This content originally appeared on Everyday Health. Republished with permission.

By Jessica Migala

Medically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES on September 22, 2023

Sticking to a very-low-carb, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet like keto when you’re out at a restaurant can pose some unique challenges beyond resisting your favorite plate of fries. First, the portions are skewed — and not in your favor. “Protein portions tend to be too large, and vegetable portions too small, leading to an unbalanced meal,” says Alicia Romano, RD, clinical registered dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

Then there are the hidden ingredients that find their way in. “Added sauces or gravies can sneak in sources of carbohydrates from added sugars or flours that you were not intending to eat,” she says.

The reasons you’re on the ketogenic diet — weight loss or perhaps a doctor-advised diet for a medical problem such as type 2 diabetes — also matters when choosing the best order for you. “The ketogenic diet can lead to successful weight loss; however, it’s typically not necessary for most people,” says Jillian Kubala, RD, of Jillian Kubala Nutrition in Westhampton, New York. Although she says she finds the keto diet extremely restrictive (and therefore doesn’t recommend it), “the reality is that most people who are [on] keto are simply following a low-carb, high-protein diet,” Kubala says.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This is what’s referred to as a “modified Atkins diet,” a less restrictive form of keto that counts carbohydrates but doesn’t restrict proteins, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. (Scientists originally developed a medical ketogenic diet as a treatment for children with epilepsy.) “If you’re following a ketogenic diet that falls in line with the modified Atkins diet approach, there’s much more flexibility with food choices, thus making eating out more reasonable,” says Romano.

Understanding Macronutrient Ratios in Meals

There are several types of the keto diet and they all depend on strict macronutrient (carbs, fat, protein) calculations. Generally speaking, the medical keto diet used to treat epilepsy prescribes 4 grams (g) of fat for every 1 g of carbohydrate and protein, which means you’re getting 90 percent of your calories from fat, 6 percent from protein, and 4 percent from carbs, according to the Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies. A modified Atkins diet has no protein restriction, and ends up being comprised of about 65 percent fat, 29 to 32 percent protein, and 3 to 6 percent carbohydrates. When it comes to keto for weight loss, you might eat 70 to 80 percent of calories from fat, 10 to 20 percent from protein, and 5 to 10 percent from carbohydrates, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Calculating Net Carbs and Ketones

Many people on keto use net carbs when measuring their carb intake. According to Atkins, you can calculate net carbs by taking total carbohydrates minus grams of fiber and sugar alcohols. The idea behind that, the company says, is that net carbs are what affect your blood sugar level and can compromise weight loss, so they, rather than total carbs, are worth counting. But you should know that neither the federal government nor the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognizes this term, nor is calculating them an exact science, registered dietitians agree. The ADA says that net carbs are difficult to determine from the nutrition label (for instance, sugar alcohols are not required to be listed), making it an imprecise number.

Also know that if you’re on a classic keto diet, you may need to connect with a registered dietitian to come up with a personalized plan for hitting more specific macronutrient targets, says Romano. Some people on this version of keto might measure ketones, which are a substance your body produces when it burns fat instead of carbs for fuel, according to the University of California in San Francisco.

General Tips for Dining Out on a Keto Diet

That all may sound daunting, but the good news is that because keto is becoming more mainstream, restaurants understand when customers need to modify their meals. In fact, some chains have even come out with menu options specifically catered to keto dieters. But you still may need to do some legwork. “Like all healthy-eating patterns, a well-rounded ketogenic diet should mainly consist of whole, nutritious foods,” says Kubala. Consuming plenty of nonstarchy veggies should also be a staple rule, Kubala adds, and eating some fruits here and there is also a smart move despite this diet’s very low-carb nature.

You may need to finesse some of the meals to fit your desired macronutrient ratios as well. Romano recommends starting with a base of a simply prepared protein (such as poultry, fish, or meat grilled and without sauce, for instance) combined with a nonstarchy vegetable (like zucchini, broccoli, or leafy greens such as kale or collard greens). Then add healthy fats (ask for extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar, sliced avocado, olives, slivered nuts or seeds, and cheese) to “optimize fat intake while maintaining low carbohydrate intake,” she says.

In general, smart picks include a bunless burger over a bed of greens with lemon and olive oil or avocado; steak tips; grilled fish; or a bunless sandwich all served with — you guessed it — salad or a side of broccoli or vegetable-based “rice,” like from cauliflower, Romano says. “You can find this order, or a version of it, at many restaurants,” she explains.

And remember: Healthy restaurant eating while on keto is possible. “A well-planned ketogenic diet has the potential to still be nutritious if you crowd the diet with healthful fats and protein choices, including when eating out,” says Romano.

30 Top Restaurants for People on Keto

Follow those rules when ordering out from or dining in at the following restaurants that offer keto-friendly dishes:

1. Chili’s

The simplest choices are the best here. Steak plus a green veggie is one perfect keto combo.

Keto Choice: Classic Sirloin With Grilled Avocado and a Side of Steamed Broccoli

On their Guiltless Grill menu, choose the smaller, 6-ounce (oz) portion (versus the 10-oz serving) to keep protein in check. This is a great opportunity to add a source of digestion-friendly fiber with the broccoli (4 g of fiber). Avocado adds healthy fats.

Nutrition per Serving: 400 calories, 18g fat, 10g net carbs, 42g protein

2. Starbucks

Prepared sandwiches and salads are tough to customize, but there are a couple of protein- and fat-heavy options to turn to.

Keto Choice: Creminelli Sopressata Monterey Jack Snack Tray

If you’re looking for a zero-carb bite, this mini salami-cheese tray is it. Unfortunately, there’s no produce on this plate, so make sure to get in veggies elsewhere during the day. The classic snack combo will help keep you pleasantly full, and the moderate amount of protein won’t ruin your macros for the day.

Nutrition per Serving: 220 calories, 17g fat, 0g net carbs, 15g protein

3. Applebee’s

For a healthy, keto-friendly meal, go for grilled lean meat and veggies.

Keto Choice: Chicken Breast Patty With a Side of Garlicky Green Beans

You’d be surprised that other chicken dishes load up on carbohydrates. (Some contain upwards of 50 g.) You can go for the steamed broccoli here, but if you want to switch it up, the garlicky green beans add a respectable 5 g of net carbs. To add fat (to make the meal fall exactly into keto range), order a side of guacamole to top your chicken.

Nutrition per Serving: 340 calories, 14.5g fat, 5g net carbs, 42g protein

4. Blaze Pizza

Most places you’d have to skip the crust to eat a keto-friendly pizza, but this fast-casual pizza chain recently announced its keto pizza crust, so no one has to miss out on a Pizza Friday.

Keto Choice: Keto Pizza

This crust is made from a base of cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, flaxseed, and eggs. Then it’s topped with their spicy red sauce, more mozzarella, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, and more veggies, but you can switch up the toppings as you please. Ordered as is, you won’t get enough calories from fat to reach keto status, so be sure to order extra cheese and bacon, as well as olive oil and a drizzle of pesto. Those additions will bring this plate up to 63 percent of your calories from fat. Bonus: Each slice offers 2 g of fiber — not bad!

Nutrition per Slice: 150 calories, 8g fat, 2g net carbs, 14g protein

5. Olive Garden

Don’t think you have to be boxed into ordering pasta at Olive Garden (and eating a couple of breadsticks on the side).

Keto Choice: Herb-Grilled Salmon

The restaurant offers a grilled salmon filet, served with a drippy tab of garlic herb butter on top. Parmesan-garlic broccoli rounds out the meal. You’ll be offered a choice of soup or side salad, and in this case, the salad is your best bet. Watch portions, though, as a serving of salad with Italian dressing adds another 11 g of net carbs. (The nutrition info below includes salmon and broccoli.)

Nutrition per Serving: 610 calories, 45g fat, 5g net carbs, 45g protein

6. IHOP

Ignore the sea of pancakes and crepes, and get on board with a DIY creation.

Keto Choice: Build-Your-Own Omelette With Avocado and Spinach

Adding avocado and spinach packs in nutrients like heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (from the ‘cado, according to Cedars Sinai) and vitamin K, which plays a role in bone health, per the National Institutes of Health. You’ll have to skip the side that this dish comes with (pancakes, toast, fruit) because it’ll likely put you over in carbs, but request the fruit anyway and give it to one of your table mates.

Nutrition per Serving: 560 calories, 42g fat, 10g net carbs, 31g protein

7. Outback Steakhouse

A steakhouse is a rather easy place to find a keto-compliant meal. You’re better off choosing the smaller steak or fish meal to keep protein in check, and pairing with a nonstarchy veggie side.

Keto Choice: Grilled Lobster Tail With Roasted Garlic Topping and Sautéed ’Shrooms

Consider this dish a special-occasion indulgence. Most of the net carbs come from the addition of mushrooms. To up your fat, don’t forget to add the roasted garlic topping, which adds an additional 16 g.

Nutrition per Serving: 780 calories, 47g fat, 9g net carbs, 67g protein

8. The Cheesecake Factory

First, let’s get this out of the way: Cheesecakes may be high in fat, but they’re also loaded with sugar (carbs), so ending the meal with a slice is out on the keto diet. You also have to be very careful with this menu, as some choices approach 200 g of total carbs. Breakfast is a bit easier, as omelettes and eggs are both options.

Keto Choice: Small Caesar Salad

There are few choices at the Cheesecake Factory, save for a small caesar salad. Leave off the croutons to cut carbs. (Nutrition info below includes croutons.)

Nutrition per Serving: 440 calories, 38 g fat, 11 g net carbs, 8 g protein

9. TGI Fridays

The restaurant may be perfectly suited for happy hour apps, but you’re best served avoiding these. A “green style” cheeseburger will only run you 5 g net carbs (add avocado on top for 0 g net carbs and a dose of healthy fat), but this might be a great time to get in more veggies when you can.

Keto Choice: Million Dollar Cobb Salad With Grilled Chicken

Eat a half portion — full-size salads here easily top 1,000 calories. Ranch dressing is a good choice, carb-wise, with only 2 g of net carbs. (The nutrition info below reflects the full-sized salad topped with ranch.) Other keto-friendly options are blue cheese and Caesar.

Nutrition per Serving: 1000 calories, 75g fat, 12g net carbs, 66g protein

10. Smoothie King

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing meal, a smoothie may be your go-to. Problem is, most smoothies made with milk, yogurt, juice, and fruit contain far too many carbs for a keto diet. Smoothie King has two keto-friendly smoothies, the Keto Champ Coffee and Keto Champ Berry. The coffee version has the fewer carbs of the two.

Keto Choice: Keto Champ Coffee

Made with almond milk, coffee, almond butter, cocoa, and a keto protein blend, you’ll take in 0 g of added sugar, 6 g of fiber, and 9 g of net carbs.

Nutrition per Serving (20 oz): 420 calories, 31g fat, 9g net carbs, 24g protein

11. Buffalo Wild Wings

You don’t have to shy away from the wings here. An order contains no carbs until you add sauce. (For the best sauce, stick with the simple classics: hot, medium, or mild.) A bunless burger or grilled chicken breast, plus cheese and mustard, is another great pick.

Keto Choice: Traditional Wings and Celery Sticks

Each plate packs a wallop of protein, so opt for a six-count portion of wings. (Nutritional info includes dry Buffalo seasoning.) Pair them with refreshing celery.

Nutrition per Serving: 445 calories, 24g fat, 1g net carbs, 54g protein

12. Red Lobster

With a little planning, you can eat well at the classic seafood restaurant. Namely, take advantage of their interactive menu online, which allows you to sort each category from least to most carbohydrate content or use the nutrition calculator to build your meal to quickly crunch the numbers. Fresh seafood (unbreaded shrimp, lobster, crab) and grilled fish are all low-carb choices — and dipping or slathering it in butter adds fat.

Keto Choice: Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs With Broccoli

Focusing on crab legs — dipped in butter, no less — you’re keeping carbs at the bare minimum. With your choice of side, go for fresh broccoli, which has the fewest net carbs, and some added fat. This below nutrition information includes melted butter — use less to pare down the calories and fat of this meal.

Nutrition per Serving: 910 calories, 81g fat, 7g net carbs, 36g protein

13. Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Pass over Italian apps like calamari in favor of four-cheese and sausage stuffed mushrooms for a total of 6 g net carbs. As for your entrée, chicken, steaks, or fish is your best bet, but watch out for sauces and sides that jack up the carb count. A green veggie side will round out the meal, and a drizzle of olive oil will get your fat portion up to where it needs to be.

Keto Choice: Chicken Marsala

Grilled chicken is smothered in a mushroom-wine sauce. Steamed asparagus will bulk up the meal for few carbs. (Nutrition info is for chicken marsala only.)

Nutrition per Serving: 400 calories, 20g fat, 1g net carbs, 47g protein

14. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Sausage and biscuits, gravy, pancake plates, and grits are all traditional offerings at Cracker Barrel that you’ll have to skip right over. The good news here is that it’s easy to mix and match your plate with an entrée and sides to choose low-carb options and get the right mix of macros you need.

Keto Choice: Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout With Steamed Broccoli and Green Beans

Trout is a higher-in-fat option than catfish (another keto choice), and the addition of a green side means you’re getting a nonstarchy veggie on your plate. Adding butter to this meal adds 4 g fat per tab.

Nutrition per Serving: 430 calories, 17g fat, 12g net carbs, 48g protein

15. California Pizza Kitchen

Salads are your best bet at CPK, because unfortunately even a slice of gluten-free pizza can eat up most of your carb allotment for the day.

Keto Choice: California Cobb

This is a great chance to get in some greens, plus healthy fats from the avocado. Go for a half-sized salad.

Nutrition per Serving: 510 calories, 40g fat, 7g net carbs, 27g protein

16. Bonefish Grill

A fish and seafood restaurant is a prime place to find a great keto meal. Generally, avoid anything fried or breaded in favor of grilled. Rather than sauces (which can be a surprising source of carbs), add butter or olive oil on your own.

Keto Choice: Grilled Atlantic Salmon With Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce

Salmon is a naturally fatty fish, packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. (Order the small.) Ordering lemon butter as a topping adds 4.5 g of fat. Make green beans your side to get in veggies for minimal carbs.

Nutrition per Serving 400 calories, 25g fat, 7g net carbs, 37g protein

17. Boston Market

The classic chicken place serves you well when you choose basic chicken and veggies. Skip the bread and sauce; they can easily put you over your carb allotment.

Keto Choice: Rotisserie Chicken and Fresh Steamed Vegetables

Go for the three-piece dark meat meal (since dark meat contains more fat than white breast meat). Steamed veggies add fiber, though you may want to look for other ways to add a little more fat, such as by adding cheese (it’s available on the salads!) to your veggies. Note that complete nutritional information is unavailable as of publication date.

Nutrition per Serving: 510 calories

18. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Pasta places are rife with craveworthy high-carb dishes. If you can get past those (and the bread basket), you have good options.

Keto Choice: Lemon Herb Salmon

The grilled filet is bathed in a white wine butter sauce and served alongside spinach. At more than 700 calories, though, you could easily save half for tomorrow’s lunch.

Nutrition per Serving: 730 calories, 59g fat, 5g net carbs, 46g protein

19. Au Bon Pain

You can belly up to the hot or cold lunch bar for options like adobo chicken or beef and broccoli, but if you need something to-go, opt for their all-day breakfast options made keto-friendly.

Keto Choice: 2 Eggs, Cheddar, and Sausage

This option comes on a bagel — ask them to skip the bread entirely, and grab a fork when you feast. Remember to choose whole eggs to keep the fat content higher, as egg whites are fat-free.

Nutrition per Serving: 360 calories, 28g fat, 2g net carbs, 23g protein

20. Portillo’s

Head to the “Bowls” menu of this popular hotdog chain. There, you’ll find chicken, sausage, burger patties, and fish that you can top with a source of fat and side at your discretion.

Keto Choice: Classic Beef Bowl

This bowl is packed with their Italian beef. Consider getting a side salad and douse with olive oil and vinegar.

Nutrition per Serving: 360 calories, 25g fat, 0g net carbs, 32g protein

21. Shake Shack

You can request your order your way. Asking for your regular burger on a lettuce wrap saves 24 g of total carbs from the potato roll bun. Plus, the lettuce wrap has 0 g of net carbs.

Keto Choice: Single ShackBurger on Lettuce Wrap

Their ShackBurgers come with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce, which adds an additional 6 g of fat to the burger patty.

Nutrition per Serving: 325 calories, 24g fat, 2g net carbs, 23g protein

22. Houlihan’s

You’ll want to make a beeline for the entrees, which you can easily manipulate to meet your needs. Watch the sides — asparagus, cauliflower mash, and green beans should be your go-tos.

Keto Choice: Top Sirloin, 5 oz With Grilled Asparagus

Choosing the smaller, 5-oz steak over the larger one (9 oz) helps moderate protein. And the cauliflower mash, which is truly delicious, is a big source of fat (27 g in one serving). If you feel like you need even more fat, request a side of their Parmesan-garlic sauce, which contains an extra 29 g of fat and only 3 g net carbs.

Nutrition per Serving: 380 calories, 26g fat, 1g net carbs, 30g protein

23. Baja Fresh

Even if you order corn tacos instead of a burrito, the carb content is still too high. Same with the salads on their menu. Go for the Baja Ensalada and top with your choice of protein, plus extras like guacamole that bring the fat.

Keto Choice: Baja Ensalada

This high-flavor meal is easy to customize depending on your cravings for the day. (Take your pick from steak, shrimp, or chicken.) Top with avocado slices. (The nutrition info below represents chicken.)

Nutrition per Serving: 305 calories, 15g fat, 12g net carbs, 28g protein

24. Pret a Manger

It can be tough to navigate a menu of sandwiches and wraps. You can certainly choose one like the crunchy chipotle chicken and avo wrap or the chicken and bacon sandwich and eat the insides, discarding the bread.

Keto Choice: Pret’s Shakshuka Frittata

Eggs, feta, spinach, roasted tomatoes round out this flavorful frittata for a nice breakfast or lunch option.

Nutrition per Serving: 290 calories, 11g fat, 11g net carbs, 30g protein

25. Denny’s

You don’t have to just go for breakfast at this restaurant. (But if you do, opt for scrambled eggs or build your own omelet.)

Keto Choice: House Salad with Chicken and Avocado

Jazz up the basic salad with a healthy source of fat from the avocado and protein from chicken. (Salmon or prime rib are other keto-friendly salad toppers.)

Nutrition per Serving: 480 calories, 26g fat, 18g net carbs, 39g protein

26. Jimmy John’s

It’s almost too easy to order at this sandwich joint: Just choose an “unwich,” which is a lettuce-wrapped sandwich. Deli meats are good low- or no-carb options, but keep in mind that because they’re processed, they’re not exactly the healthiest choices. Not to mention, they’re high in sodium, according to a past report, so limiting them is important for maintaining a healthy blood pressure level.

Keto Choice: Totally Tuna Unwich

Made with mayo, tuna salad is a reliable higher-fat choice. One (almost) freebie: a pickle side, which rings in at no net carbs — and adds a big punch of flavor. Nutrition facts below for an 8-inch size with regular filling, plus provolone cheese and pickle.

Nutrition per Serving: 350 calories, 25.5g fat, 7g net carbs, 13g protein

27. Red Robin

With a menu designed to satisfy every burger lover’s dreams, you almost have to get a burger at this joint. Luckily, even after removing the bun and skipping the fries, you’re still left with a delicious meal.

Keto Choice: Guacamole Bacon Burger

Order it lettuce-wrapped, and you can eat it with your hands instead of a fork-and-knife. (Just keep napkins handy.) Guac on the burger supplies a source of heart-healthy fiber and fat. The red onion and tomato help you sneak in some extra veggies. Order a side of cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch that cuts the heaviness of the loaded burger.

Nutrition per Serving: 715 calories, 52.5g fat, 10g net carbs, 46g protein

28. Chipotle

The beauty of eating at Chipotle is that everything is entirely customizable. In this case, you’ll want to steer clear of burritos and tacos, as well as rice and beans, in favor of creating a “Lifestyle Bowl.”

Keto Choice: Keto Salad Bowl with Carnitas

A supergreens mix, plus choice of meat (chicken and carnitas has the lowest amount of carbs), plus guac, cheese, and salsa. Skip the vinaigrette on the side, which contains 18 g of carbs. The nutrition info below includes the bowl with carnitas.

Nutrition per Serving: 580 calories, 42g fat, 6g net carbs, 31g protein

29. LongHorn Steakhouse

Best options at a steakhouse are … the steaks. It’s the sides (and desserts) that can easily get you over your carb allotment for the day.

Keto Choice: 6 oz Flo’s Filet With Steamed Asparagus and Broccoli

This filet is a seasoned center-cut filet — importantly, it leaves off any sauces that would add carbs. Add nonstarchy veggies as the side, such as steamed asparagus or broccoli. Ask for additional butter to top your veggies if you need more fat.

Nutrition per Serving: 550 calories, 26g fat, 9g net carbs, 49g protein

30. Texas Roadhouse

You already know that steaks are an option, but what should your go-to be when you’re not in a red meat mood? Chicken and fish that are grilled, not fried, are your best bets.

Keto Choice: Smothered Chicken With Jack Cheese

This chicken is topped with low-carb veggies like onions and mushrooms, and gives you a choice of gravy or melted Jack cheese — go for the cheese to save 5 g of carbs. You’ll get a choice of two sides; go for (more) sauteed mushrooms, a side salad, or fresh veggies. If you have a larger carb allotment for the day, Texas Red Chili, which is bean-free, contains 10 g of net carbs in one cup of chili. (Nutrition info below does not reflect additional sides.)

Nutrition per Serving: 430 calories, 20g fat, 5g net carbs, 55g protein