Order like you own the place.
22 restaurant guides: what to order, what to skip, where the carbs hide and the exact line to say to your server.
Order almost anything from the main part of the menu.
Brazilian Steakhouse
Picanha, ribeye, lamb…
EasyKeto at a Brazilian Steakhouse →Korean BBQ
Unmarinated pork belly (samgyeopsal), beef brisket (chadol), short rib cooked plain…
EasyKeto at Korean BBQ →Middle Eastern
Shish tawook, lamb or beef kebabs, shawarma plates with salad instead of rice…
EasyKeto at a Middle Eastern Restaurant →Deli & Sandwich Shop
Any sandwich as a lettuce wrap or in a bowl, a chef salad or Cobb, tuna or egg salad…
EasyKeto at a Deli or Sandwich Shop →Sushi & Japanese
Sashimi, cucumber-wrapped rolls, miso soup…
EasyKeto at a Sushi Restaurant →French
Steak with béarnaise, roast chicken, duck confit…
EasyKeto at a French Restaurant →Japanese Hibachi
Steak, shrimp, chicken…
EasyKeto at a Hibachi Grill →Barbecue Joint
Brisket, smoked turkey, smoked chicken…
EasyKeto at a BBQ Joint →Burger Joint
Any burger without the bun or wrapped in lettuce, with cheese, bacon…
EasyKeto at a Burger Joint →Pizza Place
Traditional wings, an antipasto or Caesar salad without croutons, and crustless pizza bowls where offered.…
EasyKeto at a Pizza Place →Seafood & Raw Bar
Oysters, shrimp cocktail with lemon, crab legs or lobster with butter…
EasyKeto at a Seafood Restaurant →Steakhouse
Steak with butter or béarnaise, grilled fish or lobster, wedge or Caesar salad (no croutons)…
EasyKeto at a Steakhouse →Good options, with a couple of swaps and questions.
Indian
Tandoori meats, seekh kebabs, saag or palak paneer…
DoableKeto at an Indian Restaurant →Mediterranean & Greek
Kebabs, lamb chops, grilled fish…
DoableKeto at a Greek or Mediterranean Restaurant →American Diner
Omelettes, bacon and eggs, burger with no bun and a side salad…
DoableKeto at a Diner →Mexican
Fajitas (no tortillas, rice or beans), carne asada…
DoableKeto at a Mexican Restaurant →Chinese
Steamed fish or chicken with vegetables (sauce on the side), egg drop soup in a small portion, garlic stir-fries.…
DoableKeto at a Chinese Restaurant →Coffee Shop
Black coffee, espresso, an Americano or cold brew with a splash of heavy cream…
DoableKeto at a Coffee Shop →Italian
Antipasto, grilled fish or chicken, steak or veal with vegetables…
DoableKeto at an Italian Restaurant →Sports Bar & Wings
Traditional wings with buffalo sauce or a dry rub, celery and blue cheese, a bunless burger…
DoableKeto at a Sports Bar →Thai
Larb, grilled satay (peanut sauce sparingly), coconut curries without rice…
DoableKeto at a Thai Restaurant →The starch is the point of the menu, so plan your order.
Five rules that work almost everywhere
- Protein first: pick the steak, fish, chicken or seafood.
- Swap the starch for vegetables or a side salad.
- Sauces on the side, where sugar and flour hide.
- Send the bread basket away before it lands.
- Drink dry: spirits with soda, dry wine or brut sparkling.
The Keto Dress Code
Restaurant strategy, the wedding and holiday game plans and a drink carb chart, ready for your phone.
Eating out on keto
Which restaurants are easiest on keto?
By our count of dishes you can order as-is: Brazilian Steakhouse, Korean BBQ, Middle Eastern, Deli & Sandwich Shop. Grilled meat or fish with a vegetable side is the pattern to look for.
Which are hardest?
Sports Bar & Wings, Thai, Vietnamese & Pho, because rice, noodles, bread or crust is at the center of the plate. You can still eat well; it just takes a plan.
Is it rude to ask for substitutions?
No. Kitchens handle substitutions all day. Keep it to one or two short, friendly requests, and thank them.
Menus and recipes vary by restaurant, so ask when you are unsure. Not medical advice; see our health disclaimer.
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