The keto diet is still a relative new comer to the world of dieting, but if the last few years have anything to show, it’s here to stay.
Keto, which significantly restricts carbohydrates, is one of the most popular diets for those looking to lose weight. On the diet, people consume large amounts of fat and a moderate intake of protein. This is to allow the body to enter into the metabolic state called ketosis, which is thought to impart numerous health benefits.
But if you’ve been following keto for any period of time, you’ll know that it can be a challenge to stick to it when you’re out of the house. That can mean that many people following keto struggle to eat at restaurants.
If you’re looking to stick to your keto diet, want to eat at restaurants, but don’t know where to go, then this is the guide for you!
Read on to learn about the most keto-friendly restaurants in the UK!
Best keto-friendly restaurant options in the UK
Nando’s
We couldn’t have this list without Nando’s. If its chicken you’re after, Nando’s have got you covered. The South African chain specialises in Portuguese flame-grilled chicken and serves locations throughout the UK.
Nando’s has lots of great chicken options that are keto-friendly, including on the bone grilled chicken, wings, boneless thighs and more. Why not try a half chicken meal, with broccoli and a side salad to keep those carbs down?
Nando’s is a keto-friendly restaurant that won’t break the bank. It’s a great option for those looking to dine out on keto, regardless of where you are located in the UK.
Gaucho
If you’re dining out on keto, steak is one of the best options. Gaucho is an Argentinian steakhouse represented across the UK. While this is on the pricier side, you’ll be able to order various cuts of steaks with a selection of low carb sides.
This is more of a dining experience, and given the price, you’ll want to save this for special occasions. Gaucho can be a great option to enjoy yourself while dining out, with a guarantee of keto-friendly options. Try going for fattier cuts of steak, such as ribeye and T-bone.
Angus Steakhouse
The name gives it away, with Angus Steakhouse being a popular steak chain in the UK. You’ll find 5 different locations in the London, at Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Paddington, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. It serves a variety of different steak options with an assortment of keto-friendly sides. Try the portobello mushrooms, coleslaw or the broccoli to make your meal more exciting but keeping those carbs in check.
Pret A Manger
While not a restaurant, Pret is a great option for when you’re out and about. While they do serve many different sandwiches, they also have a great assortment of keto-friendly salad bowls. This includes Tuna niçoises, the Smoked Salmon Protein Bowl and the Petite Crayfish and Avocado salad. All packed full of keto-friendly fats, with a moderate amount of protein without the carbs.
Chipotle
Chipotle is better known in the USA, with more significantly more locations than in the UK; but that’s changing. As a Mexican food chain, Chipotle is known for their burritos and burrito bowls. But similarly to subway, you can build your own burrito bowl, focussing on meat, salad and fats.
In fact, chipotle has a range of lifestyle bowls, including the keto bowl. The keto bowl is designed specifically with the high fat, low carb macronutrient composition in mind. Why not try the steak or carnitas, with salad and guacamole to spice up your keto bowl.
Dishoom
Dishoom is a hugely popular Indian restaurant chain serving many locations in London, as well as locations further afield, including Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. The menu is extremely diverse, offering a number of curries, small plates and grilled meats. For example, spicy lamb chops and masala prawns.
We normally choose a number of side plates and a few mains to share, which can be a great way to add a bit of variety to your meal. Just stick to the keto-friendly options and you’ll have a great time.
Flat iron
Flat iron is a popular London haunt where you can get a steak for £13 (and in this economy, every pound counts)! The restaurant has locations all over London, so if you’re around the area, you’ll definitely want to check it out.
Flat iron has a relatively simplified menu, which is great if you have a tough time choosing between many options. This also means it’s easier to focus on a smaller number of keto-friendly options, limiting the mental energy you need to dedicate to discerning keto from non-keto.
Focus on the creamed spinach, green salad and roasted aubergine for a bunch of keto-friendly side options.
Shake shack
Now you might be thinking we’ve lost it with this one, but hear us out. While the burger itself is not keto-friendly, you can switch out the bun for lettuce wraps, to make it keto-friendly. We’ll admit, not the best substitute, but if you’re really craving a burger, why not give it a shot?
Wasabi sushi & bento
Similarly to Pret, Wasabi is not a restaurant but it’s a great place for a lunch when you’re out and about. Many of the options contain a lot of rice, so make sure to stay clear of those. However, there are also a few keto-friendly options.
Try the salad bowls or sashimi, for a high-fat lunch that spares the carbs. Fish like salmon sashimi are packed full of healthy fats and are a valuable addition to the keto diet.
Yolk
Yolk is a recent addition to this list, taking London by storm in many different locations. Known for its posh sandwiches, Yolk is a game changer, but that’s not all that’s on the menu.
Yolk serves a range of amazing salad bowls that are keto-friendly and delicious. This includes the steak salad, which includes medium-rare bavette steak, avocado,
roasted red pepper and chimichurri dressing. Again, not a restaurant, but great for a quick bite for lunch or when you’re on the go.
Farmer J London
Farmer J is a go-to lunch spot in London, with a great variety of keto-friendly options. You’ll get a choice of a base and main, alongside 2 side options. For the keto diet, the best base option is spinach. You can then choose from steak, chicken or salmon options for your main.
Farmer J also has keto-friendly sides such as charred broccoli, as well as a selection of green salad options. Why not add a boiled egg for a bit of extra protein?
Bar + Block
Bar and Block is the last restaurant on this list but definitely not the least. The restaurant has a theme and that theme is meat. While technically a steakhouse, Bar and Block has more range than you might expect.
With a variety of meat cuts, including steak, chicken and pork, Bar + Block checks all the keto boxes. What’s more, it has locations all across the country, including London, Nottingham, Bath and even as far afield as Belfast. It’s also reasonably priced so why not head over and give it a shot?
Concluding remarks
This list comprises some of the best (in our opinion) keto-friendly restaurant and takeout options in the UK. While it might seem challenging to find keto-friendly restaurants, there are actually more options than you might think.
The cornerstone of any diet is consistency, and keto is no exception. By sticking to your diet during the week, you can afford to treat yourself by going out to a restaurant. Just ensure that you’re not eating out too frequently, as it is more difficult to control for carbs and extra calories.
If you’d like to add some variety to your day to day cooking, why not try a keto meal delivery company?
>> Best Keto Meal Delivery Companies UK
Check out some of the options listed in this article and be sure to let us know how you get on.
>Why not check out our article on avoiding hidden carbs on keto?
