Have you ever sat down at a restaurant, stared at the menu, and wondered, “Can I even eat keto here?” If you’re following a keto diet, dining out can feel like a gamble. But don’t worry—there are amazing keto-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking your low-carb goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the best keto restaurants in 2024, reveal insider tips for ordering like a pro, and provide a comparative table to help you choose the perfect spot. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, Mexican food, or a gourmet steak, we’ve got you covered!
What Makes a Restaurant Keto-Friendly?
Before diving into the list, let’s clarify: what sets a restaurant apart as keto-friendly?
- Low-Carb Options: Restaurants offering dishes with minimal carbs, such as bunless burgers, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower crusts, are ideal.
- Protein-Rich Choices: Steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, and eggs are staples in keto dining.
- Customizable Menus: Flexibility to adjust dishes (e.g., swapping fries for veggies) is crucial.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, butter, and cheese are keto favorites.
With these factors in mind, here are the top keto restaurants that cater to your preferences.
Top 10 Keto Restaurants in 2024
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Chipotle’s customizable menu makes it a haven for keto dieters. The Keto Lifestyle Bowl is specifically designed for low-carb eaters, featuring cauliflower rice, grilled chicken or steak, guacamole, cheese, and salsa.
- Keto Tip: Skip the rice and beans. Opt for extra guac or sour cream for healthy fats.
Signature Keto Dish:
Keto Salad Bowl with Chicken – only 7g net carbs.
2. Five Guys
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Craving a burger? Five Guys lets you order your burger “bunless” or wrapped in lettuce. They also allow you to add as much cheese, bacon, or avocado as you want.
- Keto Tip: Avoid the milkshakes and fries. Double up on the burger patties for added protein.
Signature Keto Dish:
Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger – only 4g net carbs.
3. Texas Roadhouse
Why It’s Great for Keto:
This steakhouse is perfect for those sticking to a high-fat, low-carb plan. Their juicy steaks, grilled shrimp, and buttered vegetables are keto staples.
- Keto Tip: Skip the complimentary bread rolls (we know it’s hard!) and load up on a steak with extra butter.
Signature Keto Dish:
Grilled Ribeye with Steamed Broccoli – 0g net carbs.
4. Blaze Pizza
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Blaze Pizza has revolutionized keto dining with their Keto Crust, made from flaxseed, mozzarella, and eggs. You can customize your pizza with keto-friendly toppings like bacon, spinach, and olives.
- Keto Tip: Stick to low-carb toppings and skip sugary sauces like BBQ.
Signature Keto Dish:
Build-Your-Own Keto Pizza – only 4g net carbs per slice.
5. The Cheesecake Factory
Why It’s Great for Keto:
While The Cheesecake Factory is famous for its decadent desserts, they also offer a massive menu with keto-friendly options like bunless burgers, grilled salmon, and Cobb salads.
- Keto Tip: Avoid pasta and breaded items. Opt for their low-carb cheesecake sweetened with stevia.
Signature Keto Dish:
Grilled Salmon with Asparagus – 2g net carbs.
6. In-N-Out Burger
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Known for its “secret menu,” In-N-Out offers a Protein Style Burger, which replaces the bun with lettuce. Plus, you can add extra cheese and patties for protein-packed meals.
- Keto Tip: Order “Protein Style” and skip the ketchup. Add mustard and pickles for flavor.
Signature Keto Dish:
Double-Double Protein Style – 5g net carbs.
7. Sweetgreen
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Sweetgreen specializes in fresh, customizable salads. Load up on greens, proteins, and keto-friendly toppings like avocado, eggs, and nuts.
- Keto Tip: Use olive oil or lemon juice as a dressing to avoid hidden sugars.
Signature Keto Dish:
Guacamole Greens Salad – 8g net carbs.
8. Red Lobster
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Seafood lovers rejoice! Red Lobster offers an array of keto-friendly dishes like grilled salmon, shrimp scampi, and lobster tails.
- Keto Tip: Skip the Cheddar Bay Biscuits (sad, we know) and focus on butter-drenched seafood.
Signature Keto Dish:
Lobster Tail with Butter Sauce – 1g net carb.
9. Buffalo Wild Wings
Why It’s Great for Keto:
Wings are a keto favorite, and Buffalo Wild Wings offers plenty of sauce options that are low in carbs. Their traditional wings (not breaded) are perfect for keto diners.
- Keto Tip: Stick to dry rubs like Lemon Pepper or Parmesan Garlic instead of sugary sauces.
Signature Keto Dish:
10 Traditional Wings with Parmesan Garlic Sauce – 3g net carbs.
10. Olive Garden
Why It’s Great for Keto:
While Olive Garden is known for pasta and breadsticks, you can still enjoy keto-friendly options like grilled chicken, salmon, and zoodles (zucchini noodles).
- Keto Tip: Ask for veggies instead of pasta and avoid creamy soups like Zuppa Toscana.
Signature Keto Dish:
Herb-Grilled Salmon with Zoodles – 5g net carbs.
Keto Restaurant Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Best Keto Dish | Net Carbs (Approx.) | Customizable Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipotle | Keto Salad Bowl with Chicken | 7g | Yes |
| Five Guys | Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger | 4g | Yes |
| Texas Roadhouse | Grilled Ribeye with Broccoli | 0g | Yes |
| Blaze Pizza | Build-Your-Own Keto Pizza | 4g per slice | Yes |
| Cheesecake Factory | Grilled Salmon with Asparagus | 2g | Yes |
| In-N-Out Burger | Double-Double Protein Style | 5g | Yes |
| Sweetgreen | Guacamole Greens Salad | 8g | Yes |
| Red Lobster | Lobster Tail with Butter Sauce | 1g | Yes |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10 Traditional Wings (Parmesan Garlic) | 3g | Yes |
| Olive Garden | Herb-Grilled Salmon with Zoodles | 5g | Yes |
Top Tips for Ordering Keto at Any Restaurant
- Ask for Customizations: Don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions, like veggies instead of fries or lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Watch Out for Hidden Carbs: Sauces, dressings, and marinades often sneak in sugar. Stick to olive oil, butter, or cream-based sauces.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Grilled meats, fresh veggies, and healthy fats are your go-to choices.
- Skip the Starters: Bread baskets and chips are tempting but not keto-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Dining out while staying keto doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little planning and the right restaurant choices, you can enjoy delicious meals that keep you on track. So, next time you’re craving a night out, try one of these amazing keto-friendly spots—your taste buds (and macros) will thank you!
FAQs About Keto-Friendly Restaurants
What fast-food chains are keto-friendly?
Some of the best fast-food options for keto are Chipotle, Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Can I eat dessert on keto at restaurants?
Yes! Some places, like The Cheesecake Factory, offer low-carb desserts like stevia-sweetened cheesecake.
What drinks are keto-friendly at restaurants?
Stick to water, unsweetened tea, coffee, or sparkling water. Avoid sugary sodas and juices.
How do I avoid hidden carbs in restaurant meals?
Ask about ingredients, avoid breaded items, and choose simple dishes like grilled meats and steamed veggies.
Are there keto-friendly Italian restaurants?
Yes! Italian restaurants like Olive Garden offer options like zoodles (zucchini noodles) and grilled proteins.
