Are you tired of searching for keto-friendly meals when dining out? Sticking to a ketogenic diet can be challenging, especially when restaurants do not cater to specific dietary needs. But don’t worry! If you’re in San Diego, you’re in luck. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, San Diego offers a variety of restaurants that serve delicious, keto-friendly dishes.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best keto restaurants in San Diego that cater to your low-carb, high-fat lifestyle. Whether you’re craving a flavorful breakfast, a juicy burger without the bun, or a hearty salad drenched in healthy fats, these restaurants have got you covered. Plus, we’ll share tips on what to order and why these spots are worth a visit.
Let’s dive into the best keto restaurants in San Diego!
1. Pure Burger
Location:
Address: 2646 Del Mar Heights Rd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Website: pure-burger.com
Pure Burger is a haven for keto dieters who want to indulge in a delicious, satisfying burger without breaking their carb bank. Known for their organically sourced, locally raised beef, Pure Burger allows you to customize your burger to fit your keto lifestyle perfectly.
Key Features:
- Grass-fed beef: Pure Burger prides itself on using 100% grass-fed, organic beef, which aligns with keto principles of healthy fats.
- Keto-friendly buns: They offer lettuce-wrap or keto-friendly buns, making it easy for you to enjoy a delicious, low-carb burger.
- Fresh ingredients: Everything from their avocado to their cheese is fresh and sourced locally.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- Lettuce-Wrapped Avocado Bacon Burger: Loaded with healthy fats from avocado and bacon, wrapped in crisp lettuce instead of a bun.
- Keto Salad Bowl: A customizable salad bowl with your choice of protein, cheese, and low-carb veggies.
If you’re craving a hearty burger while staying true to your keto diet, Pure Burger should be at the top of your list!
2. Café Gratitude
Location:
Address: 1980 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: cafegratitude.com
For those seeking a vegan twist on keto, Café Gratitude offers an innovative menu filled with plant-based, low-carb dishes. While the menu leans vegan, they accommodate keto dieters with their healthy fats and veggie-forward meals.
Key Features:
- Plant-based and keto-friendly options: Even though it’s a vegan restaurant, Café Gratitude offers many dishes rich in healthy fats and low in carbs.
- Organic ingredients: Every dish is made with organic, locally sourced produce, ensuring fresh and nutrient-dense meals.
- Smoothie alternatives: Try their low-carb smoothies packed with coconut milk and avocado.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- I Am Whole: A macrobiotic bowl featuring sea vegetables, avocado, and kimchi, which can be customized for a keto diet.
- I Am Liberated: A cauliflower crust pizza, with dairy-free cheese, perfect for those following a plant-based keto diet.
Café Gratitude is an excellent choice for anyone balancing veganism with keto, offering unique and creative dishes.
3. The Kebab Shop
Location:
Multiple Locations in San Diego
Website: thekebabshop.com
The Kebab Shop is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant with numerous locations throughout San Diego. Their variety of grilled meats and fresh veggies make it a fantastic choice for keto diners.
Key Features:
- Protein-packed: Their menu features a range of skewered meats like lamb, chicken, and beef, which are perfect for keto.
- Customizable plates: You can opt for a “plate” instead of wraps, allowing you to enjoy their meats with low-carb sides like salad or grilled veggies.
- Healthy fats: Many dishes come with yogurt-based sauces and avocado, making it easy to hit your fat macros.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- Mixed Grill Plate: A combination of lamb, chicken, and beef skewers served with a side salad and grilled veggies.
- Falafel Salad: If you’re vegetarian, go for this falafel salad with tahini dressing, packed with healthy fats and fiber.
The Kebab Shop’s flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired menu makes it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy keto while on the go.
4. Grain & Grit Collective
Location:
Address: 2641 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Website: grainandgritcollective.com
Grain & Grit Collective is a farm-to-table restaurant that prioritizes sustainability and healthy eating. Their menu is adaptable for keto dieters, focusing on high-quality proteins, organic produce, and healthy fats.
Key Features:
- Farm-to-table: The restaurant sources ingredients from local farms, ensuring the freshest, most nutrient-dense meals.
- Keto-friendly adaptations: While not exclusively keto, they offer plenty of options to customize dishes to suit your low-carb diet.
- Fresh seafood: If you love seafood, you’ll find plenty of keto-friendly fish and shellfish dishes.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa: Fresh wild-caught salmon served with a generous helping of avocado salsa and green veggies.
- Keto Power Bowl: A customizable bowl with your choice of protein, fresh greens, and avocado, drizzled with olive oil.
Grain & Grit Collective is ideal for those who appreciate high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and want to keep their meals keto-friendly.
5. True Food Kitchen
Location:
Address: 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Website: truefoodkitchen.com
True Food Kitchen specializes in health-conscious eating, offering a menu that’s perfect for those following a keto diet. Their dishes are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients, many of which are naturally low-carb and high in healthy fats.
Key Features:
- Health-focused menu: True Food Kitchen serves dishes that prioritize whole, nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Keto-friendly drinks: They offer a variety of sugar-free, low-carb drinks like kombucha and herbal teas.
- Nutrient-dense meals: Many of their dishes are rich in healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- Grass-Fed Burger: A juicy, grass-fed beef burger served with avocado, lettuce, and a choice of a salad or veggies instead of fries.
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole: A low-carb, keto-friendly option featuring spaghetti squash, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
True Food Kitchen is perfect for anyone focused on eating clean while sticking to their keto plan, offering wholesome, delicious meals.
6. Tender Greens
Location:
Multiple Locations in San Diego
Website: tendergreens.com
Tender Greens is a chain that offers fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced meals. Their menu is highly customizable, making it easy to create a keto-friendly meal from their wide selection of proteins and vegetables.
Key Features:
- Customizable plates: Choose from a variety of proteins like steak, chicken, and fish, and pair them with low-carb sides.
- Healthy fats: Options to add avocado, olive oil, and cheese to your meals.
- Locally sourced ingredients: The produce and proteins are sourced from local farms, ensuring high quality.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- Grilled Steak Salad: A hearty salad topped with perfectly grilled steak, avocado, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
- Roasted Chicken Plate: A roasted chicken breast served with a side of greens and a keto-friendly dressing.
Tender Greens is a great spot for a quick, healthy, and keto-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality.
7. The Crack Shack
Location:
Address: 2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: crackshack.com
For those who love chicken, The Crack Shack offers a variety of keto-friendly options. Though it’s known for its fried chicken, they also serve grilled options and salads that can easily be adapted to your keto needs.
Key Features:
- Keto-friendly proteins: Opt for grilled chicken or bunless sandwiches to stay within your macros.
- Fresh ingredients: All of their dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Delicious salads: They offer several salads that are naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
Must-Try Keto Dishes:
- Baja Chop Salad: A flavorful salad loaded with grilled chicken, avocado, and a keto-friendly dressing.
- Naked Chicken: Grilled chicken served without breading, keeping it low-carb and full of flavor.
The Crack Shack is the perfect spot for keto dieters who love chicken and want to indulge in fresh, flavorful meals.
Comparative Table of Top Keto Restaurants in San Diego
| Restaurant | Specialty | Keto-Friendly Dishes | Price Range | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Burger | Grass-fed burgers | Lettuce-Wrapped Avocado Bacon Burger | $$ | Del Mar |
| Café Gratitude | Plant-based keto | I Am Whole, I Am Liberated | $$ | Downtown San Diego |
| The Kebab Shop | Mediterranean grilled meats | Mixed Grill Plate, Falafel Salad | $ | Multiple Locations |
| Grain & Grit Collective | Farm-to-table keto options | Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa, Keto Bowl | $$ | University Ave |
| True Food Kitchen | Health-conscious dining | Grass-Fed Burger, Spaghetti Squash Casserole | $$ | Fashion Valley |
| Tender Greens | Customizable plates | Grilled Steak Salad, Roasted Chicken Plate | $$ | Multiple Locations |
| The Crack Shack | Keto-friendly chicken dishes | Baja Chop Salad, Naked Chicken | $$ | Little Italy |
Conclusion
San Diego is a paradise for keto dieters, with plenty of restaurants offering low-carb, high-fat meals. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, a hearty salad, or Mediterranean grilled meats, the city has something for everyone. Enjoy exploring these keto restaurants in San Diego, and don’t forget to try the must-have dishes we’ve recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there keto-friendly restaurants in San Diego?
Yes! San Diego is home to many restaurants that offer keto-friendly meals. From burger joints to Mediterranean spots, you’ll find plenty of options to fit your low-carb lifestyle.
What is the best keto restaurant in San Diego?
While personal preferences vary, Pure Burger and True Food Kitchen are highly rated for their keto-friendly options and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Can I find keto-friendly fast food in San Diego?
Yes, places like The Kebab Shop and Tender Greens offer quick, keto-friendly meals that are both delicious and convenient.
What should I order at a keto restaurant?
Look for meals high in protein and healthy fats, such as grilled meats, avocado, and low-carb veggies. Avoid starches and sugars.
How do I customize my meal to be keto-friendly?
Ask to substitute high-carb items like bread or fries for side salads or extra vegetables. Request no sugar in sauces or dressings and add healthy fats like avocado or olive oil.
