Discovering the perfect restaurant in New York City can be a daunting task, especially when you have specific criteria to meet. But now, there’s an app that aims to solve this problem. The Scene, a new iOS-only “pocket concierge service,” uses machine learning to match users with the best dining, drinking, and dancing spots in NYC.
The Scene takes into account various factors when making recommendations. It considers the type of event you’re planning for, such as dinner, brunch, or drinks, as well as the occasion, whether it’s a date, a birthday celebration, or an anniversary. It also takes into account your cuisine preferences, the size of your party, your budget, the date and time of your reservation, and the neighborhood you’re interested in.
One standout feature of The Scene is its “Vibe” setting. This allows users to discover highly specific suggestions based on their preferred ambiance. Whether you’re looking for an Instagrammable club, a rooftop restaurant, or a bar with great music, The Scene has got you covered.
When you use the app, it provides you with a list of options that match your preferences. It includes descriptions of the venues, reservation times, hours of operation, links to menus or websites, and more. The Scene also integrates with Instagram and Google to provide reviews and additional information.
The Scene initially launched as a web platform in 2021 and has gained around 12,800 users since then. However, its creators are now hoping to reach even more users by launching it as an app.
Ridhima Kalani, the founder of The Scene, has a decade of experience as a personal concierge in various cities around the world. When she arrived in NYC, she noticed a gap in the market when it came to social planning. She wanted to create a platform that would democratize the demand for restaurants in the city and provide consistent demand for lesser-known spots. With The Scene, users can explore new places without worrying about being disappointed because it matches their vibe preferences.
The app currently features 550 spots located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, including popular places like Hearsay, Little Sister, Le Bain, Somewhere Nowhere, and Jack’s Wife Freda. It also highlights underrated gems like Arte Cafe, Mémé, and Pastai. In the future, The Scene plans to expand its offerings to include about 100 restaurants in Queens and launch in 22 additional cities over the next five years.
What sets The Scene apart from its competitors, such as BucketListers, SecretNYC, OpenTable, and Resy, is its hyper-personalization. The app goes beyond just restaurant reservations and offers custom recommendations for clubs and other nightlife activities. It aims to democratize demand by providing a broader selection of options and constantly fine-tuning its machine learning model to meet the founder’s high standards.
While The Scene is currently limited in features, it has plans to introduce AI-powered capabilities in the future. This includes a recommendation search engine that understands natural language queries and an AI concierge chatbot that offers a personalized conversational experience.
Currently bootstrapped, The Scene has aspirations of raising funding in the near future. With its innovative approach to social planning and its commitment to providing highly personalized recommendations, The Scene is poised to make a significant impact in the world of dining and entertainment in New York City.
