DoorDash Launches Zesty, an AI-Powered Social App for Discovering Local Restaurants

DoorDash has introduced a new AI-powered app called Zesty to help users quickly discover local dining spots. Initially available in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York, Zesty is expanding beyond food delivery into the social and discovery space. The app aims to eliminate the need for users to sift through multiple reviews, menus, or social media platforms like TikTok when searching for new places to eat.

Upon signing in to the app with their DoorDash accounts, users can ask an AI chatbot for personalised restaurant recommendations based on their preferences. The app also offers suggested prompts, such as "Brunch spots good for groups, ""Romantic inn with a vintage feel. "In a final Instagram post, DoorDash highlighted how users can interact with the app by typing prompts such as "low-key dinner in Williamsburg that's actually for introverts."

The app aggregates information from sources such as DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, and others to curate the best online dining recommendations. Over time, Zesty learns user preferences and personalises recommendations based on what they like and dislike.

In addition to discovering new restaurants, users can save their favourite places, share them with others, and engage with other users' content. The app enables users to view and share photos and comments about restaurants they've visited, and to follow other users on the app's social networks.

A DoorDash spokesperson confirmed, "We're pilotinWe're called Zesty to make it easier to discover great nearby restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and more through personalised search and social sharing We're excited to hear from early testers as we keep shaping what local discovery can look like."

Bloomberg first reported news of the app's launch.

While DoorDash's move to delivery has prompted some users to download a new app, they may hesitate to install it if they already use tools like Google Search or assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini for restaurant discovery. However, for those who enjoy being part of a social network dedicated to local discovery, Zesty could be a welcome addition.

The introduction of Zesty followed DoorDash's early expansion beyond delivery services. Earlier this year, the company launched features that allow users to make in-person dining reservations and earn in-store rewards.