Zest app uses AI and transaction data for dining recommendations

Zest, a new restaurant discovery app, leverages AI and linked credit card data to provide personalized dining recommendations based on actual user spending habits. The startup, which has secured $1.8 million in pre-seed funding, aims to move beyond social posturing by highlighting frequently visited local spots and hidden gems. By integrating with Plaid for secure transaction import, Zest creates a dining map for users and their followers. The app also incorporates over 80 million online reviews to enhance its suggestions, with new features like freeform notes and 'Fresh Picks' for discovering new restaurants.