Top 30 Keto-Friendly Dining Destinations

The 30 Best Keto-Friendly Restaurants
Following a keto diet with low carbs and high fats can sometimes feel like a solo mission—especially when eating out. You might have thought your choices were limited to a bunless burger or a simple grilled chicken salad. But guess what? More restaurants than ever are now catering to the keto lifestyle, helping you stay within your 25–50 grams limit without sacrificing flavor.
Our Selection Criteria
- Nationwide Reach: We focused on U.S.-based national or regional chains that you can count on, even though many independent restaurants offer keto options.
- Diverse Keto Options: Look beyond just bunless burgers. We looked for menus that mix it up with creative salads, bowls, and more.
- Variety of Restaurant Types: From fast food to steakhouses, buffets to pizza joints, we have something for everyone.
Fast Food Favorites
- Jimmy John’s: Their “Unwich” wraps replace bread with crisp lettuce. Try the Big John Unwich with roast beef, tomato, and mayo for only about 10 grams of net carbs.
- Chipotle: Build a bowl or salad with a mix of meats, veggies, cheese, guacamole, and salsa. Their Keto Salad Bowl is a delicious way to stick to your carb goals.
- Wendy’s: Request any burger without the bun and extra high-carb toppings. For salads, ask for grilled chicken and skip the croutons to keep it keto.
- El Pollo Loco: Their menu features options like the Double Chicken Avocado Salad that allow you to enjoy flavorful Tex Mex without the carb overload.
- Chick-fil-A: Opt for grilled nuggets or customize a Cobb Salad by avoiding corn and opting for a low-sugar dressing.
- In-N-Out: Order any burger “Protein Style” to swap the bun for a crunchy lettuce wrap – a tasty way to reduce your carb intake.
- Popeye’s: Their Blackened Tenders, when ordered unbreaded and paired with green beans, make for a satisfying low-carb meal.
- Slim Chickens: Their grilled chicken strips and side salads are great options to beat the carb count.
- Qdoba: Choose the Smoked Brisket Keto Bowl or customize your own bowl using protein, cheese, salsa, and even a low-carb Mexican Cauliflower Mash.
Casual and Fast Casual Options
- Noodles & Company: They offer zucchini noodles as an alternative to traditional pasta, making it simple to transform many dishes into keto-friendly meals.
- Olive Garden: Ask to substitute pasta with a hearty serving of broccoli. Their salads, when served without croutons, are also a good fit.
- BurgerFi: Enjoy a premium burger “green style” – served in lettuce – that lets you indulge without excess carbs.
- BD’s Mongolian Grill: Customize your stir-fry with meat, seafood, and veggies while skipping the noodles, rice, and sugary sauces.
- The Cheesecake Factory: Go for customized options like a bunless Glamburger or an omelet loaded with keto-friendly fillings such as bacon, cheese, and spinach.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Their traditional plain wings are virtually carb-free—just be mindful of any added sauces.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Modify salads or entrees (like the Tri-Tip Wedge) by removing high-carb extras, keeping your meal balanced.
- Joe’s Crab Shack: Enjoy fresh seafood options such as steamed or broiled fish, crab, and shrimp. Skip any breading or carb-laden sides.
- On the Border: Their fajitas can easily be adjusted for keto by asking for no tortillas, beans, or rice—just the meat and veggies.
- Chili’s: Whether it’s a bunless burger, grilled steak, or a salad loaded with protein, you can modify most dishes to meet keto requirements.
Steaks and Satisfying Meals
- Outback Steakhouse: Stick with a grilled sirloin paired with non-starchy sides like green beans and broccoli—just watch out for sugary sauces.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Their steaks, grilled salmon, or pork chops paired with vegetables like Brussels sprouts are excellent for keto diners.
- Texas Roadhouse: Opt for their steak, chicken, or salmon dishes without the bun. Sautéed mushrooms and salads round out a low-carb plate.
- Colton’s Steakhouse: A favorite is their Loaded Chicken, featuring grilled chicken with mushrooms, bacon, green onions, and cheese.
- Saltgrass Steakhouse: Consider ordering the Bacon Wrap Filet & Grilled Shrimp along with a side of asparagus or broccoli for a rich keto experience.
Diner & Pizza Alternatives
- IHOP: While known for pancakes, IHOP’s Spinach & Mushroom Omelette offers a hearty, low-carb breakfast—perfect for keto meet-ups.
- Denny’s: Modify classics like the All-American Slam by skipping hash browns and bread, or try the Wild Alaska Salmon with extra broccoli instead of mash.
- Blaze Pizza: Their Keto Pizza, served on a gluten-free, keto-friendly crust with toppings like bacon and mushrooms, is a modern twist on an old favorite.
- Marco’s Pizza: Enjoy a Pizza Bowl that leaves behind the crust while still delivering all the rich flavors you love.
Buffet Bonanzas
- Texas de Brazil: This vibrant Brazilian steakhouse offers an all-you-can-eat experience with a salad bar and plenty of meat, cheeses, and veggies that are naturally keto.
- Golden Corral: With stations featuring everything from roasted turkey and steak to fresh salads and green vegetables, you can craft a meal that perfectly fits your keto plan.
In a nutshell, following a keto lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to stick to eating at home. With a little planning and a few smart modifications—like choosing grilled or broiled proteins and non-starchy sides—you can enjoy a wonderful dining experience almost anywhere.
Next time you’re out, ask yourself: "What delicious low-carb option can I create from the menu today?" Enjoy these picks and explore more keto-friendly choices, and remember, a bit of creativity can go a long way toward keeping your diet on track.