In December 2025, DoorDash took a significant step beyond food delivery by launching Zesty, a new standalone app powered by artificial intelligence. Zesty is designed to help people discover local dining experiences in a smarter and more personal way. Instead of scrolling through long reviews or social media posts, users can simply ask questions and receive tailored suggestions. This move reflects DoorDash’s ambition to shape how people decide where to eat, not just how food gets delivered to them.
Purpose and Vision of Zesty
Zesty focuses on the experience of going out rather than ordering in. DoorDash positions the app as a digital concierge that guides users to restaurants that fit their mood, preferences, and social context. By entering the local discovery space, DoorDash aims to become part of the decision-making process earlier, helping users choose where to dine before they ever think about placing an order. This shift highlights the company’s broader vision of becoming a complete food experience platform.
Core Features and User Experience
At the center of Zesty is an AI-powered chatbot that understands natural, conversational requests. Users can describe what they want in detail, such as a quiet place for conversation or a romantic restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere. The app gathers information in real time from multiple online sources, including maps, social media, and food discussion platforms, to provide relevant and timely suggestions. Zesty also includes social features, allowing users to share photos, comment on experiences, and follow friends, creating a community built around food discovery.
Personalization and Integration
Zesty is designed to learn from each user over time. As people interact with the app, it becomes better at understanding their tastes, habits, and preferences, leading to more accurate recommendations. Integration with existing DoorDash accounts makes it easy for current users to join without extra setup. This smooth entry point helps DoorDash quickly build a user base while connecting discovery directly to its broader ecosystem.
Strategic Impact and Industry Significance
The app is currently available in public beta in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City, with plans to expand in 2026. DoorDash sees Zesty as a long-term investment rather than a paid service. Its launch signals growing competition with platforms like Google and TikTok, which many people already use to find restaurants. Alongside other AI initiatives introduced in 2025, Zesty shows how DoorDash is blending technology, social interaction, and logistics, reshaping the boundaries between delivery apps and lifestyle discovery platforms.