In office last week the big question of “what to do for Valentine’s Day” came up when our boss asked us “in a relationship” gals what to do, what to buy, where to go? We made a few decent suggestions, but ultimately dining out can be quite a personal experience; with fussy eaters or preferences, not all suggestions land well. But a groundbreaking South African startup called FindMy has launched and is using AI to transform how we discover local restaurants.
The AI Restaurant Whisperer
FindMy acts as your exceptionally well-informed local friend—one who’s somehow managed to dine at every restaurant in your vicinity and remembers every detail perfectly. The platform’s sophisticated AI agents don’t just process data; they understand the subtle nuances that make dining experiences memorable.
According to the recent African Digital Innovation Report 2024 by Innovation Cape, AI-powered recommendation systems have seen a 156% adoption increase across South African food service applications—and FindMy is leading this transformation.
Beyond Basic Algorithms
What sets FindMy apart—and this is where it gets really interesting—is its ability to interpret the context behind your preferences. It’s not just about liking spicy food or preferring outdoor seating. The AI considers factors like your previous dining patterns, time of day, weather conditions, and even your social media activity (with permission, of course).
The system also learns continuously from user feedback, creating what the company calls “taste fingerprints.” These unique profiles become increasingly accurate over time, much like how a sommelier develops a deeper understanding of a regular customer’s wine preferences.
Looking Ahead
The platform’s foundation rests on a sophisticated network of AI agents that work in concert. Each agent specialises in different aspects of the dining experience: one focuses on cuisine authenticity, another on ambiance, and yet another on price-to-quality ratios.
As FindMy continues to evolve, they’re exploring integration with virtual reality to offer immersive preview experiences of restaurants. Imagine being able to virtually walk through a venue before making a reservation—it’s not science fiction anymore.
The Bottom Line
In a world where decision fatigue is real, FindMy offers a refreshingly personal solution to the age-old question: “Where should we eat?” While some might argue that AI removes the element of surprise from dining discoveries, I’d counter that it actually enhances our ability to find truly meaningful culinary experiences.
The platform isn’t perfect—sometimes it needs a gentle nudge to understand specific dietary restrictions—but it’s remarkably close to being the ideal dining companion. FindMy represents the kind of practical, user-focused innovation that will define the future of AI applications in our daily lives. (User experience is at an all time high when it comes to which models will win out.)
Give it a try. You might just discover your new favourite restaurant tomorrow – just in time for Valentine’s Day 2025!
