Top 10 Low-Carb Keto Restaurants: New York City
Stay in the keto zone while traveling, or take a leap into the unfamiliar, with the freshest and most inventive low-carb restaurants near you. From old favorites to adventurous boundary-pushers. Here’s our ultimate guide to New York City’s top 10 high-fat, high-protein, high-quality dining experiences.
New York City is sophisticated, exuberant, and home to over 8 million inhabitants that speak more than 800 languages. Diversity is the name of the game, and the Big Apple’s culinary treats are no exception. No surprises then, that it boasts some of the best keto-friendly restaurants across the globe. You won’t be scrimping on flavour, fun and originality. Need a hand picking out your next gastronomic adventure? We pulled out all the stops. Here’s our pick of the best keto gems NYC has to offer.
#1 – Au Za’atar
Photo © Au Za’atar
Ready to drench your tastebuds with the alluring flavors of the orient? Take a culinary trip down to the Middle East with this contemporary restaurant, which dishes out classic Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine (think time-honoured family recipes!) with a modern twist. Au Za’atar’s tableside shawarma is a definite crowdpleaser, and the restaurant offers tons of mouth-watering high-fat and low-carb options. Our favourites are the chicken kofta kebab, filet mignon shish kebab, and the lamb fattet lahme. Switch out the rice or fries for some healthy greens – the lovely folks at Au Za’atar serve with heart, and will be happy to accommodate your request. With two outlets – one in East Village and another in Midtown East – boasting picturesque outdoor patios, Au Za’atar is a destination we can’t stop coming back to.
#2 – Los Tacos No.1
Photo © Los Tacos No.1
Need a quick, tasty and nutritious pick-me-up as you power through the bustle of NYC? Hanging with pals who aren’t aboard the keto train? We got your back. Presenting, Los Tacos No.1. These unassuming Taquerias bring an authentic slice of Mexico to NYC’s East Coast, and deliver power-packed bites that’ll keep you going to your next destination. Los Tacos No.1 is NYC’s first Taqueria to serve tacos on a cheese shell – talk about being 100% keto-proof! Stuff it with beef, pork, or chicken, and top it off with some tasty guacamole, fresh pico, and vegetables. You won’t be able to stop at just one… don’t say we didn’t warn you!
#3 –InKETOble!
Photo © InKETOble!
We’re all no strangers to the perennial struggle against sugar cravings. Lucky for us, we’ve found a way to get our fix without knocking ourselves out of ketosis. InKETOble is a paradise of low-carb, no-sugar sweet treats that will 100% make your mouth water (think pecan pie bars, browned butter blondies, and crème brûlée…). Not only that, the company also serves up keto renditions of savoury classics like mac n cheese (only 7.8g of carbs) and pepperoni pizza.
#4 – Low Carb Lab
Photo © Low Carb Lab
Low Carb Lab was born in the midst of the COVID pandemic, with a mission to bring fun back into eating healthy. You can expect an innovative use of Asian-inspired flavors, and an *entire menu* worth of keto-friendly options. Low Carb Lab is refreshingly transparent about what you’re putting into your body, with its menu indicating the exact amount of carbs in each dish. If you’re craving something homely yet original, we highly recommend their braised beef shirataki noodle soup, cauliflower chicken pot pies, and teriyaki flatbread. Round off your meal nicely with a sugar-free drink and guilt-free dessert.
#5 – Brodo-SoHo
Photo © Brodo.com
Hands down our favourite comfort food! We can’t rave enough about Brodo, especially during those bitterly cold winter months. Brodo offers a premium array of mouth-watering bone broth soups (chicken, beef and turkey), lovingly made with organic ingredients from an award-winning chef. (Chef Marco Canora says it’s his alternative to coffee – equally addictive but vastly more invigorating!) Brodo is also really accessible – many grocery stores carry pre-made, undiluted packs in their frozen section, or you can have it delivered directly to you.
#6 – Brick Oven Pizza 33
Photo © brickovenpizza33.com
Best pizza restaurant in Midtown? We can’t disagree. This family-run Italian establishment serves keto-friendly and gluten-free cauliflower crust pizzas, without compromising on the OG taste of a real NYC-style pizza. We always pack on the proteins with customizable add-ons. This spot is a favorite amongst late-night crowds.
#7 – Balzem
Picture © Balzem.com
Balzem whips up Mediterranean culinary wonders and delights guests in a rustic ambiance, and cozy laidback atmosphere. We really dig their seafood options, and advocate going full pescetarian with the seared tuna, crevette grille, and the best spanish pulpo we’ve ever had. Bringing some vegans along? No problem. Be it vegan, keto or gluten free, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Highly-raved establishment in NYC – make sure you pay them a visit.
#8 – Under The Bridge
Picture © underthebridgeny.com
Us here at KetoKato can’t get enough of Greek food. If you’re anything like us, Under the Bridge is a must-visit gastronomic delight. This spot offers tons of keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free options, effortlessly achieved without even trying to be ketogenic. (Greek food is a blessing for every high-fat, high-protein hunter.) You simply can’t go wrong with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Branding themselves as “little Greece”, go on a sensorial escapade in this taverna-styled setting. We were especially impressed by the lavraki, brizola, free-range rooster and baked talagani cheese. Good stuff.
#9 – Via Carota
Picture © viacarota.com
Skilfully walking the tightrope between spontaneity and time-honored recipes, Via Carota is a hidden treasure inspired by the flavours of Florence. This gorgeous restaurant honors old-world Italian roots while adding subtle modern low-carb twists to their perfectly-plated dishes. The good folks at Via Carota whip up deeply satisfying keto-friendly meals – check out their olive allasconlana and broccoletti – while keeping a clean conscience that honors farms and markets. We promise you won’t leave their communal tables without having a full belly and a big fat smile on your face.
#10 – Cho Dang Gol
Picture © Chong Dang Gol
You can’t finish a top 10 list without including Korean food. Cho Dang Gol specializes in a tofu-based menu perfectly catered for every keto or low-carb diner. Begin your meal with a complimentary tofu starter, and work your way through their diverse spread of offerings. Try the tofu trio, which comes with steamed tofu, fresh kimchi, and pork belly. Add their seafood and tofu jun gol, which contains a variety of fresh seafood and vegetables.
Keto Wrap
It’s obvious – New Yorkers are spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh and healthy food. So no worries if these top 10 picks didn’t quite hit the spot. Go ahead and check out our explore section to uncover more keto-friendly options worldwide. Or simply head over to our current list of all eateries in NYC.
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