Are you following a keto diet and wondering where you can go out to eat without straying from your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the most popular keto-friendly restaurants and food options available. From fine dining establishments to casual cafes, there are plenty of delicious choices that will keep you on track with your keto goals. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger without the bun or a mouthwatering steak with a side of vegetables, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best keto-friendly spots in town!
Fast Food Restaurants
McDonald’s
When it comes to fast food, McDonald’s is a household name. But did you know that they also offer keto-friendly options? If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can choose to have your burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. You can also opt for their salads and choose a keto-friendly dressing such as ranch or Caesar. And let’s not forget about their famous breakfast menu – you can enjoy an Egg McMuffin without the English muffin for a delicious and satisfying start to your day.
Burger King
Burger King is another fast food chain that caters to those following keto diets. They offer a variety of burger options that can be customized to fit your dietary needs. You can order your burger without the bun, or go for their bunless Whopper. Additionally, you can choose from their selection of salads and dressings, allowing you to indulge in a tasty meal while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
Subway
If you’re looking for a healthier fast food option, Subway is a great choice. Known for their customizable sandwiches, you can opt for a salad instead. Choose from a wide range of fresh vegetables, protein options such as chicken or turkey, and top it off with a keto-friendly dressing like oil and vinegar or ranch. Subway also offers a variety of melt options, where you can enjoy your sandwich fillings without the bread. Just be sure to skip the high-carb sauces and opt for the low-carb options to stay within your keto goals.
Casual Dining Restaurants
Outback Steakhouse
For a more leisurely dining experience, Outback Steakhouse offers delicious keto-friendly options. Their menu features a wide selection of steaks and grilled meat, which are perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle. You can customize your order by choosing your preferred cuts and adding a side of steamed vegetables or a garden salad with a keto-friendly dressing. Just be mindful of any sauces or marinades that may contain hidden sugars.
Red Lobster
Seafood lovers rejoice, because Red Lobster has plenty of keto-friendly choices. From grilled fish to shrimp and lobster, you’ll find a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. You can also enjoy a Caesar or house salad as a starter, just make sure to opt for a dressing that is low in carbs. If you’re in the mood for a seafood feast, add some steamed broccoli or asparagus as a side to complete your meal.
Chili’s
Chili’s is a casual dining restaurant that offers a range of dishes suitable for those following a keto diet. Their menu includes a variety of salads, like the Santa Fe Chicken Salad, which can be ordered without the tortilla strips to reduce the carb content. You can also enjoy their famous Texas dry-rubbed ribs, which are a tasty and satisfying protein option. Just be cautious of any high-carb sides or sauces.
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Mexican Restaurants
Chipotle
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, Chipotle is a great option for keto-friendly meals. They offer a build-your-own bowl where you can choose from protein options like chicken, steak, or barbacoa, and top it off with keto-friendly ingredients such as guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. You can skip the rice and beans to keep the carb content low. Chipotle also offers lettuce wraps as an alternative to tortillas, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal while sticking to your low-carb goals.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is another Mexican restaurant that caters to those on a keto diet. Like Chipotle, they offer build-your-own options where you can choose from a variety of protein options and load up on keto-friendly toppings. You can enjoy a bowl or salad with ingredients such as grilled chicken, steak, or ground beef, along with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Just remember to skip the rice and beans and opt for low-carb salsa options to stay in ketosis.
Taco Bell
Believe it or not, Taco Bell has keto-friendly options too. Their Power Menu Bowl is a great choice for those on a low-carb diet. You can customize your bowl by choosing a protein option like grilled chicken or steak, adding lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Just make sure to skip the rice and beans, and opt for a low-carb sauce such as their Spicy Ranch or Creamy Jalapeno sauce. Taco Bell also offers protein-packed sides like their Cheesy Roll-Up or Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, which can be ordered without the tortilla to keep your carb intake in check.
Pizza Places
Blaze Pizza
When it comes to pizza, finding a keto-friendly option can be challenging. However, Blaze Pizza offers a customizable experience where you can create your own low-carb masterpiece. They offer a cauliflower crust that is gluten-free and keto-friendly. You can top it with a variety of fresh vegetables, protein options like chicken or bacon, and finish it off with cheese and sauce. Blaze Pizza also offers vegan cheese and plant-based protein options for those with dietary restrictions.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s is another pizza chain that has options for those following a low-carb lifestyle. While they don’t offer a specific keto crust, you can order their pizzas with no crust or a gluten-free crust. Load up on protein toppings like grilled chicken, bacon, or sausage, and choose veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or onions to create a delicious and satisfying keto-friendly pizza. Just be mindful of the sauces and opt for low-carb options like marinara or olive oil.
Domino’s
Domino’s is a popular pizza chain that also caters to keto dieters. They offer a variety of crust options, including a gluten-free crust that can be a good choice for those following a low-carb lifestyle. You can create your own pizza by choosing protein toppings like grilled chicken, beef, or bacon, along with low-carb vegetable options such as spinach, mushrooms, or olives. Be cautious of high-carb sauces and opt for light sauce or olive oil to keep your carb intake in check.
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Asian Restaurants
Pei Wei
If you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, Pei Wei offers a range of keto-friendly options. They have a customizable menu where you can choose your protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu), select your preferred sauce, and pair it with low-carb vegetables. You can enjoy dishes like Mongolian chicken or ginger broccoli shrimp without the rice or noodles. Pei Wei also offers cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to regular rice, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Asian flavors while staying in ketosis.
P.F. Chang’s
Known for their Chinese cuisine, P.F. Chang’s also provides keto-friendly menu options. They offer a variety of dishes that can be customized to fit your dietary needs. You can choose protein options like chicken, beef, or shrimp, and pair them with low-carb vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms. Opt for sauces that are low in sugar and carbs, such as their Sichuan-style or ginger garlic sauce. P.F. Chang’s also offers cauliflower “fried rice” as a keto-friendly alternative to traditional rice.
Sushi Restaurants
Sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of keto-friendly options, but there are ways to enjoy this Japanese delicacy while following a low-carb diet. Stick to sashimi, which is sliced raw fish, without the rice. You can also enjoy rolls that are wrapped in cucumber or seaweed instead of rice. Look for rolls that include ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and fish for a satisfying and low-carb meal. Just be mindful of any high-carb sauces that may be included and use them sparingly.
Fast Casual Restaurants
Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a fast casual restaurant that offers a variety of keto-friendly options. They have a “You Pick Two” meal option where you can choose a half salad and pair it with a keto-friendly soup or protein option. You can also customize your salad by choosing protein sources like chicken or steak, and add crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds. Panera Bread also offers a wide selection of breakfast options, including their avocado, egg, and cheese sandwich without the bread.
Five Guys
If you’re craving a juicy burger, Five Guys is a fast casual restaurant that won’t disappoint. You can enjoy their burgers wrapped in lettuce or opt for a bunless version. Load up on toppings like cheese, bacon, and avocado to keep your meal satisfying and low in carbs. Five Guys also offers protein-packed toppings like grilled mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, making it easy to create a flavorful and filling keto-friendly meal.
Jimmy John’s
For a quick and delicious keto-friendly sub, Jimmy John’s is a popular choice. They offer their subs as lettuce wraps, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors of a sandwich without the high-carb bread. You can choose from a variety of protein options like turkey, roast beef, or salami, and top it with keto-friendly ingredients such as cheese, mayo, and mustard. Jimmy John’s also offers their unwich, which is a sub made with lettuce instead of bread, for a convenient and satisfying meal on the go.
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Breakfast Options
Eggs and Bacon
When it comes to keto-friendly breakfast options, eggs and bacon are a classic choice. Eggs are low in carbs and high in protein, making them an ideal choice for those following a low-carb diet. Scramble them, fry them, or make an omelette with your favorite keto-friendly toppings like cheese, spinach, or mushrooms. Pair them with crispy bacon for a hearty and satisfying breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has become a trendy breakfast option in recent years, and it can easily be keto-friendly with a few modifications. Instead of using regular bread, opt for a low-carb bread or make your own cloud bread using eggs and cream cheese. Mash up a ripe avocado and spread it on the bread, then top it with keto-friendly ingredients like bacon, cheese, or sliced tomatoes. Avocado is packed with healthy fats and fiber, making it a great choice for those on a low-carb diet.
Keto Pancakes
If you have a sweet tooth in the morning, keto pancakes are a delicious and satisfying option. You can make them using almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour, which reduces the carb content significantly. Mix in eggs, sweetener of your choice, and a dash of vanilla extract for flavor. Cook them on a griddle with butter or coconut oil, and enjoy them topped with sugar-free syrup, berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. These keto pancakes will satisfy your breakfast cravings and keep you in ketosis.
Snacks
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a convenient and portable snack that is perfect for those on a keto diet. It is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a great choice to satisfy your midday cravings. Look for beef jerky that is minimally processed and doesn’t contain added sugars or preservatives. You can also make your own beef jerky at home using lean cuts of meat and your favorite seasonings.
Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are another tasty and keto-friendly snack option. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you full between meals. Look for cheese sticks that are made from high-quality cheeses without any added fillers or preservatives. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with some sliced deli meat for added protein.
Nuts
Nuts are a convenient and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on a keto diet. They are high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a satisfying option for when you need a quick pick-me-up. Opt for low-carb nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts. Be mindful of portion sizes, as nuts are calorie-dense, and choose raw or lightly salted varieties without any added oils or sugars.
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Desserts
Sugar-free Jello
If you’re craving something sweet on a keto diet, sugar-free Jello is a guilt-free option. It is low in carbs and calories, making it a perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with whipped cream made from heavy cream and a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol. Sugar-free Jello is available in a variety of flavors, so you can switch it up and enjoy a different treat every time.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is not only delicious but can also be enjoyed on a keto diet. Opt for chocolate that has a high percentage of cocoa, such as 70% or higher, as it tends to have less sugar and more fiber. Enjoy a square or two of dark chocolate as a dessert or pair it with some nuts for added texture and flavor. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and is a great way to satisfy your chocolate cravings while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle.
Keto Ice Cream
Yes, you read that right – you can have ice cream on a keto diet! There are now several brands that offer keto-friendly ice cream options, made with ingredients like coconut oil, heavy cream, and sugar substitutes. These ice creams are low in carbs and sugar, making them a perfect treat for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes.
Beverages
Water
Water is the best beverage option for those on a keto diet. It is hydrating, calorie-free, and essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, or more if you’re physically active or live in a hot climate. You can also infuse your water with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for added flavor without the extra carbs.
Coffee
For many people, starting their day with a cup of coffee is a must. The good news is that coffee is keto-friendly. It is low in calories and carbs, especially if you enjoy it black or with a splash of unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few drops of sugar-free flavored syrups to enhance the taste without adding unnecessary carbs or sugars.
Sugar-free Energy Drinks
If you need an extra energy boost, sugar-free energy drinks can be a good option. However, it’s important to choose sugar-free varieties that are low in carbs and calories. Read the labels carefully and opt for energy drinks that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like sucralose or stevia. Be aware that consuming too many energy drinks can have negative effects on your health, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation.
In conclusion, following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite restaurants and food options. Many fast food, casual dining, and specialty restaurants offer keto-friendly choices that can keep you on track with your low-carb lifestyle. By making mindful choices and customizing your meals, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dishes while still reaching your health and wellness goals. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet. Enjoy exploring the world of keto-friendly restaurants and food options, and bon appétit!
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