Looking for a Yelp alternative? Molly Ford and Sarah Jesup offer up the Food Lens, billed as “a curated website that enables the culinarily curious to rediscover Boston’s dining scene.’’

“Both Molly and I, in addition to our writers, visit a spot multiple times, for different meals — trying to eat most of the menu, if not all of it — before developing an opinion together,’’ says Jesup. They use “a vigorous vetting process’’ before including an establishment in their list of “The Spots’’ — 60-something bars, bakeries, and restaurants ranging from neighborhood joints like Trina’s Starlite Lounge to fine-dining restaurants like Menton. “We never share our purpose with the restaurant and we never accept payment or trade for coverage. That’s what keeps it really authentic. We want to be treated like any other diner,’’ Jesup says.

The pair met as undergrads at Boston University and found friendship in their mutual interest in food and travel. After graduation, Ford, a San Diego native, returned to the West Coast to put her broadcast journalism degree to work at a sports television production company. Jesup, originally from Vermont, spent time as an executive assistant before the two decided to meet back up in Boston to launch the Food Lens. Ford says, “It started because of our love of travel. During our trips we would find that a lot of the crowd-sourced sites out there often left us pretty disappointed.’’

The pair is still figuring out how to monetize the site. They are investigating advertising, a sponsored content section, and perhaps even a concierge travel service down the road. The current iteration is built to see what readers want to engage with. Content includes lists filtered by food type (categorized by cravings like doughnuts and lobster rolls), behind-the-scenes pieces on popular restaurants, and a weekly drink recipe from Boston cocktail bars.

One thing they won’t be doing? Panning restaurants. If an establishment makes it on to the site, it’s because they both believe it is well worth a visit. If a spot doesn’t meet their standards, they don’t write about it. Jesup says, “It’s something we are both really passionate about, and we have a small team of writers whom we’ve grown really close to that have done a good job. Everyone is super excited about the site. It’s a lot of work, a lot of eating, but it’s fun, really fun.’’ Go to www.thefood lens.com. CATHERINE SMART

Catherine Smart can be reached at cathjsmart@gmail.com.