Is this new Google Maps feature the Tinder for restaurants?
It’s a meme because it’s true—many of us have a hard time deciding where we want to eat. But what if an app on your phone could solve this problem permanently? A new feature on Google Maps could help “match” you with a restaurant, so it’s basically like Tinder…but for food. Best idea ever or best idea ever?
On Tuesday, July 31st, Google Maps launched the new Tinder-for-restaurants feature in an update that promises to tell you how well you match with a restaurant based on your food preferences and where you’ve eaten before. That way, when you’re trying to figure out if the new place in town is worth trying, you’ll have a little bit of help.
When you use the Explore tab to look for places to eat, you’ll see a percentage rating near some or all of the spots listed—that’s how “compatible” you are with that restaurant, aka the likelihood that you’ll enjoy that restaurant even if you’ve never been there before.
According to a blog post from Google, your percentages can also change over time as you keep rating restaurants and trying new places, so keep checking to see if you might like a place better as your tastes evolve.
From 1 to 💯, Your match tells you how likely you are to enjoy a new spot 🍔❤️ pic.twitter.com/7Bg6dLS5eA
— Google Maps (@googlemaps) July 12, 2018
“Your matches change as your own tastes and preferences evolve over time—it’s like your own expert sidekick, helping you quickly assess your options and confidently make a decision,” the blog post explained.
Next time you’re in an argument with your friends, yourself, or your S.O. about what’s for dinner, just check Google Maps and see if your perfect match is right around the corner. Who knows? This feature could end up helping you discover your new favorite restaurant or a food you didn’t know you’d love. Sounds way better than Tinder to us.