Los Angeles, a city celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape, presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals adhering to specific dietary regimens. The constant emergence of new eateries can be exciting, but it can also be disappointing for those with dietary restrictions like the ketogenic diet. Fortunately, it’s possible to find great keto food in LA and stick to your diet. This article explores some of the best keto-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, providing delicious low-carb choices for health-conscious diners.
The Keto Diet: An Overview
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that aims to shift the body's primary energy source from carbohydrates to fats. This metabolic state, known as "ketosis," is achieved by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, compelling the body to burn fat for fuel. Many keto followers experience increased energy, weight loss, and enhanced performance when sticking to their low carb regimen. While the purported health benefits are numerous, weight loss is the most commonly cited advantage.
Overcoming Dining Challenges on Keto
Adopting a keto diet comes with unique challenges, especially when dining out. Traditional menus are often laden with carbs and sugars, leaving limited options for those seeking low-carb alternatives. Many of the city’s restaurants use low-cost carbohydrate fillers like potatoes, bread or pastas to “fill out” a proper meal. However, as Los Angeles embraces healthy eating, more and more establishments are catering to the keto community. The seemingly endless meal planning and grocery shopping can be exhausting. Constantly prepping ingredients and cooking nightly can leave you feeling burnt out. Give yourself a break and check out one of these awesome, keto-friendly spots around town.
Featured Keto-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles
Impasta: Carb Cravings, Keto Style
- Address: 615 N. Western Ave., Larchmont
Sometimes, a carb craving hits you out of nowhere. Salivating over a long lost pasta dish doesn’t have to mean the end to your keto streak. Impasta offers delectable noodle bowls, sans flour. With veggie-based noodles, you can have the same amazing taste as traditional pasta, without the guilt. Their menu of ready to eat bowls as well as an option to create your own allows you to enjoy a dish you’ll truly love. The spaghetti squash and zucchini noodles are delicious with Impasta’s sauce options of red wine reductions and Pomodoro. The unique cauliflower gnocchi and hearts of palm noodles are rich and satisfying, especially when paired with the smooth pesto with ricotta. You can even bring your plant-based friends along to enjoy the Impossible bolognese and vegan brown butter sage sauces.
Missing pizza? Impasta goes beyond just noodles. They offer cauliflower crust pizzas topped with everything from egg to organic chicken. There’s also a customizable cauliflower rice bowl with your choice of protein and seasonal grilled veggies. No matter what you’re craving, Impasta is sure to impress!
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Belcampo: Burgers and Beyond with Quality Meats
- Address: 8053 W. Third St., West Hollywood
Oftentimes, the burger becomes a centerpiece in the keto diet. If you’ve hopped on the burger train, you are likely constantly looking for the best one around. If so, head to Belcampo for a delicious menu that won’t disappoint. Their grass-fed and pasture-raised beef options can give you the confidence that you’re enjoying some of the cleanest meat in the city. Topped with unique and tasty toppings takes these patties to a whole new level. Will you try to melt in your mouth caramelized onions? Maybe the mild white cheddar cheese is more your speed. Looking for a truly satisfying experience? Try the Double Fast for two beef patties for double the protein. Each burger can be lettuce wrapped for a low carb feast.
Not feeling the burger vibe? Belcampo has plenty of other options. The salad menu is fresh and diverse with options like Chicken Satay and Mediterranean Marques with lamb. There is even a farm-made veggie patty for your meatless friends!
So, if you’re looking for great, quality meat between a bun of crisp lettuce, or something completely different, a visit to Belcampo can be an awesome choice!
Ixtaco: Keto-Friendly Tacos
- Address: 10021 Valley Blvd., El Monte
Are you looking for a little Taco Tuesday, keto style? Ixtaco delivers…literally! The authentically inspired Tex Mex joint is a great way to get your taco fix without sacrificing your carb count. You can also pick up your hot and ready food to go.
The casual, counter-service food stand is a great place to enjoy your tacos in the beautiful Southern California sun. What’s even more amazing is the number of keto-friendly taco options. Using a tortilla crafted from cheese, Ixtaco boasts a whole menu of their Oxa Queso tacos!
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
You can enjoy meatless spice with the Soya Choriza Oxa Queso taco. Maybe seafood is your thing and you’ll try the scallops or crab versions. You can even mix it up a bit with Korean BQQ filling for an Asian twist.
Ixtaco has something for everyone with both regular and vegan flan. There’s also their popular house-made Aquas Frescas. Whatever you chose, your keto stomach will be saying, “Gracias!,” for your delicious choice!
niKETO: A Plethora of Low-Carb Options
- Address: 615 N. Western Ave., Larchmont
If you are looking for options, niKETO is a perfect choice. Their menu is brimming with great low-carb and healthier takes on more traditionally less nutritious dishes. It’s a great place to grab a bite to go or have a quick meal delivered from. The selection of 100% grass-fed burgers are served atop SmartBuns, keeping their carb counts in the single digits. The Stuffed Cheddar and Stuffed Blue Cheeseburgers are paradise for dairy lovers. The Fancy Smancy burger is an excellent choice for the mushroom and swiss obsessed, complete with rich garlic aioli.
niKETO is also a great spot to get your pizza fix. From The Standard with pepperoni and mushrooms to White Thunder smothered in a cheese blend and pickled jalapenos, there’s a pie for every taste. Check out the Thai version with cage-free chicken and housemade peanut sauce for an ethnic twist.
niKETO is full of so many options it’s hard to pick just one. Your first visit will likely not be your last!
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
TikiFish: Customizable Seafood Bowls
- Address: 3300 Overland Ave #105, Los Angeles
If you’re a seafood lover, TikiFish is a perfect spot to grab a delicious, fully customizable meal. Poke bowls have been growing in popularity in recent years thanks to their fresh flavor and unique combinations. TikiFish knows poke bowls and creates them in an exceptional way.
Fresh greens make the perfect keto-friendly base. Then, TikiFish gives you some great options in terms of your protein selection. Not only that, but they give you tons of it! Two scoops of protein for a small bowl and four scoops for a large! Then, choose from tons of colorful veggies to top your bowl and transform it into a flavorful, nutritional powerhouse. Add another punch of tastiness with the variety of sauces. Then, select a keto-friendly side like seaweed salad to round out your meal.
Looking for a zesty option? TikiFish’s citrusy ceviche dishes are an awesome choice. Filled with rockfish, veggies, and a delicious sauce, they make for a refreshing treat.
Luna Grill: Mediterranean Flavors with Keto Options
While Luna Grill has multiple locations, including one in Culver City, they offer a variety of Mediterranean dishes with keto-friendly options.
Luna Grill Culver City, Los Angeles has plenty of Keto compliant items on our menu! Visit Lunagrill.com/mymenu to view our Keto menu.
The long list of healthy, protein-rich meal options on Luna Grill Culver City’s Keto menu will blow your mind. Many of our selections are Keto-friendly to begin with, such as our kabob plates and the Luna Vida Keto Bowl. Our Keto bowl features grilled salmon over a fresh bed of lettuce, a tart lemon vinaigrette, cabbage (one of the most protein-rich veggies out there), crispy chickpea salad, crumbly feta, and a drizzle of housemade tzatziki.
Luna Grill Culver City also caters! From company lunches to personal parties, our dedicated catering team is ready to assist in creating the perfect event. Our entire menu is fair game.
Leo’s Superfood Vegan Cafe: Keto-Friendly Vegan Delights
Leo’s Superfood Vegan Cafe combines innovative, flavorful dishes with fresh, organic ingredients. Leo’s ensures you’ll find satisfying meals that align with your lifestyle. At Leo’s, the emphasis is on creating meals that balance nutrition and taste. This dedication is evident in their wide selection of low carb vegan dishes Los Angeles CA, designed to meet the needs of diverse diners. Every dish reflects their passion for healthy eating, from locally sourced produce to plant-based proteins.
Leo’s Superfood Vegan Cafe prides itself on offering various delicious and satisfying options. Their healthy keto meals Los Angeles CA, are thoughtfully crafted to fuel your day while delighting your taste buds. Start with their hot hash keto bowl, packed with plant-based proteins and fresh veggies for breakfast. Lunch and dinner options include a variety of wraps, salads, and pizzas. The quinoa power bowl, a fan favorite, combines wholesome grains with nutrient-dense toppings for a balanced meal. Each dish is carefully prepared to meet keto guidelines without sacrificing taste. The cafe’s attention to detail extends to its beverages, with options like matcha lattes and iced coffees made with keto-friendly sweeteners.
As a trusted keto friendly cafe Los Angeles CA, it caters to the needs of health-conscious diners with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Whether vegan, gluten-free, or simply exploring keto, you’ll find dishes that resonate with your goals and taste preferences. For those hosting events or gatherings, Leo’s also offers catering services. Their selection of keto-friendly platters and meals ensures guests can conveniently enjoy the same high-quality dishes. As a leading keto friendly cafe Los Angeles CA, it offers an unparalleled dining experience that prioritizes nutrition and taste. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and indulgent desserts, every dish is crafted with care and quality.
Soh Grill House: Korean BBQ, Keto Style
As Korean barbecues go for keto, most of them are A-OK; between the steamed egg, various cuts of beef and pork (without marinade, of course), any Korean barbecue experience is generally keto safe.
Tips for Keto Dining in Los Angeles
- Plan Ahead: Explore menus online before visiting a restaurant to identify keto-friendly options.
- Customize Your Order: Don't hesitate to ask for modifications, such as swapping out carb-heavy sides for vegetables or requesting a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize meals that feature lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables.
- Be Mindful of Sauces and Dressings: Many sauces and dressings contain added sugars, so opt for oil-based dressings or ask for sauces on the side.
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