TikTok has long served as a discovery hub where viral clips drive diners to local eateries. On Wednesday the platform added a new tool called "Must Eat" to help users locate their next restaurant pick.

The community-driven guide collects restaurant buzz from across the United States and places it in a single view, putting TikTok in more direct rivalry with Yelp and Google Maps.

Instead of depending on conventional search listings, maps and standard reviews, TikTok leans on its strength, user-shared recommendations, to surface dining options.

"Must Eat" draws on more than 40 million posts and comments to compile recommendations and curated lists. Shoppers can explore venues by city and narrow results by cuisine, price, rating and location, simplifying comparison before a visit.

Listings fall into two groups: "Everyday Eats," which showcases casual neighborhood staples, and "Elevated Dining," which highlights spots suited for celebrations or special outings.

Some restaurants can also be booked straight through TikTok using OpenTable.

The rollout begins in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Users may access the feature via the search bar, the Local feed, restaurant pages or location links attached to videos that feature participating eateries.