10 Best Keto Friendly Dishes to Order at Restaurants

Are you following the keto diet but struggling to find keto-friendly options at restaurants? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of delicious and healthy dishes that are low in carbs and high in healthy fats. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got you covered with our guide on what to order keto at restaurant.

Top 10 Keto-Friendly Meals to Order at Restaurants

If you’re following a keto diet, eating out at restaurants can be a challenge. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 keto-friendly meals you can order at restaurants. From salads to steaks, these dishes are sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping you in ketosis. Try the grilled chicken Caesar salad without croutons, the bunless burger with avocado and bacon, or the grilled salmon with a side of steamed vegetables. And don’t forget to ask for extra butter or olive oil to add healthy fats to your meal. With these options, you can stick to your keto diet without sacrificing flavor or variety. Happy dining!

CUISINE	DISH NAME	INGREDIENTS	CALORIE COUNT	MACROS	MODIFICATIONS	NON-KETO INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Italian	Grilled Salmon	Salmon fillet, olive oil, garlic, lemon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes	500	Fats: 30g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 8g	Replace potatoes with asparagus, avoid bread, and ask for no sauces or marinades	Pasta, Bread, Potatoes, Flour-based sauces
Italian	Chicken Alfredo	Zucchini noodles, grilled chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, butter	700	Fats: 45g, Proteins: 60g, Carbs: 4g	Replace pasta with zucchini noodles, avoid bread, and ask for no flour-based sauces	Pasta, Bread, Flour-based sauces
Mexican	Steak Fajitas	Steak, bell peppers, onions, avocado, sour cream, lettuce, guacamole	600	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 50g, Carbs: 10g	Avoid tortillas, rice, and beans, and ask for no sauces or marinades	Tortillas, Rice, Beans, Flour-based sauces
Mexican	Carnitas Bowl	Pulled pork, lettuce, avocado, sour cream, cheese, salsa	800	Fats: 50g, Proteins: 60g, Carbs: 10g	Avoid rice and beans, and ask for no sauces that contain sugar or flour	Rice, Beans, Flour-based sauces with sugar
Chinese	Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry	Beef, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce	500	Fats: 25g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 10g	Ask for no cornstarch or sugar in the sauce, and avoid rice or noodles	Sugar, Cornstarch, Rice, Noodles
Chinese	Kung Pao Chicken	Chicken, peanuts, bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, vinegar, chili peppers	600	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 10g	Ask for no cornstarch or sugar in the sauce, and avoid rice or noodles	Sugar, Cornstarch, Rice, Noodles
Japanese	Sashimi Platter	Assorted raw fish	400	Fats: 25g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid sushi rolls or anything with rice	Rice
Japanese	Hibachi Steak	Steak, mushrooms, onions, zucchini	700	Fats: 45g, Proteins: 60g, Carbs: 6g	Ask for no sauces or marinades, and avoid rice or noodles	Sugar-based sauces, Rice, Noodles
Greek	Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken	Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, olives, olive oil, grilled chicken	500	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 10g	Avoid croutons and ask for dressing on the side	Croutons
Greek	Lamb Chops	Lamb chops, garlic, rosemary, olive oil	600	Fats: 40g, Proteins: 50g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid potatoes and ask for a side of vegetables	Potatoes
Indian	Tandoori Chicken	Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled	400	Fats: 20g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid rice and naan bread, and ask for no sauces that contain sugar or flour	Rice, Naan bread, Flour-based sauces with sugar
Indian	Saag Paneer	Spinach, paneer cheese, cream, spices	500	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 20g, Carbs: 15g	Ask for no rice and limit the amount of paneer to keep carbs low	Rice
Mediterranean	Grilled Shrimp	Shrimp, olive oil, garlic, lemon, grilled vegetables	400	Fats: 20g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid bread or pita, and ask for a side of grilled vegetables	Bread, Pita
Mediterranean	Lamb Gyro	Lamb, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion	600	Fats: 40g, Proteins: 40g, Carbs: 10g	Ask for no pita and limit the amount of tzatziki sauce to keep carbs low	Pita
American	Burger with Lettuce Bun	Beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese	500	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 30g, Carbs: 5g	Ask for a lettuce bun instead of a regular bun, and avoid ketchup or any sweet sauces	Bread, Ketchup, Sweet Sauces

Navigating the Menu: How to Choose Keto-Friendly Options

Navigating the menu can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a keto diet. With so many options and hidden ingredients, it can be hard to know what to order. One tip is to start by looking for dishes that are naturally low in carbs, such as salads or grilled meats. Another option is to ask the server if the kitchen can make modifications to a dish to make it keto-friendly. However, even with these strategies, it can still be challenging to find the perfect meal. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask questions and take your time when ordering. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your server know about your dietary restrictions. With a little bit of perseverance, you’ll be able to find a delicious and satisfying meal that fits within your keto lifestyle.

Hidden Carbs to Watch Out for When Ordering at Restaurants

When you’re trying to stick to a low-carb or keto diet, eating out at restaurants can be a challenge. Many menu items are loaded with hidden carbs that can quickly derail your progress. Some of the most common hidden carbs to watch out for include sauces and dressings, which often contain added sugars and starches. Additionally, many restaurants use breading or coatings on their meats and seafood, which can add a significant amount of carbs. Even seemingly innocent side dishes like coleslaw or roasted vegetables can be high in carbs if they’re sweetened or glazed. To avoid hidden carbs when dining out, it’s important to ask questions about how your food is prepared and to stick to simple, whole foods whenever possible. Opt for grilled or baked meats and seafood, and ask for sauces and dressings on the side so you can control the amount you’re consuming. And don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or modifications to menu items to make them more keto-friendly. With a little bit of planning and careful ordering, you can enjoy eating out while still sticking to your low-carb goals!

FOOD ITEM	CARB CONTENT (G)	TIPS
Grilled Chicken Salad	7	Ask for no croutons or sugary dressings
Bunless Burger with Side Salad	9	Skip the bun and opt for a side salad instead of fries
Grilled Steak with Steamed Vegetables	12	Ask for no sauce or gravy and opt for steamed vegetables instead of potatoes
Baked Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce	13	Ask for no breading on the fish and for the sauce on the side
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Side Salad	14	Opt for a side salad instead of rice
Cobb Salad	15	Ask for no croutons or sugary dressings
Grilled Salmon with Steamed Vegetables	16	Ask for no sauce or gravy and opt for steamed vegetables instead of potatoes
Chicken Caesar Salad	18	Ask for no croutons or sugary dressings
Grilled Pork Chop with Side Salad	19	Opt for a side salad instead of potatoes
Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables	20	Ask for no noodles or rice and for extra vegetables
Grilled Chicken with Broccoli	21	Ask for no sauce or gravy and opt for broccoli instead of potatoes
Pork Ribs with Side Salad	25	Opt for a side salad instead of potatoes or corn on the cob
Beef Brisket with Steamed Vegetables	27	Ask for no sauce or gravy and opt for steamed vegetables instead of potatoes
Chicken Alfredo	36	Ask for zucchini noodles instead of pasta
Pizza	40	Ask for a cauliflower crust and extra vegetables instead of meat and cheese

Eating Out on Keto: Tips and Tricks from Keto Experts

Going out to eat can be daunting when you’re on a keto diet. With so many hidden carbs in restaurant food, it’s hard to know what to order. But fear not! There are plenty of keto-friendly options available if you know what to look for. Start by scanning the menu for dishes that are high in protein and low in carbs. Grilled meats, seafood, and salads are all good choices. Avoid anything breaded, glazed, or served with a sugary sauce. And don’t be afraid to ask your server for substitutions or modifications to make a dish keto-friendly. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy eating out on keto without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

RESTAURANT CHAIN	MENU ITEM	NET CARBS (G)	CALORIES
Chipotle	Salad bowl with steak or chicken, fajita vegetables, guacamole, and salsa	10	400
McDonald's	Burgers without the bun, side salad with Ranch dressing	6	350
Subway	Chopped salad with turkey, bacon, avocado, and Ranch dressing	9	400
Taco Bell	Power Bowl with grilled chicken, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese	6	390
Burger King	Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun, side salad with Ranch dressing	5	320
Panera Bread	Green Goddess Cobb Salad with grilled chicken and Green Goddess dressing	10	510
Starbucks	Sous Vide Egg Bites with bacon and gruyere cheese	9	310
Chick-fil-A	Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap without the wrap, side salad with Avocado Lime Ranch dressing	10	350
Wendy's	Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun, side salad with Ranch dressing	5	320
KFC	Grilled Chicken Breast without the breading, green beans	1	210
Pizza Hut	Grilled Chicken Salad with Ranch dressing	6	260
Dunkin' Donuts	Egg and Cheese Wake-up Wrap without the wrap	5	180
Sonic	Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun, side salad with Ranch dressing	5	320
Arby's	Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad with Dijon honey mustard dressing	9	240
Panda Express	Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with mixed vegetables	11	300

Fast Food on Keto: How to Make Healthy Choices

Keto can be challenging when eating out, especially when it comes to fast food. However, with some creativity and knowledge, you can still enjoy a delicious meal while sticking to your ketogenic diet. Some of the best options for keto fast food include bunless burgers with lettuce wraps, grilled chicken sandwiches without the bun or sauce, or even a salad with added protein like grilled chicken or steak. Be wary of hidden carbs in dressings or toppings like croutons or fried onions. And don’t forget to stay hydrated and satiated with a side of water and avocado or cheese. Happy and healthy keto eating!

Keto-Friendly Drinks to Order at Restaurants

Navigating the drink menu at a restaurant while on a keto diet can be tricky, but fear not! There are plenty of keto-friendly drink options that you can order. One great option is a vodka soda with a splash of lime. This simple cocktail is low in carbs and calories, and the splash of lime adds a refreshing twist. Another great option is a glass of red wine, which is a keto-friendly alcoholic beverage that is also rich in antioxidants. If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, try ordering an unsweetened iced tea or a sparkling water with a lime wedge. These refreshing drinks are low in carbs and perfect for quenching your thirst while sticking to your keto diet. Remember, always check the ingredients and nutritional information of any drink before ordering to ensure it fits within your dietary restrictions.

How to Customize Your Order to Make It Keto-Friendly

Navigating restaurant menus while on a keto diet can be challenging, but with a little customization, you can enjoy a delicious meal while staying on track. Here are some tips to help you customize your order and make it keto-friendly:

1. Start with the basics. Choose a protein source like chicken, steak, or fish, and opt for non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or spinach.
2. Skip the carbs. Avoid bread, rice, pasta, and other high-carb sides. Instead, ask for extra veggies or a small salad.
3. Watch out for hidden carbs. Sauces, dressings, and marinades can be loaded with sugar and carbs. Ask for them on the side so you can control the amount you use or choose a keto-friendly option like olive oil and vinegar.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary restrictions, so feel free to ask about ingredients or substitutions.
5. Get creative. Don’t be afraid to mix and match items from different parts of the menu to create a customized keto-friendly meal. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a delicious restaurant meal that fits your keto lifestyle.

Dining at Ethnic Restaurants on Keto: What to Look for

Are you on a keto diet and feeling perplexed about dining out at ethnic restaurants? Fear not! While it may seem unpredictable, there are actually plenty of delicious and keto-friendly options available at these establishments. Bursting with a range of flavors and spices, ethnic cuisine can be a great way to add some excitement to your keto meal plan. From Indian curries made with coconut milk and served with cauliflower rice, to Mexican fajitas with extra guacamole and no tortillas, there are plenty of ways to stay on track while enjoying a meal out. So next time you’re feeling unsure about what to order keto at a restaurant, don’t hesitate to explore the diverse options available at ethnic eateries!

Keto-Friendly Desserts to Order at Restaurants

If you’re on a keto diet, it can be challenging to find desserts that are low in carbs and sugar when dining out. However, there are still options available at many restaurants that can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet. One great choice is a simple plate of fresh berries, which are naturally low in carbs and high in fiber. Another option is a cheese plate, which can provide a satisfying blend of sweet and savory flavors. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, look for keto-friendly desserts like chocolate mousse or panna cotta made with coconut milk instead of cream. Just be sure to check the ingredients and ask your server for assistance in selecting the best option for your dietary needs. With a little bit of creativity and flexibility, you can enjoy a delicious dessert while sticking to your keto goals.

RESTAURANTNAME	DESSERTNAME	NETCARBCOUNT	DESCRIPTION
Cheesecake Factory	Low Carb Cheesecake	10g	Rich and creamy cheesecake made with a low-carb almond flour crust.
Olive Garden	Chocolate Mousse Dolcini	5g	Decadent chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and a chocolate curl.
Applebee's	Triple Berry Crumble	15g	A warm berry crumble with a buttery almond flour topping.
Red Lobster	Vanilla Bean Cheesecake	12g	Creamy cheesecake with a vanilla bean topping and almond flour crust.
Outback Steakhouse	Chocolate Thunder from Down Under	20g	Rich chocolate cake topped with homemade whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Chili's	Molten Chocolate Cake	25g	Warm chocolate cake filled with a rich chocolate ganache and served with vanilla ice cream.
Ruby Tuesday	Blueberry Cheesecake	14g	Creamy cheesecake with a blueberry topping and almond flour crust.
TGI Fridays	Brownie Obsession	30g	Warm chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and caramel sauce.
Denny's	Sugar-Free Pancake Puppies	5g	Mini pancake bites made with almond flour and served with sugar-free syrup.
Cracker Barrel	Blackberry Cobbler	20g	Warm blackberry cobbler topped with an almond flour crust.
IHOP	Sugar-Free Syrup	0g	Sugar-free syrup for pancakes and waffles made with erythritol and stevia.
Panera Bread	Low-Fat Strawberry Smoothie	15g	A refreshing smoothie made with strawberries, banana, and non-fat Greek yogurt.
Starbucks	Skinny Mocha	9g	A delicious mocha made with sugar-free syrup and non-fat milk.
McDonald's	Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait	21g	A creamy yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and crunchy granola.
Subway	Chopped Salad	8g	A delicious and satisfying salad with chopped greens, vegetables, and your choice of protein.

How to Stay Keto When Eating with Friends at Restaurants

Navigating social situations while following a keto diet can be tricky, especially when it comes to dining out with friends. However, with a little planning and creativity, it is possible to stay keto-friendly while still enjoying a meal with your friends. One tip is to research the restaurant beforehand and check out their menu online. Look for keto-friendly options, such as grilled meats and vegetables, salads with low-carb dressing, and seafood dishes. You can also request substitutions, like replacing rice or potatoes with extra veggies. Another strategy is to eat a small snack before arriving at the restaurant, so you’re not starving and tempted to indulge in non-keto foods. When ordering, don’t be afraid to ask the server questions about the ingredients and preparation methods. And if you’re feeling unsure, don’t be afraid to bring your own keto-friendly snacks or ask for modifications to be made. Remember that your health and well-being are your top priorities, and your friends will likely support your dietary choices.

CUISINE	DISH NAME	INGREDIENTS	CALORIE COUNT	MACROS	MODIFICATIONS	NON-KETO INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Italian	Grilled Salmon	Salmon fillet, olive oil, garlic, lemon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes	500	Fats: 30g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 8g	Replace potatoes with asparagus, avoid bread, and ask for no sauces or marinades	Pasta, Bread, Potatoes, Flour-based sauces
Italian	Chicken Alfredo	Zucchini noodles, grilled chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, butter	700	Fats: 45g, Proteins: 60g, Carbs: 4g	Replace pasta with zucchini noodles, avoid bread, and ask for no flour-based sauces	Pasta, Bread, Flour-based sauces
Mexican	Steak Fajitas	Steak, bell peppers, onions, avocado, sour cream, lettuce, guacamole	600	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 50g, Carbs: 10g	Avoid tortillas, rice, and beans, and ask for no sauces or marinades	Tortillas, Rice, Beans, Flour-based sauces
Mexican	Carnitas Bowl	Pulled pork, lettuce, avocado, sour cream, cheese, salsa	800	Fats: 50g, Proteins: 60g, Carbs: 10g	Avoid rice and beans, and ask for no sauces that contain sugar or flour	Rice, Beans, Flour-based sauces with sugar
Chinese	Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry	Beef, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce	500	Fats: 25g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 10g	Ask for no cornstarch or sugar in the sauce, and avoid rice or noodles	Sugar, Cornstarch, Rice, Noodles
Chinese	Kung Pao Chicken	Chicken, peanuts, bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, vinegar, chili peppers	600	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 10g	Ask for no cornstarch or sugar in the sauce, and avoid rice or noodles	Sugar, Cornstarch, Rice, Noodles
Japanese	Sashimi Platter	Assorted raw fish	400	Fats: 25g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid sushi rolls or anything with rice	Rice
Japanese	Hibachi Steak	Steak, mushrooms, onions, zucchini	700	Fats: 45g, Proteins: 60g, Carbs: 6g	Ask for no sauces or marinades, and avoid rice or noodles	Sugar-based sauces, Rice, Noodles
Greek	Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken	Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, olives, olive oil, grilled chicken	500	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 10g	Avoid croutons and ask for dressing on the side	Croutons
Greek	Lamb Chops	Lamb chops, garlic, rosemary, olive oil	600	Fats: 40g, Proteins: 50g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid potatoes and ask for a side of vegetables	Potatoes
Indian	Tandoori Chicken	Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled	400	Fats: 20g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid rice and naan bread, and ask for no sauces that contain sugar or flour	Rice, Naan bread, Flour-based sauces with sugar
Indian	Saag Paneer	Spinach, paneer cheese, cream, spices	500	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 20g, Carbs: 15g	Ask for no rice and limit the amount of paneer to keep carbs low	Rice
Mediterranean	Grilled Shrimp	Shrimp, olive oil, garlic, lemon, grilled vegetables	400	Fats: 20g, Proteins: 45g, Carbs: 5g	Avoid bread or pita, and ask for a side of grilled vegetables	Bread, Pita
Mediterranean	Lamb Gyro	Lamb, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion	600	Fats: 40g, Proteins: 40g, Carbs: 10g	Ask for no pita and limit the amount of tzatziki sauce to keep carbs low	Pita
American	Burger with Lettuce Bun	Beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese	500	Fats: 35g, Proteins: 30g, Carbs: 5g	Ask for a lettuce bun instead of a regular bun, and avoid ketchup or any sweet sauces	Bread, Ketchup, Sweet Sauces

What is a keto diet?

A keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that forces the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. It typically involves limiting carbohydrates to 20-50 grams per day and increasing fat intake to 70-75% of daily calorie intake.

Can I eat out on a keto diet?

Yes, it is possible to eat out on a keto diet. However, it can be challenging because many restaurant dishes are high in carbs and low in fat. You will need to be selective and make smart choices.

What should I look for on a restaurant menu when on a keto diet?

Look for dishes that are high in healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, and fatty cuts of meat. Avoid dishes that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes. Be careful with sauces and dressings, as they can be loaded with sugar and carbohydrates.

What are some good keto-friendly restaurant options?

Some good keto-friendly options include salads with high-fat dressings, grilled or roasted meats with low-carb sides such as vegetables, and seafood dishes with butter or oil-based sauces. You can also ask for modifications to dishes, such as substituting a side salad for fries.

What should I avoid when dining out on a keto diet?

Avoid dishes that are high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes. Also, be wary of dishes with sweet sauces or dressings, as they can be high in sugar. Desserts are also usually off-limits, as they are typically high in sugar and carbs.

In conclusion, ordering keto-friendly meals at restaurants can be a daunting task, but with some knowledge and creativity, it is possible to enjoy a delicious meal while sticking to your diet. Always look for protein-rich options, avoid carb-heavy sides, and don’t be afraid to customize your order. By following these tips, you can maintain your keto lifestyle even when dining out.