First, the portions are skewed and not in your favor.
Then there are the hidden ingredients that find their way in.
But thats not necessarily a bad thing.
(Scientists originally developed a medical ketogenic diet as a treatment for children with epilepsy.)
Chan School of Public Health.
Calculating Net Carbs and Ketones
Many people on keto use net carbs when measuring their carb intake.
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.
You may need to finesse some of the meals to fit your desired macronutrient ratios as well.
And remember: Healthy restaurant eating while on keto is possible.
30 Top Restaurants for People on Keto
1.
Chilis
The simplest choices are the best here.
Steak plus a green veggie is one perfect keto combo.
Avocado adds healthy fats.
Nutrition per Serving:400 calories, 18g fat, 10g net carbs, 42g protein
2.
Unfortunately, theres no produce on this plate, so verify to get in veggies elsewhere during the day.
Nutrition per Serving:220 calories, 17g fat, 0g net carbs, 15g protein
3.
Applebees
For a healthy, keto-friendly meal, go for grilled lean meat and veggies.
Nutrition per Serving:340 calories, 14.5g fat, 5g net carbs, 42g protein
4.
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.
Parmesan-garlic broccoli rounds out the meal.
(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.
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.
Keto Choice:Grilled Lobster Tail With Roasted Garlic Topping and Sauteed Shrooms
Consider this dish a special-occasion indulgence.
Most of the net carbs come from the addition of mushrooms.
Breakfast is a bit easier, as omelettes and eggs are both options.
Leave off the croutons to cut carbs.
(Nutrition info below includes croutons.)
TGI Fridays
The restaurant may be perfectly suited for happy hour apps, but youre best served avoiding these.
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 youre looking for a light, refreshing meal, a smoothie may be your go-to.
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.
Buffalo Wild Wings
You dont 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.
(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’re free to eat well at the classic seafood restaurant.
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.
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.
Adding butter to this meal adds 4 g fat per tab.
Nutrition per Serving:430 calories, 17g fat, 12g net carbs, 48g protein
15.
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.
(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 Serving400 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.
Note that complete nutritional information is unavailable as of publication date.
Nutrition per Serving:510 calories
18.
Maggianos Little Italy
Pasta places are rife with craveworthy high-carb dishes.
At more than 700 calories, though, you could easily save half for tomorrows lunch.
Nutrition per Serving:730 calories, 59g fat, 5g net carbs, 46g protein
19.
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.
Portillos
Head to the Bowls menu of this popular hotdog chain.
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’re free to request your order your way.
Plus, the lettuce wrap has 0 g of net carbs.
Nutrition per Serving:325 calories, 24g fat, 2g net carbs, 23g protein
22.
Watch the sides asparagus, cauliflower mash, and green beans should be your go-tos.
Nutrition per Serving:380 calories, 26g fat, 1g net carbs, 30g protein
23.
Same with the salads on their menu.
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.
Nutrition per Serving:290 calories, 11g fat, 11g net carbs, 30g protein
25.
Dennys
You dont have to just go for breakfast at this restaurant.
(But if you do, opt for scrambled eggs or build your own omelet.)
(Salmon or prime rib are other keto-friendly salad toppers.)
Nutrition per Serving:480 calories, 26g fat, 18g net carbs, 39g protein
26.
Keto Choice:Totally Tuna Unwich
Made with mayo, tuna salad is a reliable higher-fat choice.
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.
Luckily, even after removing the bun and skipping the fries, youre still left with a delicious meal.
(Just keep napkins handy.
)Guacon 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.
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.
Its the sides (and desserts) that can easily get you over your carb allotment for the day.
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.
Chicken and fish that are grilled, not fried, are your best bets.
(Nutrition info below does not reflect additional sides.)
She was previously an assistant editor atPreventionwhere she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.
