The problem is not a lack of restaurant lists.
There are already excellent map, review and reservation products. PlateLuck is for the moment after those products become too much: five hungry people, dozens of nearby places and nobody willing to make the final call.
The product rule
PlateLuck should narrow, choose and get out of the way. Smart Pick improves the odds that the recommendation fits the night without pretending to know subjective food quality.
Free, lightweight and accountless
The current site is built as a lightweight web app. Saved and recent picks are stored in the browser. Nearby map data comes from OpenStreetMap community data and public services.
How PlateLuck can support itself
PlateLuck may use clearly identified advertising and affiliate relationships to pay for hosting and development. Ordinary restaurant picks should remain separate from sponsored placement. If that policy changes, it should be disclosed clearly.