Yelp introduces AI-driven phone calls to gauge restaurant wait times and offer tailored recommendations

Yelp unveiled a collection of AI-powered features built into its mobile application, the most prominent allowing the service to dial a restaurant for a user and inquire about present wait times.

Employing natural‑language processing and voice‑generation technology, the tool carries out a short dialogue with the venue and then delivers the projected seating delay back to the diner, removing the hassle of waiting on hold.

In addition to the calling capability, Yelp is enhancing its recommendation engine. The AI tracks a user’s previous favorites, dietary restrictions and budget limits to produce personalized venue lists, intended to reduce the time spent browsing generic reviews.

This rollout mirrors a wider movement among consumer apps to adopt generative AI for everyday functions. Though Google Maps and OpenTable have tested voice‑based queries, Yelp’s method stands out by actually placing phone calls to restaurants.

Analysts predict the feature may increase user engagement, especially among younger users who demand immediate answers. However, privacy issues are expected to arise, since the service will handle user data and could record exchanges with third‑party establishments.

Yelp indicated the tools will launch in U.S. markets later this year, following a staged rollout that will integrate user feedback. The sector will be observing whether the AI‑based features enable the platform to maintain its position in the competitive restaurant‑discovery arena.