Yelp, who? 4 ways Google Maps can help you find your next meal – and order it
There’s more to Google Maps’ dining tools than reviews and directions – and a few are worth a look before your next night out.
Google Maps is evolving beyond simple navigation, now offering AI-powered features to assist users in finding dining establishments and even placing orders. With features like Ask Maps, powered by Gemini, users can converse with the chat tool to discover restaurants matching their preferences and place orders through platforms such as Toast, Square, and Uber Eats.
The Explore tab provides a "trending" section, showcasing eateries that are popular among other Maps users in your vicinity. This can be useful for discovering trending restaurants based on social media trends, such as viral videos on Instagram or TikTok.
Upon selecting a restaurant, the "Know Before You Go" tab offers insights contributed by previous users, including details on dress codes, menu restrictions, and parking availability – all of which are crucial when searching for new dining locations. Google has compiled a fan-favorite dining list for 10 global cities, reflecting the impact of social media on culinary trends.
For instance, the list highlights the surge in interest for cheeseburgers in Tokyo, Japan, with a 216% increase over the past year. Additionally, the list categorizes popular searches within cities, including meals, beverages, and sweet treats, which can guide users in selecting the best dining options.
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