DoorDash has launched a new AI-powered social app called Zesty, designed to streamline the process of discovering local restaurants. Initially available in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York, the app marks DoorDash's expansion beyond food delivery into the realm of social discovery.
Rather than relying solely on traditional search methods, Zesty eliminates the need to sift through endless reviews, compare multiple menus, or scroll through TikTok for dining inspiration. The app leverages artificial intelligence to offer tailored recommendations based on user preferences, making restaurant discovery faster and more intuitive.
After logging in with their DoorDash account, users can interact with an AI chatbot to receive personalized suggestions. For instance, as demonstrated in an Instagram promotional post, someone could type a prompt like “low-key dinner in Williamsburg for introverts” and receive targeted options. The app also provides suggested prompts such as “brunch spots good for groups” or “romantic dinner with a retro vibe” to guide user queries.
According to Andy Fang, co-founder of DoorDash, Zesty aggregates data from platforms like DoorDash, Google Maps, and TikTok to “curate the best recommendations from across the web.” This integration allows the app to deliver well-rounded and context-aware suggestions.
Zesty learns from user behavior over time, refining its understanding of individual tastes to improve future recommendations. Users can save preferred spots and easily share them with friends or the broader community.
The app also functions as a social platform where users can post photos and reviews of restaurants they’ve visited, browse content from others, and follow fellow food enthusiasts—similar to how one would engage on a typical social network.
“At DoorDash, we’re always exploring new ways to connect people with the best their communities have to offer,” a DoorDash spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch. “We’re piloting an app called Zesty to make it easier to discover great nearby restaurants, cafes, bars, and more through personalized search and social sharing. We’re excited to learn from early testers and continue shaping the future of local discovery.”
Certainly, some users may be hesitant to download yet another standalone app when tools like Google already provide basic restaurant searches. Additionally, those who regularly use AI assistants such as ChatGPT or Gemini might already rely on these services for dining suggestions. However, for individuals seeking a dedicated social experience centered around food exploration, Zesty could prove to be a compelling option.
The release of Zesty represents DoorDash’s latest move to extend its ecosystem beyond delivery. Earlier this year, the company introduced features enabling diners to make in-restaurant reservations and earn rewards for on-site visits, further positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for local dining experiences.
