Rating New York City Viral Eats in 24 Hours

I’m rating as many New York City Viral Eats I can try in 24 Hours. New York City is full of delicious food options, from TikTok-famous chocolate chip cookies to my favorite taco spot in town. Today, I’m taste testing everything I can in one day and sharing what’s worth the hype!

Every Viral Spot I Ate in NYC in 24 Hours

Lately I’ve been seeing so many of these New York City restaurants on repeat. I definitely need to know if they live up to the hype. Since I only have a day in New York, I’ve decided that I have to try as many as I can in a 24 hour food tour. We’re trying everything from iconic sourdough bagels to late night halal carts. Some of these are spots I’ve loved going to every time I’m in town, while others are so viral, i have to try for myself.

Apollo Bagels – 9/10

I feel like I’ve been seeing Apollo Bagels everywhere online, so of course we had to check it out as our first stop in New York City. They started as a little pop-up during 2021. Now, they have 4 locations around the city, including the West Village spot we went to. Apollo is known for their sourdough bagels, especially the everything bagel. Their bagels have a crispy golden crust and the perfect chewy bite inside. The menu is super simple, just a handful of spreads and sandwiches, but that’s part of the charm.

We grabbed a bagel with cream cheese ($5) and one with smoked salmon, dill, and capers ($15). Both bagels had that crunchy outside and soft, chewy center, but honestly the cream cheese one was the winner for me. It was so simple, but sometimes that’s all you need to really taste how good the bagel is. It’s a 10/10 spot to start our day in NYC!

Isshiki Matcha – 9/10

Next up, I had to try the matcha at Isshiki Matcha. This matcha spot is tucked inside Moko, a Japanese omakase restaurant at night. During the day, it’s all about matcha. Isshiki offers a range of unique drinks made with premium matcha from Japan. You can really taste the difference!

As someone who drinks matcha almost every single day, their strawberry matcha blew me away. Their housemade strawberry syrup was so fresh and had just the right amount of sweetness. It balances out the earthy flavor of the matcha perfectly. I could’ve easily had a second cup. It’s a cozy little spot that fills up quickly in the afternoon, so I’d recommend stopping by earlier in the day if you want to grab a seat.

Fish Cheeks – 8.5/10

Fish Cheeks has been on my list forever, and it’s one of those New York spots everyone seems to hype up. They’re known for family-style, seafood-focused Thai dishes. I’m so excited I finally got the chance to go for lunch! I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical at first that it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But, Fish Cheeks absolutely delivered.

We of course had to try everything. We started with their spicy, savory Zaab Wings ($18). Their Thai steamed fish ($40) and the thick and fragrant Coconut Crab Curry ($30) were so flavorful with a bowl of hot white rice. The crab fried rice ($38) was fluffy and packed with chunks of crab meat. The whole meal was delicious! It’s an 8.5/10 for me.

Los Tacos No. 1 – 8.5/10

After some window shopping, it was snack time, and of course, I had to stop at Los Taco No. 1. This is my go-to taco spot in New York. I come back here every single time, and it never disappoints. Their menu is simple, with 4 main options: steak, chicken, pork, and cactus. You can enjoy each option as a taco ($5-6 each), a quesadilla ($6-8 each), or a plate ($12). They come loaded with tons of cilantro, onion, salsa, and guacamole.

What makes it even better is the way you can see each taco comes together right in front of you. It’s an endless cycle of fresh tortillas on the grills, then being piled high with toppings. if you order the adobada, you’ll see the pork shaved straight from the spit with a slice of pineapple cut right on top. It’s fast, but feels like a little ritual you get to watch unfold. I usually round out my meal with one of their rotating aguas frescas ($4.75). The jamaica flavor is my favorite, tart and refreshing alongside the tacos.

Levain Bakery – 8/10

For something sweet, we had to grab grabbed the iconic Levain Bakery cookies. Opened since 1995, New Yorkers have loved Levain Cookies for their massive, crispy 6 oz cookies with a soft center. Their lineup includes classic flavors like Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, as well as seasonal rotating flavors. They’re thick, gooey, and worth every bite. In fact, I always pick up extra for friends and family back home, since they travel so well!

Olio e Più – 7/10

For dinner, we headed to Olio e Più. This rustic Italian eatery in Greenwich Village also has locations in Chicago and Washington D.C. They serve delicious handmade pastas and pizzas, plus a tasty range of cocktails. We started with the Parmigiana di Melanzane ($26), bubbling hot with layers of smoky cheese and tomato, alongside the bruschetta tricolore ($19), stacked with burrata, ricotta cream, and sweet tomatoes.

Of course, we had to try their signature mains, starting with the Tartufata Pizza ($32) with black truffle and mushrooms, and a silky spaghetti alla carbonara ($29), rich with guanciale and just the right amount of chili oil. Plus, their mocha espresso martini ($21) is always one of my favorites. I’ve been here a few times, so I’m going to be honest, the vibes here definitely outshine the food. But, its ambience always makes it such a good time.

Adel’s Famous Halal Cart – 10/10

No trip to New York is complete without a late-night stop at Adel’s Famous Halal Food. Parked on the corner of 49th and 6th, this cart has a line the moment it opens at 6 PM, with a mix of office workers, tourists, and locals who all swear by it. The portions are huge, and the price is affordable. The menu is straightforward: chicken, lamb, steak, or falafel served over rice or in a gyro, plus fries and a few sides.

Of course, I had to go for the $9 combo plate, a generous portion of fluffy yellow rice piled with grilled chicken, lamb, and steak, then absolutely drenched in their signature white sauce and a fiery red hot sauce. It’s cheap, filling, and the perfect late night treat.

For More Viral Foodie Adventures, check out these posts!