Are you on a keto diet and feeling overwhelmed by the vast food scene in New York City? Navigating through carb-laden menus in the city that never sleeps can be a challenge. But fear not – there are some incredible keto-friendly restaurants across NYC that cater to your low-carb, high-fat needs without sacrificing flavor.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the best keto restaurants in NYC, based on the latest reviews and recommendations. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots will ensure you stick to your ketogenic goals while enjoying the best food the city has to offer.
What is Keto?
Before diving into the best keto-friendly restaurants in NYC, let’s quickly recap what the ketogenic diet is. Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet where the body shifts into ketosis, a state where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. If you’re following this diet, your meals are usually comprised of protein, healthy fats, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables, with minimal sugars or carbs.
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s explore the top keto restaurants in New York City that make sticking to this diet easy and delicious.
Top 10 Keto Restaurants in NYC
1. Hu Kitchen
Location: 78 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Cuisine: Paleo, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
Hu Kitchen is a haven for health-conscious eaters, with a menu free from processed ingredients, gluten, and refined sugar. Their food philosophy centers around simple, real ingredients, making it an excellent spot for keto dieters.
- Keto Highlights: The “Meat Lover’s Bowl” is a must-try, featuring grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and a selection of keto-friendly vegetables. Pair it with their “Bulletproof Coffee” for the perfect keto meal.
- Why It’s Great: They focus on whole foods and offer plenty of customizable options to fit your macros.
- Drink Menu: From almond milk lattes to turmeric teas, Hu Kitchen has a range of keto-friendly drinks to compliment your meal.
2. The Little Beet
Location: Multiple Locations (Flagship: 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020)
Cuisine: Healthy, Farm-to-Table, Keto-Friendly Options
The Little Beet prides itself on offering farm-to-table meals with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While not exclusively keto, their menu is highly customizable, and they offer plenty of low-carb options.
- Keto Highlights: The “Roasted Chicken Plate” with cauliflower rice and avocado is perfect for keto lovers. You can also build your own bowl with various keto-friendly proteins and low-carb veggies.
- Why It’s Great: The emphasis on real, wholesome ingredients makes this a top choice for anyone looking to stay on track with their diet.
- Drink Menu: Try their homemade lemonade (with no added sugar) or their selection of cold brew coffees.
3. Roast Kitchen
Location: 744 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Cuisine: Bowls, Salads, Keto-Friendly
Roast Kitchen offers a build-your-own-bowl concept, which is perfect for keto dieters who want control over their ingredients. You can choose from a variety of proteins, low-carb vegetables, and healthy fats to create the perfect meal.
- Keto Highlights: Opt for the “Zucchini Noodles” as a base, and load up on roasted chicken, grilled steak, or salmon. Add some avocado and a keto-friendly dressing like olive oil or tahini.
- Why It’s Great: The customization possibilities are endless, and you can create a meal that perfectly fits your keto macros.
- Drink Menu: Their selection of unsweetened iced teas and sparkling waters make excellent keto-friendly beverage choices.
4. Bareburger
Location: Multiple Locations (Flagship: 535 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012)
Cuisine: Organic Burgers, Keto-Friendly Options
Bareburger is known for its organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices. While burgers might seem off-limits on keto, Bareburger offers plenty of modifications to make it a perfect fit for your diet.
- Keto Highlights: Swap out the bun for a lettuce wrap or go bunless entirely. Their “Beyond Burger” or “Elk Burger” with avocado, bacon, and a fried egg is a keto dream come true.
- Why It’s Great: The ability to customize your burger makes it easy to keep things keto. Plus, their meats are organic and sustainably sourced.
- Drink Menu: Bareburger offers a variety of keto-approved drinks, including sparkling water and unsweetened iced tea.
5. Springbone Kitchen
Location: 90 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
Cuisine: Bone Broth, Paleo, Keto-Friendly
Springbone Kitchen specializes in nutrient-dense meals, with a particular focus on bone broth and paleo-friendly dishes. Many of their menu items are naturally keto-friendly, making it a fantastic option for low-carb dieters.
- Keto Highlights: The “Keto Bowl” with grass-fed beef, avocado, and cauliflower rice is a must. Their bone broths are also keto-friendly, packed with healthy fats and collagen.
- Why It’s Great: Springbone’s commitment to clean eating aligns perfectly with the ketogenic diet.
- Drink Menu: In addition to their famous bone broths, they offer keto-friendly drinks like unsweetened matcha and MCT oil-infused coffee.
6. Westville
Location: Multiple Locations (Flagship: 210 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014)
Cuisine: American, Keto-Friendly Options
Westville is a New York City staple known for its fresh, seasonal produce and simple, clean dishes. While not exclusively keto, their menu offers a range of low-carb options.
- Keto Highlights: The “Grilled Salmon” with roasted Brussels sprouts and sautéed kale is a perfect keto-friendly meal. You can also opt for a protein-packed omelette if you visit for brunch.
- Why It’s Great: Westville’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients makes it a great choice for anyone following a keto diet.
- Drink Menu: Try their refreshing cucumber water or stick to classic unsweetened iced tea.
7. 5 Napkin Burger
Location: 630 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Cuisine: Burgers, Keto-Friendly Options
5 Napkin Burger is another burger joint that offers plenty of keto modifications. With a focus on gourmet burgers and fresh ingredients, it’s easy to stay low-carb here.
- Keto Highlights: Order the “5 Napkin Burger” without the bun and substitute fries for a side salad or veggies. The burger is loaded with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and aioli – all keto-friendly!
- Why It’s Great: The quality of the ingredients and their flexibility with modifications make 5 Napkin Burger a solid choice for keto dieters.
- Drink Menu: Stick to water or opt for one of their sugar-free cocktails (ask the waiter for details).
8. Dig
Location: Multiple Locations (Flagship: 1178 Broadway, New York, NY 10001)
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table, Keto-Friendly Options
Dig operates with a farm-to-table ethos, offering wholesome, customizable bowls. Their commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures that you’re getting nutrient-dense meals that fit within your keto requirements.
- Keto Highlights: Build your own bowl with a base of cauliflower rice, add some grilled chicken, and top with avocado and olive oil for a perfect keto meal.
- Why It’s Great: The emphasis on real food and customization makes it easy to maintain your keto diet here.
- Drink Menu: Their selection of herbal teas and unsweetened beverages are perfect for keto dieters.
9. Sweetgreen
Location: Multiple Locations (Flagship: 413 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013)
Cuisine: Salads, Keto-Friendly Options
Sweetgreen is famed for its healthy salads and bowls, and they offer plenty of keto-friendly ingredients that you can mix and match to create the perfect low-carb meal.
- Keto Highlights: Opt for the “Guacamole Greens” salad with no tortilla chips and extra avocado or build your own salad with ingredients like arugula, grilled chicken, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Why It’s Great: Sweetgreen’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients ensures that you’re getting a nutrient-packed meal that aligns with your keto diet.
- Drink Menu: Stick to water or unsweetened iced teas for a keto-friendly drink option.
10. Gramercy Tavern
Location: 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
Cuisine: American, Fine Dining, Keto-Friendly Options
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Gramercy Tavern offers keto-friendly options with a fine-dining twist. Their focus on seasonal, local ingredients makes it easy to find keto dishes on their menu.
- Keto Highlights: The “Roasted Duck Breast” with sautéed spinach and a side of roasted mushrooms is a perfect keto-friendly option. They can also customize dishes to fit your dietary needs.
- Why It’s Great: Gramercy Tavern’s attention to detail and use of high-quality ingredients make it an excellent choice for keto diners who want something a bit more refined.
- Drink Menu: Their selection of dry wines and sugar-free cocktails is perfect for keto-conscious customers.
Keto Restaurants Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Location | Keto-Friendly Dishes | Customization Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hu Kitchen | 78 5th Ave | Meat Lover’s Bowl, Bulletproof Coffee | High | $$ |
| The Little Beet | 135 W 50th St | Roasted Chicken Plate, Custom Bowls | High | $$ |
| Roast Kitchen | 744 9th Ave | Zucchini Noodles, Grilled Proteins | High | $$ |
| Bareburger | 535 LaGuardia Pl | Bunless Burgers, Avocado, Bacon | High | $$ |
| Springbone Kitchen | 90 W 3rd St | Keto Bowl, Bone Broth | Moderate | $$ |
| Westville | 210 W 10th St | Grilled Salmon, Omelettes | Low | $$ |
| 5 Napkin Burger | 630 9th Ave | Bunless Burgers, Keto Side Salads | Moderate | $$ |
| Dig | 1178 Broadway | Custom Bowls with Keto Ingredients | High | $$ |
| Sweetgreen | 413 Greenwich St | Guacamole Greens, Custom Salads | High | $$ |
| Gramercy Tavern | 42 E 20th St | Roasted Duck Breast, Custom Dishes | Moderate | $$$ |
By sticking to this guide, you’ll be able to find the best keto-friendly restaurants in NYC that align with your dietary preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual burger or a fine dining experience, New York City offers something for every keto dieter. Stay healthy, stay keto!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there keto-friendly restaurants in NYC?
Absolutely! NYC has a wide variety of keto-friendly restaurants, from casual spots like Bareburger to fine dining options like Gramercy Tavern.
What should I avoid when ordering keto in NYC restaurants?
Avoid bread, pasta, rice, sugary sauces, and anything with high-carb ingredients. Opt for protein, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies.
Is it easy to customize meals for keto at NYC restaurants?
Yes, many restaurants offer customizable options, allowing you to build your own bowls or swap out high-carb ingredients for keto-friendly alternatives.
Can I find keto-friendly drinks in NYC restaurants?
Yes, many places offer keto-friendly drinks like unsweetened teas, bulletproof coffee, and sugar-free cocktails. Always ask about the ingredients to be sure.
What’s the price range for keto-friendly meals in NYC?
Prices vary, but expect to pay between $10 to $30 per meal, depending on the restaurant and location.
By sticking to this guide, you’ll be able to find the best keto-friendly restaurants in NYC that align with your dietary preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual burger or a fine dining experience, New York City offers something for every keto dieter. Stay healthy, stay keto!
