a bit more modern and chef-driven.

Common tour features:

• Trendy restaurants offering creative small plates
• Local breweries, distilleries, or cocktail bars
• Converted warehouse spaces and stylish interiors
• Less historical focus, more on current food culture

Because West Midtown is more spread out and less walkable than the BeltLine, tours are often shorter walks or may use transportation between stops.

Best for: Foodies looking for chef-driven spots, craft beer or cocktails, and a more contemporary scene.

5. Buford Highway International Food Tours

If you want to experience Atlanta’s most diverse food corridor, look for tours on or near Buford Highway, which runs northeast from Atlanta through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville.

Typical highlights include:

• Mexican and Central American taquerias
• Korean barbecue and bakeries
• Vietnamese pho, banh mi, and bubble tea
• Chinese dim sum and regional specialties

Buford Highway is not very walkable in the traditional sense, so many tours here involve short drives or shuttles between strip malls and plazas. It’s worth it if you’re open to exploring authentic, often family-run spots you might not find on your own.

Best for: Adventurous eaters, locals wanting to go deeper, and visitors curious about Atlanta’s immigrant communities and global flavors.

6. Sweet Auburn & Soul Food / Civil Rights–Themed Tours

The Sweet Auburn neighborhood, east of downtown, is historically significant as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a center of Black culture and business. Food tours here often combine:

• Soul food staples such as fried chicken, yams, and cornbread
• Visits to long-standing local eateries
• Stops near Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Auburn Avenue landmarks
• Discussions of civil rights history, community change, and local culture

These tours are especially meaningful if you want context with your meal, connecting what’s on your plate to Atlanta’s past and present.

Best for: History lovers, people interested in Black-owned businesses and soul food, and those wanting a thoughtful, story-rich experience.

Types of Food Tours in Atlanta

Beyond neighborhoods, Atlanta food tours differ by format and focus. Knowing the style can help you match the tour to your preferences and schedule.

Walking Food Tours

Most in-town tours (BeltLine, Downtown, Inman Park, Sweet Auburn) are walking tours.

Pros:

• Easy to soak in the neighborhood
• No need to drive or park between stops
• Usually 2–3 hours with 4–6 tastings

Considerations:

• You’ll need comfortable shoes and the ability to walk at a moderate pace
• Summer heat and humidity can be intense—hydration and sun protection help
• Some routes may not be fully accessible; always check accessibility details if needed

Food Hall–Focused Tours

Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market are the main food hall hubs where food-hall-only tours are common.

Pros:

• Lots of variety in one building: ideal for groups with different tastes
• Often easier with kids or mobility limitations (indoor spaces, seating, restrooms)
• Weather-resistant—especially useful in summer storms or winter cold snaps

Considerations:

• Typically more modern and fast-casual than traditional sit-down restaurants
• Can get crowded at peak times, which may affect pace and noise level

Booze-Forward or Cocktail Tours

Atlanta’s craft beer and cocktail scene is strong, and some tours lean into drinks plus bites.

What to expect:

• Tastings at breweries, distilleries, or cocktail bars
• Small plates or shared snacks instead of large food portions
• Often scheduled in late afternoon or evening

These are normally 21+ only and may require valid ID. They can be good options in areas like West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and along certain parts of the BeltLine.

Private & Custom Group Tours

Many Atlanta food tour companies offer private tours for:

• Corporate outings and team building
• Family reunions and birthday celebrations
• Bachelor / bachelorette groups
• Student or educational groups

Private tours may allow you to:

• Choose your neighborhood or theme
• Adjust the length and number of stops
• Build in non-food elements (street art walks, history talks, or photo stops)

These are usually more expensive per person but can work well if you’re planning for a large group or want a specific experience.

How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Atlanta for You

With so many options, it helps to narrow your choice using a few practical filters.

1. Decide on Neighborhood and Vibe

Ask yourself:

• Do you want classic Southern food or more global flavors?
• Are you more interested in history or in trendy new restaurants?
• Do you want a busy, high-energy food hall or a quieter neighborhood stroll?

Quick guide:

• Broad overview & first-time visit: BeltLine + Ponce City Market or Downtown
• Charming and historic: Inman Park + Krog Street Market or Sweet Auburn
• Modern and chef-driven: West Midtown
• International & adventurous: Buford Highway

2. Check Walking Distance and Accessibility

Most tours list:

• Total distance walked (often 1–2 miles)
• Approximate duration (usually 2–4 hours)
• Notes about stairs, uneven pavement, or hills

If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, walker, or stroller, contact the tour operator ahead of time. In many intown neighborhoods, curbs, historical buildings, and BeltLine access points can affect accessibility.

3. Review What’s Included (and Portion Sizes)

Food tours rarely serve full meals at every stop; they focus on tasting portions that add up.

Look for:

• Number of stops and types of food (e.g., “4–5 tastings, dessert included”)
• Whether alcoholic drinks are included, optional, or extra
• Any dietary accommodations, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, or gluten-free alternatives

If you have serious allergies or strict dietary needs, reach out before you book. Some kitchens may have shared equipment or limited alternative options.

4. Consider Timing and Weather

Atlanta’s weather is a major factor:

• Summer (June–September): Hot and humid, afternoon storms possible
• Spring and fall: Often best for walking tours—milder temperatures
• Winter: Can be chilly but usually manageable; evenings may feel cold on the BeltLine

Many visitors enjoy late afternoon or early evening tours, especially in summer, to avoid peak heat and enjoy the city lights or sunset views.

5. Budget and Group Size

Food tour prices in Atlanta typically reflect:

• Length of the tour
• Number and type of tastings
• Whether alcoholic drinks are included
• Group size and whether it’s private or shared

If you’re budget-conscious:

• Look for shorter tours (around 2 hours) in one food hall
• Compare “tastings only” tours vs. “tastings plus cocktails”
• Consider going earlier in the day, when some options may be slightly less busy or shorter

Sample Overview: Popular Atlanta Food Tour Areas at a Glance

Practical Tips for Enjoying an Atlanta Food Tour

Use these quick pointers to make the most of your time (and appetite) in the city:

• Don’t arrive too full. Eat a light snack beforehand, but save room; most tours add up to at least a meal’s worth of food.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Surfaces can include sidewalks, brick, and BeltLine paths.
• Plan transportation. Many tours start and end at slightly different spots. MARTA rail stations like North Avenue, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, Five Points, and Peachtree Center can be convenient, but rideshare is common too.
• Bring water and sun protection. Especially for daytime summer tours along the BeltLine.
• Ask questions. Guides often know about restaurant history, chef stories, and neighborhood changes—things you won’t get just by walking around on your own.
• Check age and drink policies. Some tours welcome children; others are designed for adults with alcohol tastings.

Helpful Atlanta Locations to Know

While food tours are run by private companies, it can help to know a few reliable public or well-established locations you might use as landmarks or meeting points:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Large food hall and retail complex along the BeltLine Eastside Trail. Frequently used as a starting or ending point for BeltLine food tours.

• Krog Street Market – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Food hall adjacent to the BeltLine, near Inman Park and the Krog Street Tunnel.

• Centennial Olympic Park Area – 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (park address)
  Surrounded by major attractions and often a reference area for downtown tours.

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Landmark near Sweet Auburn food and history-focused tours.

• MARTA Rail Information – MARTA Headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324; Customer Info Line: 404-848-5000
  Useful if you’re planning to use public transit to reach a tour starting point.

Food tours in Atlanta are one of the most efficient ways to sample the city’s neighborhoods, learn its stories, and discover restaurants you’ll want to revisit. Whether you’re strolling the BeltLine, exploring downtown history blocks, or venturing up Buford Highway, choosing the right neighborhood and format will help you find the best Atlanta food tour for your taste, budget, and schedule.