New AI-Based Dining Rankings in New York Raise Eyebrows

A controversial new ranking system focused not on cuisine but on the attractiveness of restaurant patrons has sparked debate in New York’s upscale restaurant scene. Created by Gen Z developer Riley Walz, LooksMapping uses artificial intelligence to evaluate the profiles of customers leaving Google reviews and assign a score to various dining spots in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

two young adults talking at a bar — Restaurants and bars have long been meeting places for singles—now, making it easier to find attractive patrons.

The algorithm averages these assessments to generate a “popularity” score based on physical appearance, which often clashes with traditional perceptions of a restaurant’s reputation. For instance, Balthazar, a renowned Soho eatery favored for celebrity spotting, scores a modest 5.4 out of 10, despite its iconic status.

Similarly, The Odeon in Tribeca, once a hub for artists and celebrities, ranks just 3.1, suggesting its clientele is viewed as less attractive by the AI model. Rao’s in East Harlem, a legendary and exclusive Italian spot, fares even worse with a 3.4 rating, perhaps indicating that even AI models recognize the iconic venue’s elusive allure.

looksmapping restaurant customers attractiveness ranker — “The model is biased and flawed, but we judge places by the people who go there,” says the website. It reflects superficial societal values.

In contrast, lesser-known establishments like Midtown sushi spot Ubani, Shinn West, KYU NYC, Aroy Dee Thai, and Top Thai 55 Carmine have achieved perfect scores of 10/10, indicating attractive clientele in the eyes of the AI—an intriguing finding that highlights the system’s biases. Several established venues, including Jean-Georges, rated 7.1, and Katz’s Delicatessen at 8.1, demonstrate that food quality can still trump image.

While critics decry the model as flawed and potentially racially biased, Walz admits the rankings are “a bit janky” and that the project is intended as satire. Currently limited to Manhattan and the Bronx, plans are underway to include the other boroughs.

Rao's restaurant entrance — Rao’s, a legendary Harlem restaurant, ranks low on the attractiveness scale, reflecting AI bias or reputation.

This ranking trend aligns with a growing social phenomenon among young women, especially on TikTok, where women are now checking patron attractiveness before selecting venues for nights out. As a reflection of societal values and modern dating culture, AI-driven assessments continue to spark debate about authenticity and superficiality in the modern dining experience.