Google maps to ‘match’ your tastes to any restaurant in the world

A new function on Google Maps promises to let you know if you are a ‘match’ for any restaurant in the world, based on the places it knows you have already been too, personal tastes and user reviews of the restaurant.

The new match feature is available with the latest update of Google Map on iOS

Google Maps on iOS was updated on Tuesday, introducing a new feature that predicts how much you will like any given restaurants searched for on the app, using insights gathered from your movements online.

The feature will be automatically enabled once a user updates to the latest version, and will automatically show if you are a “match” for any restaurant by generating a percentage score.

This score is calculated based on your “unique preferences”, which it has access to thanks to its ability to track your search history and places you have visited, along with information it retains on each restaurant and user reviews.

“We use machine learning to generate this number, based on a few factors: what we know about a business, the food and drink preferences you’ve selected in Google Maps, places you’ve been to, and whether you’ve rated a restaurant or added it to a list,” said Google introducing the new feature in a blog post in May.

“Your matches change as your own tastes and preferences evolve over time – it’s like your own expert sidekick, helping you quickly assess your options and confidently make a decision.”

Billed as having your own “expert sidekick” in your pocket, Google believes the feature will help users to quickly assess if a restaurant is up their street or not, and more easily seek out reliable venues when travelling in an unfamiliar city.

A second feature will help users to plan events, adding a potential restaurant and date to a shareable list and inviting your friends and family can then vote for their favourite.

“Once you’ve made a decision together, you can use Google Maps to book a reservation and find a ride,” it said.

The function can be accessed by anyone using an iOS device with the latest version of Google Maps, which is downloadable from the App Store.