Is it hot?
The latest dining rankings have stirred quite a bit of controversy. Personally, I find myself more focused on the people at the table than on the menu options, yet my observations in New York’s image-conscious restaurant scene have been, well, a bit disheartening.
Developed by Gen Z programmer Riley Walz, Look mapping identifies hotspots in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. It does this by evaluating AI-driven ratings based on profile pictures of people who leave Google reviews.
After analyzing a trove of data, the algorithm generates an average score that reflects the physical attractiveness of a restaurant’s clientele. The outcomes, at times, are downright shocking.
Take Balthazar, for instance – Keith McNally’s iconic Soho bistro, which many regard as a New York staple. However, it’s intriguing to see how its rating fluctuates over time.
Interestingly, the site doesn’t always offer clear explanations for its findings, often adding insult to injury.
For example, the Tribeca eatery, Odeon, has a startling rating of just 3.1, attributed to what seems like an unappealing crowd of middle-aged diners, who no longer attract the artistic and celebrity elite that once frequented the place.
The site notes, “The model is certainly biased. It is certainly flawed. But we judge the location by the people who go there.” The intent is to highlight our collective vanity in a somewhat humorous manner.
A renowned East Harlem Italian restaurant, known as Laos Town, earned a disappointing 3.4. It’s almost like even the AI wishes it could snag a coveted reservation there.
On a positive note, Jean-Georges, a hotspot for middle-aged patrons, scored pretty well in the ratings.
However, that doesn’t quite compare to local favorites like Katz’s Delicatessen, which boasts an impressive 8.1 score.
Interestingly, the highest ratings are reserved for some lesser-known spots, ranging from sushi places in Midtown to Thai restaurants in the Financial District.
According to AI, NYC restaurants with the hottest patrons
- Ubani Midtown: 10/10
- Thin West: 10/10
- Kyu NYC: 10/10
- Alloyd Tai Kitchen: 10/10
- Top Tie 55 Carmine: 10/10
Walz introduced the site in March, sparking a wave of reactions. It attracted criticism from some quarters, while others found it amusing.
Many users pointed out flaws in the AI model.
When interviewed, Walz acknowledged the project’s quirks and referred to the attractive ranking system as “a little janky.”
Currently, only Manhattan and the Bronx are included in the mapping, but Walz plans to expand to three more boroughs, expecting both positive and negative comments from patrons.
Younger diners are increasingly interested in where to find attractive customers. With limited budgets, they tend to prefer places where they might meet someone special.
Interestingly, a new trend has emerged on TikTok among women in their 20s, who are showing a growing interest in restaurants with better-looking patrons.
Some even call ahead to check if a restaurant’s current crowd is, well, appealing before deciding where to go.
One commenter shared, “As a hostess, I’m always eager to provide insight into our atmosphere and keep #WomensupportingWomen updated.”
