Top Keto-Friendly Restaurants to Try in New York City

Finding the Best Keto-Friendly Restaurants in NYC

The keto diet is gaining popularity for its ability to boost energy, support weight loss, and balance blood sugar. However, sticking to a very low-carb meal plan can be challenging when eating out, especially in a city like New York with endless dining options.

The good news is you can find plenty of keto restaurant choices in NYC that can accommodate a ketogenic diet. With a little planning ahead, you can enjoy delicious low-carb meals at many of the city's most popular eateries.

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic or "keto" diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate protein eating plan designed to put your body into nutritional ketosis. In this metabolic state, your body switches from primarily burning glucose to burning fatty acids and ketones for fuel.

On keto, you typically limit net carbs to 20-50 grams per day from high-fiber vegetables, nuts, seeds and some dairy. Protein intake is moderated around 0.8-1.2 grams per pound of lean body mass. The majority of calories come from healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish.

Benefits of keto include steady energy, reduced hunger, improved cognitive function, balanced blood sugar, and more. But it does require careful meal planning and preparation.

Keto Dining Tips

Follow these tips when eating keto at restaurants in NYC:

• Review the menu online and identify low-carb options before going.
• Ask for any starchy sides or sugary sauces/dressings to be left off.
• Request extra vegetables or a side salad instead of fries or rice.
• Opt for oil-based dressings like vinaigrette over sweetened dressing.
• Avoid breaded, fried items and sugary drinks.
• Don't be afraid to ask for modifications or substitutions.

Best Keto-Friendly Restaurants in NYC

Here are some of the top keto restaurant options to enjoy low-carb dining in New York City:

1. Hu Kitchen

This fast-casual spot offers grain-free and gluten-free keto meal options. Try the Avocado Smash toast on almond flour bread, Bone Broth Chicken Salad, or Pesto Meatballs with zoodles.

2. Clover Hill

This cozy restaurant in Brooklyn has options like the 30-Day Dry-Aged Burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, and Broccoli and Cheddar Frittata made with almond flour.

3. Chipotle

Build a keto burrito bowl with lettuce, meat, salsa, cheese, and guacamole. Just skip the rice, beans, and sugary drinks.

4. Five Guys

Order a cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce and top it with mushrooms, jalapeños, and mayo for a tasty bunless keto option.

5. By Chloe

Try the Pesto Meatball Salad, Guac Burger on a Portobello "bun", or breakfast options like the Egg-Normous Burrito or Breakfast Tacos.

6. Doughnut Plant

Satisfy your sweet tooth with their Coconut Cream Doughseed: a doughnut hole coated in coconut and no sugar added.

7. Bareburger

Build a low-carb burger wrapped in lettuce and say no to the bun. The El Matador with guacamole is a good choice.

8. The Meatball Shop

Enjoy their Italian-style meatballs served over a fresh salad instead of pasta for a keto makeover.

9. The Little Beet Table

Try the Steak and Eggs with avocado or one of their "Un-Wraps" like the Turkey Club in lettuce leaves.

10. Starbucks

Order coffee unsweetened with heavy cream, or a Cold Brew with sugar-free vanilla and heavy cream for a keto coffee treat.

Building Keto Meals at Popular Restaurants

You'd be surprised at the keto-friendly options you can create at many popular chain and fast-food restaurants. Here are some examples of how to "keto-fy" typical menu items:

McDonald's

• Egg McMuffin without the muffin
• Bacon McDouble wrapped in lettuce
• Side salad with ranch dressing
• Iced coffee with heavy cream

In-N-Out Burger

• Protein style burger wrapped in lettuce
• Flying Dutchman burger patties only
• Add extra spread, mustard, and onions
• Say no to secret sauce, ketchup, and buns

Olive Garden

• Grilled chicken with broccoli instead of pasta
• Salad with Italian dressing and added grilled chicken
• Zoodles Primavera with chicken
• Herb-grilled salmon

Domino's

• Chicken wings
• Buffalo chicken pizza with just cheese and chicken
• Salad with ranch dressing
• Diet soda

Chipotle

• Burrito bowl with no rice or beans
• Fajita veggies, meat, salsa, guacamole, cheese
• Romaine lettuce instead of rice
• Double portion of meat

Top Keto Snacks and Desserts in NYC

Finding keto snacks and sweet treats in a city like New York with so many decadent culinary temptations can seem next to impossible. Luckily, these low-carb shops have you covered when a keto-friendly dessert craving strikes:

Cloud10 Creamery

Scoops of their signature keto ice cream will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Perfect Keto

This shop offers a huge selection of ready-to-eat keto snacks like brownies, candy bars, nut butters and jerky.

Keto Food Trucks

Keep an eye out for trucks like Snap Kitchen and Ketogenik serving grab-and-go keto meals.

Nuts.com

Browse their extensive online selection of high-fat, low-carb nuts, seeds and trail mixes for keto snacking.

ThinSlim Foods

Order their low-carb bakery items online like bagels, pizza crusts, and bread loaves shipped right to your door.

Baltic Born

This shop offers sweet treats like chocolate bars, nut butter cups, and trail mixes made with keto-approved ingredients.

Make Keto Dining in NYC Easy

Eating keto in New York City is very doable with the right restaurants. Look for places that offer meat and vegetables as mains, lettuce-wrapped burgers, and are able to modify by removing buns, croutons, sauces and other high-carb ingredients. With the dining

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.