# Bon App! — user reviews > 67 indexed App Store user reviews of Bon App! by 柱 石, rated 4.45/5 from 272 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bon-app/id867942412/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bon-app/id867942412.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 207 · 4★ 33 · 3★ 5 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 25 ## What do users think of Bon App!? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface - 🍽️ Comprehensive restaurant discovery and recommendations - 🗺️ Helpful map feature for finding nearby venues - 🌟 Reliable and honest community reviews - 📍 Chinese addresses for taxi drivers - 💰 Good deals and promotional offers - 🎯 Trending restaurant recommendations - 🏆 Gamification with points and leaderboards - 📱 Essential app for Shanghai food scene **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes and app freezes - ❌ Non-functional map feature (no results display) - ⚠️ Forced notifications and location sharing - 📅 Severely outdated restaurant information - 🔐 Unauthorized charges and payment issues - 🔍 Poor search functionality and exact spelling requirement - 😤 Aggressive push notifications and marketing screens - 📱 Screen dimension issues on newer iPhones - 🚫 Login failures (WeChat/Facebook) - 🌐 Non-functional outside of China - 🎯 Shifted focus from food to dating/social features - ⏱️ No app updates for 2+ years - 🔧 Unmoderated content (non-restaurant reviews) **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes when submitting reviews - Map view displays no restaurant results - App freezes on home screen with iOS 13+ - Crashes when clicking on restaurant photo gallery - Login doesn't work via WeChat or Facebook - Broken address copy function - App forces settings open for notifications on every launch - Constant crashes since latest update - Error #1202 upon opening - App non-functional with 'no network' errors - Filtering capabilities lost after upgrade **Most requested features** - Update restaurant information and remove closed venues - Add filter for currently open restaurants with delivery - Improve search algorithm for partial/fuzzy matching - Update app dimensions for iPhone X and newer models - Add happy hour and food specials section - Video upload capability for Meet feature - Make share to WeChat moments optional (not default) - Improve recommendation engine - More frequent Bon App Meets events ## Newest reviews (16 of 67) ### 4/5 — A bit outdated *2024-04-13, version 9.3.1* While there are lots of current restaurants found here, the culinary landscape in Shanghai changes quickly and has changed even more drastically since 2019. About half of the restaurants I looked at in my neighborhood (Xujiahui) have no new reviews since 2018 or 2019 and I’m 99% sure they aren’t there anymore, which makes it a waste of time to read about them. Perhaps app managers should do some research to clean up outdated content. ### 2/5 — Map feature stopped working weeks ago *2020-01-20, version 8.8.2* When I try to view what is near me in the map view, nothing comes up. Still not fixed. ### 4/5 — IOS13 not working *2019-09-30, version 8.7.1* App freezes at the home screen before it even loads the full page. ### 1/5 — App forces users to turn on notifications and share location *2019-07-04, version 8.5.1* The app forces users into settings to share location and turn on notifications every time the app is opened. Super desperate and bullying users to share data and have their phone cluttered by the endless/useless marketing notifications BonApp constantly pushes. Bad look, BonApp, really bad look. Very low behavior. App deleted. Whoever made this decision is an idiot and probably should not make anymore product decisions for you. ### 1/5 — Annoying *2019-07-04, version 8.5.1* Used to be great but now every time I open it. It forces me to sign up for connect. I'm not trying to meet people on this app. ### 1/5 — Hmm *2019-07-01, version 8.0.3* Dating app in Shanghai Does work at all outside China ### 1/5 — Totally sucky & shameless *2019-06-28, version 8.0.3* It FORCES u to turn on notifications. never seen an app this desperate. It’s also pretty useless. ### 1/5 — Trying to do too much *2019-06-18, version 8.0.3* This app WAS great and simple. Need a place to eat close? Need delivery? It was my go to. Now each time to open the app you have to go through 2 marketing screens which then open your settings. You have to close the settings and go back to the app if you want to browse. And lately the browsing locks so you have to close and go through all of the lame steps again. I guess I’ll be forced to use elema in Shanghai now. Bon App go back to what worked. Link an app for all that other crap. ### 1/5 — Annoying push notifications reminder *2019-06-14, version 8.0.3* The app is constantly nagging me to switch on the push notifications. I got it BonApp you have this cool social feature that you want to tell me about. But firstly, one time is enough and secondly I REALLY DON’T CARE! ### 1/5 — Stop forcing me to enable notifications to use your dating function *2019-06-06, version 8.0.3* I’ve never left a single review for any app (good or bad) but this feature is so awful I felt compelled to leave a 1 star review. Please stop doing this. ### 1/5 — I don’t want to enable notifications *2019-05-25, version 8.0.3* This is a good app and I like it. But recently they decided to try to me a social network. Every time I open the app it *forces* open the settings if you don’t have notifications enabled. This is just awful. Like apps should ask, and you can say no. Bon App literally doesn’t give you an option to decline. Every time you open the app it forces you to open the notifications in the settings before you can use the app ### 1/5 — Last update is no good *2019-05-11, version 8.0.3* If you don’t sign up for the new updates you can no longer use the app. Software released without 100% regression testing??? ### 4/5 — iPhone X Update? *2019-02-15, version 7.0.0* The app seems to be working fine but can somebody update the dimensions for the new iPhone screen? I have an iPhone XR and it is difficult to navigate Bonapp when the screen dimensions are off! Please and thank you :) ### 1/5 — Really bad *2018-07-28, version 5.6.0* It’s so frustrating to try to find a restaurant. You will only get search results if you spell what restaurant you’re looking for exactly. Also. No good recommendation engine. It’s crap. The only reason I use it is so I get the WiFi passwords for places ### 3/5 — WHY. *2017-09-08, version 5.2.0* Why do you display restaurants that can deliver if they're not open right now? PLEASE add that filter! The only way to tell is by going all the way to checkout! ### 1/5 — broken address copy function on new update *2017-05-06, version 5.0.0* ver 5, removed the ability to copy the venue address, essential to share to other people. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Gone App *2025-07-08, version 9.3.1* No update for the past 2 years and now only #1202 errors upon opening finally is laid to rest. RIP ### 1/5 — Is it now defunct *2025-05-30, version 9.3.1* The past two weeks app will not function. Only error messages to say no network!!! ### 1/5 — Terrible *2025-05-08* If you live in china stay away from this. Horrible interface and search features ### 1/5 — A slow and now final death *2023-06-28, version 9.3.1* Over the past few years this app has been spiralling into decay with each update. From May this year (2023) it finally was laid to rest and no longer works. ### 1/5 — Unmoderated waste of time *2022-08-23, version 9.1.1* The CEO, Stone, doesn’t care who posts on their platform, leaving the app to be unmoderated and completely useless, as people are left to review anything from footpaths, to buses, instead of making sure the app produces a great foodie community, aimed at posting great food and drink recommendations. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t even work *2021-05-26, version 8.9.5* I have a subscription to the magazine I am on Facebook and I can’t make an account on this app. What the heck is wrong with it what a crappy app. I was looking forward to this I used to get bon appétit magazine before. I guess this will be the last subscription I will ever have if this can’t be fixed. Do you have a nice day and heads up everybody this app is crabby ### 1/5 — Useless app *2020-05-01, version 8.9.0* First of all info simple as restaurant hours could be wrong in this app. Me and my friend learnt this the hard way. What’s worse this app would charge you without authorization. Be careful. Avoid scam. ### 1/5 — I Tried *2019-12-30, version 8.8.2* I tried to submit feedback to the developer directly via their website but I received a pop-up error “object object). So I am going to leave my feedback here. The map view of “Near Me” doesn’t populate any results. When I go to the list view there are places shown, but when I go to map view it shows my location (blue dot) but no restaurants are displayed. IPhone 7 IOS 13.3 (although this has been going on for about 3 months maybe longer) Most updated App version Deleted app and re downloaded This used to be a must have app in Shanghai, it was never great on the software side but it worked. But in the 2 years I have used it things have shifted towards a focus on meet ups and dating while the App itself has not gotten any better or more stable. Hope to become an active user again but the map search is, for me, a critical feature. ### 1/5 — Useless *2019-10-10, version 8.7.1* Can’t log in through we chat or Facebook. Log in doesn’t work and app is unusable. ### 1/5 — The app keeps shutting down unexpectedly *2019-07-12, version 8.5.1* I've had the app shut down in the middle of me reading a review. I assumed the phone gallery sign at the top of a restaurant was to view all the pictures collectively but that doesn't work- it shuts down when I try to click on that as well. It has similar features to the yelp app in the states which I like. I just wished it wasn't so glitchy. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — So useful *2021-06-04, version 8.9.5* Brilliant app ### 5/5 — 100% recommend *2019-03-10, version 7.0.0* I use this app every day! Great for checking venues, deals and activities in a city. The staff are all helpful and friendly, a good way to meet new people. ### 5/5 — Great *2018-09-09, version 5.8.0* I really like this app. Helpful and easy to use! ### 5/5 — Most used App in Shanghai outside of Wechat! *2016-12-19, version 4.8.8* I rely so much on my iPhone here in Shanghai and by a longshot Bon App gets the most use! Wechat first, then Bon App! It's quickly updated, has a large community and all the latest improvements are well received, however I wish the 'share to wechat moments' wasn't ticked as default for I don't always like to share... But if you're moving to Shanghai, this is the one app you most definitely need to get around & eat well! ### 5/5 — Must have app for a Shanghai foodie *2016-12-11, version 4.8.6* Love Bonapp. Shanghai is so big and there are many areas that I don't really explore but with Bonapp I can just choose a type of cuisine, or look at trending restaurants and visit a top notch restaurant in an area I've never been to before. Deals offered can be really good value too. Also the points and leaderboard make it fun to use. ### 5/5 — Shanghaiers must have! *2016-11-27, version 4.8.5* If you live in Shanghai and you love food... you MUST get this! Shanghai is really stepping up with all the new restaurants, and it's not easy to keep up with all of them. This app just tells you all the newest trending spots and the reviews are by users who've visited so you get an idea of what you're gonna get. It's just so awesomely useful and easy to use I practically use it every other day to check out new stuff. I also love their events as well! :) ### 5/5 — New sight on Meet *2016-10-07, version 4.8.0* Finally. I can find one place to put all the party pics/video/random comments on the Meet! Though no points given -,- would hoping the future version that I can upload my own video and share with others more easily. ### 5/5 — Amazingly accurate and refreshingly honest app for foodies in China *2016-10-06, version 4.8.0* Love this app! It helped me find both gems and popular dining spots that are authentic and stay true to the rating and the type of food at the restaurant. A highly rated Japanese restaurant taste like a great Japanese restaurant should, etc. I love the recommendation lists, which comes in handy for various types of occasions and moments. I can't say enough great things about this app! ### 5/5 — Discover great restaurants with a community touch *2016-10-06, version 4.8.0* I trust the the vast majority reviews on this app -- this is pretty rare in China. I know many friends who have discovered good restaurants and bars on this app. Now they stepped it up by recommending places based on my occasions. I've also actually met a few folks through their Bon App Meets who turned out to be pretty good people. Problem is they can't seem to get more Meets often enough. Still, hands down the best dining app in China. Sleek design too. Really like the details they put together. ### 5/5 — Must have foodie app in Shanghai *2016-09-15, version 4.7.4* Ok, you are new to Shanghai and cannot read, or speak, a word of Chinese. You are hungry and want either Indian food or a hamburger. Then this app is for you. I have now found and visited two Uyghur restaurants in Shanghai. The app gets you to the location. I enjoy the reviews. Must have if you live in Shanghai. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*