Eating out should never be hard, even when following the keto diet. You just have to find the best keto restaurants and the keto options you can get from them.
This comprehensive article will cover the 24 best keto restaurants, giving insight into choosing the right restaurant and menu items for you.
Best Keto Restaurants
- Slim Chickens
- Chipotle
- Chili’s
- Panda Express
- Noodles & Company
- Chick-Fil-A
- Popeye’s
- Subway
- In-N-Out
- Wendy’s
- Five Guys
- Taco Bell
- Burger King
- McDonald’s
- KFC
- Papa John’s
- Pizza Hut
- Domino’s
- IHOP
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
- Texas de Brazil
- Outback
- Texas Roadhouse
How to Find Keto-Friendly Restaurants
Plan or Research Ahead
Before heading out, plan your meals by researching restaurant menus online. Many establishments now provide nutritional information, making it easier to identify keto-friendly options.
Utilize apps or websites that review and categorize restaurants based on their suitability for keto diets. Read reviews and articles like this one, which provides complete details.
Consider Nearby Restaurants
Explore nearby restaurants that are known for offering fresh and customizable options. Local eateries may have hidden gems or be willing to accommodate specific dietary preferences.
Check if there are farm-to-table or organic restaurants in your vicinity, as these often emphasize high-quality, low-carb ingredients.
Look for “build-your-own” style Restaurants
Opt for restaurants that allow you to build your meal. This way, you have more control over the ingredients and can easily customize your order to align with keto guidelines.
Salad bars, poke bowl establishments, and certain fast-casual chains are excellent choices, as they often provide a variety of keto-friendly ingredients.
How to Order a Keto-Friendly Meal at Any Restaurant
Prioritize Meat Options
Choose meat-based dishes as the focal point of your meal. Opt for grilled, baked, or roasted meats over fried or breaded options to minimize carb intake. Finding a local steakhouse is a brilliant option.
When ordering salads, choose grilled meats over carbohydrate toppings. This makes the meal more filling and more keto-friendly.
Exclude Buns and Other Carbs
When ordering burgers or sandwiches, ask for your meal without the bun. Even most fast-food restaurants accommodate this request. Alternatively, wrap the burger in lettuce for a low-carb substitute.
Ask for Low-carb Vegetable Alternatives
Substitute high-carb side dishes with low-carb vegetable options. Common choices include steamed broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower rice, or a side salad without croutons. For instance, restaurants may offer zucchini pasta instead of regular pasta.
Communicate your dietary preferences to the server, and don’t hesitate to ask for modifications. Many restaurants are willing to adjust side options to accommodate a keto-friendly meal.
Best Keto-Friendly Restaurant Options
1. Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, and salads. They offer a variety of Southern-inspired comfort foods with a focus on fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order meals.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Grilled Chicken Tenders: 0 grams carbs, 11 grams protein, 1 grams fat
- Chicken Wing, plain (each): 0 grams carbs, 7 grams protein, 3 grams fat
- Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken (180 g): 11.5 grams carbs, 20 grams protein, 7.5 grams fat
2. Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a popular fast-casual chain known for its customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. They offer a selection of fresh ingredients and proteins, including grilled meats, veggies, guacamole, and salsa.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Keto Salad Bowl: 7 grams carbs, 32 grams protein, 42 grams fat
- Salads (no rice or beans): Depends on the variation
- Guacamole: 8 grams carbs, 2 grams protein, 22 grams fat
3. Chili’s
Chili’s Grill & Bar is a casual restaurant chain known for its American and Tex-Mex cuisine. They offer a wide range of dishes, including burgers, ribs, steaks, salads, and appetizers, with various flavors and spices.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Classic Sirloin: 2 gram carbs, 55 grams protein, 19 grams fat
- Bone-in Buffalo Wings: 2 grams net carbs, 73 grams protein, 65 grams fat
- Fajitas: 4 grams carbs, 29 grams protein, 34 grams fat
4. Panda Express
Panda Express is a fast-food chain specializing in American Chinese cuisine. They offer a variety of wok-cooked dishes, including orange chicken, Beijing beef, and Kung Pao chicken, along with sides like fried rice and chow mein.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- String Bean Chicken Breast: 10.8 grams net carbs, 14.5 grams protein, 9 grams fat
- Black Pepper Angus Steak: 9 grams net carbs, 19 grams protein, 7 grams fat
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: 7.9 grams net carbs, 36.1 grams protein, 12.8 grams fat
5. Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company is a fast-casual restaurant chain offering a variety of noodle dishes inspired by flavors from around the world. They serve customizable options for pasta, noodle bowls, salads, and soups.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Zucchini Pesto with Grilled Chicken: 6 grams net carbs, 33 grams protein, 17 grams fat
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: 15 grams net carbs, 28 grams protein, 27 grams fat
- Zucchini Pesto with Grilled Chicken: 16 grams net carbs, 38 grams protein, 30 grams fat
6. Chick-Fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a well-known fast-food chain recognized for its focus on chicken-based offerings. The restaurant is known for using quality ingredients for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, salads, and waffle fries.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no bun): 2 grams carbs, 24 grams protein, 1.5 grams fat
- Grilled Nuggets: 0 grams carbs, 21 grams protein, 2.5 grams fat
- Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken: 10 grams carbs, 36 grams protein, 10 grams fat
7. Popeye’s
Popeyes is renowned for its Southern-style fried chicken and flavorful Cajun-inspired menu. They are known for their fried chicken, chicken tenders, biscuits, and Cajun fries.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Blackened Chicken Tenders (3-piece): 2 grams carbs, 26 grams protein, 2 grams fat
- Green Beans and Bacon: 4 grams net carbs, 2 grams protein, 2 grams fat
- Coleslaw: 11 grams net carbs, 1 grams protein, 10 grams fat
8. Subway
Subway is a global fast-food chain known for its customizable submarine sandwiches, salads, and wraps. They emphasize fresh ingredients and offer a range of choices for health-conscious consumers.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Black Forest Ham Protein Bowl (no dressing): 9 grams net carbs, 21 grams protein, 4.5 grams fat
- Italian B.M.T. Protein Bowl (no dressing): 10 grams net carbs, 25 grams protein, 29 grams fat
- Tuna Protein Bowl (no dressing): 5 grams net carbs, 26 grams protein, 47 grams fat
9. In-N-Out
In-N-Out is a popular fast-food burger chain known for its simple menu and fresh ingredients. They are famous for their made-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Protein Style Double-Double: 11 grams carbs, 33 grams protein, 39 grams fat
- Flying Dutchman: 0 grams carbs, 30 grams protein, 28 grams fat
- Hamburger With Onion (Protein Style): 11 grams carbs, 13 grams protein, 17 grams fat
10. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is famous for their square-shaped burger patties, chicken sandwiches, and Frosty desserts. They emphasize fresh, never-frozen beef for their burgers.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Baconator (without bun): 6 grams carbs, 52 grams protein, 57 grams fat
- Double Stack (without bun): 2 grams carbs, 20 grams protein, 19 grams fat
- The Parmesan Caesar Chicken Salad (Grilled Chicken): 4 grams net carbs, 42 grams protein, 28 grams fat
11. Five Guys
Five Guys is popular for customizable burgers, hot dogs, and hand-cut fries. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a limited but delicious menu.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger (without bun): 2 grams net carbs, 48 grams protein, 53 grams fat
- Little Bacon Cheeseburger (without bun): 2 grams net carbs, 30 grams protein, 36 grams fat
- Bacon Cheese Dog (without bun): 13 grams net carbs, 19 grams protein, 33 grams fat
12. Taco Bell
Taco Bell specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and nachos. It offers a variety of options with bold flavors.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Power Menu Bowl – Chicken (no rice or beans): 7 grams carbs, 33 grams protein, 14 grams fat
- Power Menu Bowl – Steak (no rice or beans): 7 grams carbs, 32 grams protein, 18 grams fat
- Steak Quesadilla (no tortilla): 5 grams carbs, 21 grams protein, 22 grams fat
13. Burger King
Burger King is known for its flame-grilled burgers and various menu items, including chicken sandwiches, fries, and milkshakes. Since they sell burgers, eating them without the bun is the best keto option.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Whopper with cheese (without bun): 1 gram of carbs, 24 grams protein, 24 grams fat
- Bacon Cheeseburger (no bun, no ketchup): 1 gram of carbs, 13 grams protein, 14 grams fat
- Bacon King (without bun): 6 grams carbs, 50 grams protein, 65 grams fat
14. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a global fast-food giant known for its iconic burgers, fries, and various menu items, including breakfast offerings.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Sausage McMuffin with Egg (without English muffin): 3 grams carbs, 16 grams protein, 29 grams fat
- Big Mac (without bun): 7 grams carbs, 18 grams protein, 25 grams fat
- Double Cheeseburger (without bun and ketchup): 4 grams carbs, 20 grams protein, 20 grams fat
15. KFC
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) specializes in fried chicken, including the famous Original Recipe and Extra Crispy options. Their specialties include fried chicken, chicken buckets, and a variety of sides like coleslaw.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: 0 grams carbs, 38 grams protein, 7 grams fat
- Original Recipe Whole Wing: 3 grams carbs, 10 grams protein, 8 grams fat
- Fried Buffalo Wing: 3 grams carbs, 5 grams protein, 7 grams fat
16. Papa John’s
Papa John’s is a pizza delivery and takeout chain known for its signature pizzas, breadsticks, and dipping sauces.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Chicken Wings (No sauce): 0 grams carbs, 25 grams protein, 18 grams fat (per 8 wings)
- Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast: 0 grams carbs, 27 grams protein, 9 grams fat
- Chicken Alfredo Bowl: 15 grams carbs, 62 grams protein, 31 grams fat
17. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is a globally recognized pizza chain offering a variety of pizzas, pasta dishes, and side items, such as chicken wings, salads, and desserts. Unfortunately, Pizza Hut does not offer low-carb pizza crust at the moment.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Buffalo Burnin’ Hot Bone-Out Wings: 0 grams carbs, 18 grams protein, 14 grams fat (per 8 wings)
- Chicken Garden Salad: 4 grams carbs, 32 grams protein, 19 grams fat
- Zesty Italian Salad (skip the croutons and dressing) – 9g carbs, 15g protein, 19g fat
18. Domino’s
Domino’s is a popular pizza delivery and takeout chain known for its wide range of pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and other side dishes.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Plain Chicken Wings: 5 grams carbs, 34 grams protein, 26 grams fat (per 8 wings)
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: 5 grams carbs, 19 grams protein, 7 grams fat
- Deluxe pizza, thin crust: 12.7 grams net carbs, 9.8 grams protein, 11.4 grams fat
19. IHOP
IHOP (International House of Pancakes) is a breakfast-focused chain that offers a variety of pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast items. Most menu items are heavy on carbs, so you need to remove some ingredients.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Big Steak Omelet (no hash browns, no salsa): 7 grams net carbs, 53 grams protein, 3o grams fat
- T-Bone Steak & Eggs Combo (no pancakes): 0 carbs, 49 grams protein, 19 grams fat
- The Classic Steakburger with Bacon (no bun): 6 grams net carbs, 32 grams protein, 42 grams fat
20. Olive Garden
Olive Garden is an Italian-American restaurant chain known for its pasta dishes, soups, salads, and breadsticks. Although mostly heavy on carbs, keto followers have many options here.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Pasta Fagioli Soup: 13 grams net carbs, 8 grams protein, 5 grams fat
- Grilled Chicken Margherita: 8 grams net carbs, 65 grams protein, 27 grams fat
- Herb-Grilled Salmon: 3 grams net carbs, 45 grams protein, 29 grams fat
21. Red Lobster
Red Lobster is a popular seafood restaurant known for its diverse menu featuring a variety of fresh seafood dishes and commitment to serving high-quality seafood in a casual dining atmosphere.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: 1 grams carbs, 12 grams protein, 6 grams fat
- Wood-grilled Salmon: 0 grams carbs, 30 grams protein, 17 grams fat
- Lobster, Shrimp, and Salmon: 5 grams carbs, 57 grams protein, 50 grams fat
22. Texas de Brazil
Texas de Brazil is a churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse, an all-you-can-eat style of service, serving a variety of meats, including beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, directly at their table.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Filet Mignon: 0 grams carbs, 16 grams protein, 9 grams fat
- Lamb Chops: 0 grams carbs, 11 grams protein, 10 grams fat (per piece)
- Picanha (Sirloin Cap): 0 grams carbs, 16 grams protein, 5 grams fat (per slice)
23. Outback
Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed restaurant chain specializing in hearty steak dishes and other American-inspired cuisine. Their menu includes signature steaks, ribs, chicken, and seafood dishes.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Victoria’s Filet (5.5 oz): 0.5 grams carbs, 42.5 grams protein, 18 grams fat
- Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie: 5 grams net carbs, 28 grams protein, 20 grams fat
- Ribeye (14 oz): 0 grams carbs, 81 grams protein, 49 grams fat
24. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is a popular American steakhouse chain with a Western-themed ambiance. They are known for their hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, and freshly baked bread.
Keto-friendly menu items and nutritional information:
- Dallas Filet (6 oz): 0 grams carbs, 45 grams protein, 10 grams fat
- Grilled Salmon (8 0z): 1 grams carbs, 45 grams protein, 33 grams fat
- Chicken, Salmon, or Shrimp Caesar Salad (no croutons): 13 grams carbs, 56 grams protein, 76 grams fat
In Summary
Eating out while on a keto diet is not impossible or complicated if you plan it carefully, research the best keto restaurants in your area, choose the food you will order in advance, and be specific about the instructions you give to the restaurants if needed.
Reading helpful articles like this will make your keto restaurant experience more seamless and less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is KFC OK with keto?
Yes, some menu items on KFC are okay for keto. For instance, their grilled chicken menu and chicken wings are all low in carbs and high in protein and fat.
Can you eat Chipotle on keto?
Yes, Chipotle offers keto-friendly menu items. For instance, they have a keto salad bowl, customizable salads, and a guacamole side.
Can you eat pizza on keto?
Yes, you can still eat keto-friendly pizzas, just research restaurants offering keto or low-carb pizza options.
Does any pizza chain make keto pizza?
Blaze Pizza offers a keto crust made from cauliflower rice, mozzarella, flaxseed, and whey protein. Other famous pizza chains such as Domino’s and Papa John’s offer customizable crusts but not entirely keto.
Can I eat Chinese food on keto?
Yes, Chinese food is keto-friendly as long as the food does not contain rice, noodles, breading, or starchy and sugary sauces. Egg drop soup, beef with broccoli, Kung Pao chicken, or shrimp are all keto-friendly.
Mag. Stephan Lederer, MSc. is an author and blogger from Austria who writes in-depth content about health and nutrition. His book series on Interval Fasting landed #1 on the bestseller list in the German Amazon marketplace in 15 categories.
Stephan is a true man of science, having earned multiple diplomas and master's degrees in various fields. He has made it his mission to bridge the gap between conventional wisdom and scientific knowledge. He precisely reviews the content and sources of this blog for currency and accuracy.
Click on the links above to visit his author and about me pages.