35 Keto-Friendly Restaurants With Tasty Low-Carb Meals You’ll Love

Enjoy guilt-free dining experiences with satisfying dishes that won’t derail your diet.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Enjoy guilt-free dining experiences with satisfying dishes that won’t derail your diet.

Eating out on a keto diet doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or variety. While dining out can present challenges for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat regimen, an increasing number of mainstream and specialty restaurants offer delicious keto-friendly options—often with customizable menus and nutrition info to make your choices easier. This guide features 35 top restaurant chains where you can enjoy a satisfying meal while sticking to your keto goals, plus helpful tips for ordering and answers to common questions.

Why Eat Keto at Restaurants?

With the growing popularity of the keto lifestyle, more restaurants now provide low-carb choices or substitutions. Whether you’re craving seafood, a juicy steak, or just want a quick bite, there are easy ways to make your meal keto-compliant while enjoying variety and convenience away from home.

For those navigating the world of keto dining, understanding specific food choices is crucial. To dive deeper into the important keto foods that can enhance your dining experience, don't miss our ultimate guide to keto diet foods. This comprehensive resource will empower you with knowledge to make informed choices, ensuring each meal supports your dietary goals.

Seafood and steakhouse chains are often keto goldmines, thanks to naturally low-carb proteins and customizable sides.
Fast-casual brands increasingly let you build your own bowl or salad—skipping the carbs but keeping the flavor.
Coffee shops and delis can also be great spots for grab-and-go keto meals or snacks.

Tips for Ordering Keto at Restaurants

Avoid bread, pasta, rice, and high-sugar sauces. Ask for substitutions or build your dish without these ingredients.
Opt for proteins like grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or eggs. Pair with steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables.
Request dressings and sauces on the side to control added sugars and carbs.
Choose full-fat cheeses and mayonnaise-based dressings for extra flavor and satiety.
Swap starchy sides (fries, potatoes, rice) for salads, broccoli, or sautéed greens.

When it comes to satisfying your coffee cravings while on keto, options can be limited. However, for an abundance of delicious choices, explore our ultimate guide to keto Starbucks drinks. This curated list ensures you'll find the perfect beverage to complement your meal, keeping you aligned with your low-carb lifestyle.

35 Keto-Friendly Restaurant Chains and Their Best Low-Carb Picks

Below is a detailed overview of the best keto options at some of America’s most popular chain restaurants. Each has standout menu picks, custom ordering suggestions, and nutrition notes to keep you on track.

Red Lobster

While the iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits are off limits, Red Lobster is ideal for keto dieters:

Create Your Own Feast Garlic Shrimp Scampi: 430 calories, 35g fat, 6g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 24g protein.
Other options under 10g net carbs: Grilled salmon, lobster tail, and a variety of shrimp dishes. Pair with steamed broccoli or a simple house salad.

Olive Garden

Pass on the breadsticks and pasta but savor protein-rich entrées at Olive Garden:

To further enhance your understanding of keto-friendly options, consider the recommendations from experts. Our collection of 30 best low-carb foods recommended by dietitians thoroughly outlines the choices that can make eating low-carb enjoyable and nutritious. Explore these insights to ensure a successful dining experience.

Herb-Grilled Salmon: 460 calories, 29g fat, 8g carbs, 4g fiber, 45g protein. Comes with garlic butter and parmesan broccoli.
Other keto choices: Grilled chicken or steak, or a custom salad with oil & vinegar dressing.

Starbucks

This coffee chain has keto-friendly snacks and custom drinks:

Order a latte or Americano with heavy cream (instead of milk); avoid syrups and sweetened creamers.
Try their egg bites (choose bacon & Gruyère for lower carbs), cheese snack boxes, or buy nuts and string cheese for quick fuel.

Chipotle

An easy spot to build your own keto bowl:

Opt for a burrito bowl with lettuce base, double meat, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole; skip rice, beans, and corn.
Salsas are mostly keto-friendly (avoid corn salsa).

For those interested in maintaining protein levels while minimizing carbs, knowing the best selections is vital. Unlock the full potential of your meals by checking our ultimate guide to high-protein, low-carb foods. This guide details the most beneficial foods for your keto journey, ensuring you stay full and satisfied.

Chopt

Chopt makes salads exciting with chopped greens, protein choices, and house-made dressings:

Choose a keto salad base (kale, romaine, spinach), top with eggs, grilled chicken or shrimp, cheeses, avocados, and oil & vinegar-based dressings.

Cracker Barrel

Classic homestyle fare with keto tweaks:

Order eggs, bacon, or sausage for breakfast.
Opt for grilled chicken or steak with a side of green beans, broccoli, or mixed greens for dinner; avoid the bread basket and fried dishes.

O’Charley’s

Enjoy hearty American classics at O’Charley’s on keto:

Choose a Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad (no croutons), steak, or grilled chicken. Sub in non-starchy veggies where possible.

Noodles & Company

Surprisingly, Noodles & Company offers low-carb options:

Zucchini noodles with basil pesto cream sauce, chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes: 320 calories, 17g fat, 11g carbs, 3g fiber, 5g sugar, 32g protein.

California Pizza Kitchen

Skip the crust and order a power bowl—grilled chicken, greens, and avocado—or a salad with grilled shrimp. Substitute extra veggies for any croutons or bread.

Bahama Breeze Island Grille

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad: 670 calories, 42g fat, 14g carbs, 8g fiber, 5g sugar, 61g protein.
Order a burger without the bun for a flavorful, carb-conscious meal.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Look for entrée salads, grilled meat or fish, and ask for no croutons or high-carb toppings.
The Tri-Tip Wedge Salad (modify: no BBQ sauce, tomatoes, onions) features protein, healthy fat, and blue cheese dressing.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Traditional bone-in wings (plain or dry rubs) are nearly zero carbs. Avoid breaded (boneless) wings and sugary sauces.
Blue cheese or ranch dressing adds healthy fat.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Pollo Rosa Maria: Stuffed chicken with cheese and prosciutto; just 4g carbs per serving.
Tuscan Grilled Filet (7oz): Less than 1g carb per serving, packed with protein and flavor.

Texas de Brazil

Brazillian steakhouses are a keto paradise: unlimited meat (herb-marinated pork, filet mignon, chicken wrapped in bacon) and a salad bar emphasizing greens, cheeses, and olive oil-based dressings.

Golden Corral

Buffet style lets you focus on roast meats, turkey, fish, and non-starchy vegetables (like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage).

Other Noteworthy Keto-Friendly Chains

IHOP: Ask for omelets, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit—skip pancakes and syrups.
Denny’s: Build your breakfast: eggs, cheese, ham, avocado, bacon—no toast, no hash browns.
Panera Bread: Choose salads with grilled chicken, steak, or tuna; ask for no croutons or bread on the side.
P.F. Chang’s: Lettuce wraps with chicken or shrimp are tasty and low in carbs.
Applebee’s: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak with vegetables; bunless burgers.
Outback Steakhouse: Steaks, grilled fish, and low-carb sides like broccoli or asparagus (skip the Bloomin’ Onion!).
Five Guys: Bunless burgers with cheese, bacon, and all the keto-appropriate toppings; add avocado and mushrooms.
Subway: Turn any sandwich into a salad bowl, select oil & vinegar-based dressings.
Jimmy John’s: Unwiches (lettuce wraps) with meats, cheeses, mayo, and avocado.
Arby’s: Go for meats and cheeses only—order without the bun.
Chick-fil-A: Grilled nuggets with a salad or side of coleslaw; skip the fries and breaded items.
Panda Express: Super greens instead of rice or noodles, with grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp options (check for hidden sugars in sauces).
Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King: Bunless burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches (no bun or breaded options), and side salads with full-fat dressings.
Blaze Pizza: Offers a cauliflower crust and keto pizza with low-carb toppings and cheese; double check nutritional info as crusts may still have some carbs.
B.D.’s Mongolian Grill: Create your own stir-fry from meat, veggies, and low-carb sauces—skip noodles, rice, corn, and beans.
Joe’s Crab Shack: Broiled or grilled seafood options such as crab and shrimp, as long as you avoid fried items and starchy sides.
On the Border: Order fajitas without tortillas, beans, or rice; load up on grilled meats and sautéed vegetables.
Chili’s: Fajitas minus tortillas and sides; grilled steak, chicken, or seafood paired with a salad minus croutons.

Sample Table: Keto Menu Choices by Restaurant

Restaurant	Menu Item	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Notes
Red Lobster	Garlic Shrimp Scampi	6	24	Served without pasta
Olive Garden	Herb-Grilled Salmon	8	45	With parmesan broccoli
Chipotle	Burrito Bowl (no rice/beans)	7	30+	Double protein with lettuce base
Starbucks	Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites	9	19	Good snack or breakfast
Noodles & Company	Zoodles Basil Pesto Chicken	11	32	Zucchini noodles, chicken, mushrooms
BJ’s Brewhouse	Tri-Tip Wedge Salad (mod’d)	~7	30+	No BBQ sauce, tomatoes, onions
B.D.’s Mongolian Grill	Custom Stir Fry (meat, veg, oil)	2–8	Varies	Avoid noodles/rice/beans

Keto-Friendly Sauces and Condiments

Best Bets: Olive oil, vinaigrette, ranch, blue cheese, caesar, mayonnaise, guacamole, unsweetened salsas, mustard.
Limit or Avoid: Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, ketchup, dressings with added sugar or fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dining Out on Keto

Q: How can I estimate carbs in restaurant meals?

A: Many restaurant websites provide detailed nutrition information or meal calculators online. If info isn’t available, focus on choosing clear proteins and non-starchy vegetables, and ask for sauces or toppings on the side.

Q: What should I watch out for in restaurant dishes?

A: Hidden carbs can appear in breading, sauces, salad dressings, and even marinated meats. Ask about ingredients and opt for grilled or steamed items whenever possible.

Q: Can I have alcohol on keto at restaurants?

A: Spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey have zero carbs. Choose them straight or with club soda; avoid sweet mixers, beer, and most wines.

Q: How do I avoid temptation with bread or chips at the table?

A: Politely decline bread baskets and chips, or ask your server not to bring them. Focus on protein and veggie appetizers, if available.

Q: Are dessert options available at these chains?

A: Most traditional desserts are high in sugar and not keto-friendly. Opt instead for a cheese board, coffee with cream, or a few fresh berries if available.

Smart Keto Ordering Strategies

Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications—most restaurants are happy to accommodate requests for extra veggies, substitutions, or sauce removal.
Prep ahead by browsing the menu online or using nutrition calculators before you visit.
Restaurants with ‘build your own’ or customizable entrées are your best friends on keto.

Conclusion: Enjoying Keto Dining Out

With thoughtful ordering and a bit of nutrition know-how, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy delicious and satisfying keto meals at major chain restaurants across the country. This list of 35 keto-friendly restaurants gives you plenty of options for staying on track while eating out, whether your tastes run to steak, seafood, salad, or even fast food. Armed with this guide, you can keep your meals low-carb, high-flavor, and stress-free wherever you dine.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb