How Zesty uses AI to find your next meal
DoorDash launched Zesty, an AI-powered social app, in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York to help users discover local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Users sign in with DoorDash accounts and query an AI chatbot for personalized recommendations.
The app addresses the process of finding new places to eat by eliminating the need to read multiple reviews, examine various menus, or browse platforms like TikTok. Zesty provides quick access to curated suggestions tailored to specific preferences expressed through user prompts.
DoorDash shared an example in an Instagram promo post where a user types, “A low‑key dinner in Williamsburg that’s actually good for introverts,” to receive targeted venue options in that neighborhood. The interface also displays suggested prompts to guide users, including “Brunch spots good for groups” for larger gatherings and “Romantic dinner with a vintage feel” for date-night atmospheres.
DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang detailed the app’s data aggregation in an X post, stating that Zesty pulls information across DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, and additional sources to curate the best suggestions from the web. This multi-source approach compiles diverse data points into coherent recommendations.
Today, we’re excited to launch Zesty, a new food discovery app to help you find the best local places.
Powered by AI to help you search how you want and ask questions like a concierge; and aggregating info across DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, etc. to curate the best suggestions… pic.twitter.com/q2MB6UCKSH
— Andy Fang (@andyfang) December 16, 2025
Zesty tracks user interactions to learn individual tastes over time, identifying preferences and dislikes based on saved items and feedback. When users encounter a appealing recommendation, they can save it directly within the app for later reference and share it with contacts via integrated sharing tools.
The app incorporates social networking elements, allowing users to view photos uploaded by others about visited restaurants and post their own images along with comments detailing experiences. Users discover content created by fellow community members and follow individuals whose tastes align with theirs, replicating dynamics found on established social platforms.
A DoorDash spokesperson provided context to TechCrunch, saying, “At DoorDash, we’re always looking for new ways to help people connect with the best of their communities.” The spokesperson continued, “We’re piloting an app called Zesty to make it easier to discover great nearby restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and more through personalized search and social sharing. We’re excited to learn from early testers as we keep shaping what local discovery can look like.”
Bloomberg first reported the launch of Zesty. Individuals seeking restaurant discoveries often turn to Google for mapping and review integration. Those accustomed to AI assistance in daily routines use services like ChatGPT and Gemini to generate venue suggestions based on descriptive queries.
This rollout follows DoorDash’s earlier expansions this year, which introduced features enabling customers to make reservations for in-person dining directly through the platform. The company also implemented in-store rewards, allowing users to earn points redeemable at physical locations beyond delivery services.