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Dining out / Mediterranean & Greek

Keto at a Greek or Mediterranean Restaurant

Doable for keto4 to order1 to ask about3 to skip

Grilled meats, fish, olive oil, feta and big salads make Mediterranean and Greek menus naturally low in carbs. Leave the pita in the basket and dip vegetables instead.

Order this

Kebabs, lamb chops, grilled fish, Greek salad, tzatziki with vegetables, olives.

Skip this

Pita, hummus with bread, couscous, rice, baklava.

Say this

“Could I have cucumber and celery for dipping?”

The menu, dish by dish

Chicken or lamb souvlakiOrderSkip the pita.
Greek saladOrderTomato, cucumber, olives and feta.
TzatzikiOrderDip vegetables, not pita.
Grilled octopus or fishOrderWith olive oil and lemon.
HummusAsk firstChickpeas have carbs; a spoonful with veggies is okay.
Pita, rice and couscousSkipStarch.
SpanakopitaSkipWrapped in phyllo.
BaklavaSkipHoney and pastry.

Where the carbs hide

  • Honey on grilled halloumi, feta and in some dressings
  • Bulgur in tabbouleh and kibbeh
  • Rice in dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
  • Potatoes roasted under souvlaki and lamb
At the bar

What to drink

A dry Greek white such as Assyrtiko, a dry rosé, or ouzo with water.

Carbs in every drink

Five rules that work almost anywhere

  1. Protein first.
  2. Swap the starch for vegetables or a salad.
  3. Sauces on the side.
  4. Send the bread basket away.
  5. Drink dry.

Menus and recipes vary by restaurant, so ask when you are unsure. Not medical advice; see our health disclaimer.

Quick answers

Is mediterranean & greek food keto-friendly?

It can be, with a few swaps. Grilled meats, fish, olive oil, feta and big salads make Mediterranean and Greek menus naturally low in carbs. Leave the pita in the basket and dip vegetables instead.

What can I order at a mediterranean & greek restaurant on keto?

Kebabs, lamb chops, grilled fish, Greek salad, tzatziki with vegetables, olives.

What should I avoid?

Pita, hummus with bread, couscous, rice, baklava. Hidden carbs to watch for: honey on grilled halloumi, feta and in some dressings; bulgur in tabbouleh and kibbeh; rice in dolmades (stuffed grape leaves); potatoes roasted under souvlaki and lamb.

What should I ask my server?

Try: “Could I have cucumber and celery for dipping?” Keep requests short and friendly; kitchens handle substitutions all the time.

What should I drink?

A dry Greek white such as Assyrtiko, a dry rosé, or ouzo with water.

Take it with you

The pocket guide for eating out

The free Keto Dress Code: restaurant strategy, wedding and holiday plans, and a drink carb chart.

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