The ketogenic diet, celebrated for its potential to shift the body's primary energy source from carbohydrates to fat, remains a popular choice for individuals seeking to manage their weight and improve their overall health. This strict regimen, characterized by a significant reduction in carbohydrate intake and a corresponding increase in fat consumption, induces a metabolic state known as ketosis, facilitating the burning of fat deposits.
For those in Philadelphia embracing the keto lifestyle, dining out can present a challenge. However, numerous restaurants in and around the city offer keto-friendly options, making it easier to adhere to the diet while enjoying the vibrant culinary scene. This guide highlights some of the best keto restaurants in Philadelphia.
Before embarking on any drastic dietary changes, consulting with a nutritionist or doctor is advisable, especially for long-term adherence to the keto diet.
Keto-Friendly Eateries in Philadelphia
BurgerFi
BurgerFi, located at 44 North 12th Street in Center City, provides a keto-approved option that is both protein-packed and flavorful. The KetoFi burger features two Angus beef patties topped with bacon and a fried egg, drizzled with mustard, and served "green style," meaning wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Additionally, BurgerFi allows customers to swap the bun for lettuce on any of their burger creations.
Dessertcrazy
Dessertcrazy, situated at 1925 Fairmount Avenue in Fairmount, proves that indulging in sweets is still possible while on the keto diet. As Philadelphia's first keto bakery, Dessertcrazy specializes in low-carb confections ranging from cupcakes and brownies to keto bombs and pies. The shop provides a detailed binder containing the nutritional information for each item, including net carbs, enabling customers to make informed choices.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Farmer’s Keep
Farmer’s Keep, located at 10 South 20th Street in Center City, emphasizes the importance of a colorful and diverse plate, regardless of dietary restrictions. This fast-casual eatery offers meals free of common allergens and ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, and shellfish. Customers can create a customized combo platter consisting of a salad, two sides, and a protein of their choice, ensuring a keto-friendly and nutrient-rich meal. Diners choose ingredients to make their meals at this farm-to-table fast-casual spot.
Honeygrow
Honeygrow, a healthy, fast-casual chain with multiple locations, provides customizable meal options that cater to the keto diet. For stir-fries, customers can opt for lettuce cups as a base or skip the base altogether. Alternatively, they can create their own salads and double the amount of meat for extra protein.
Just Salad
Just Salad, with locations at 1729 Chestnut Street in Center City and 3728 Spruce Street in University City, offers tasty meals using seasonal ingredients that can be enjoyed on the go. Their Keto Salad is specifically designed for those following the keto diet. For a protein-packed bowl, customers can try the Warm Chicken Shawarma Bowl served over cauliflower rice or the Keto Zoodle Bowl featuring Beyond Meat’s beef-free meatballs.
M20 Burgers & Salads
M20 Burgers & Salads, located at 703 South 5th Street in Queen Village and 50 East Wynnewood Road in Wynnewood, demonstrates that burgers can still be part of a keto diet. The key is to ditch the bun and avoid carb-heavy toppings such as ketchup, honey mustard sauce, and breaded onions. Keto-friendly toppings include mayo, salsa, fried egg, and avocado. For a leafier option, customers can choose from featured salads like the chopped kale or village salad, or create their own combination of greens. Casual spot with touch screen ordering for made-to-order burgers, salads, fries, and shakes.
Real Food Eatery
Real Food Eatery, with multiple locations, offers a way to incorporate balanced meals into a keto diet. Customers can select from grass-fed sirloin, salmon filet, or lemon herb chicken for their entrée; chopped kale or spring mix for their base (avoiding quinoa or brown rice); and a variety of cold or warm, keto-friendly sides. Fast-casual suited to the health-minded lunch set, with grilled proteins, greens, and grains.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Snap Kitchen
Snap Kitchen, with multiple locations in Philly, is known for its simple, grab-and-go meals that make sticking to any diet easier. The restaurant categorizes its menu items by diet, eliminating guesswork. Keto options include the naked beef with green beans and cauliflower or chicken piccata.
Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen offers several ways to stay committed to keto. Customers can create their own salads, avoiding quinoa and wild rice as bases. In a pinch, the Kale Caesar or Guacamole Greens salad (without tortilla chips) are both rich in protein and low in net carbs.
Tinto
Tinto, located at 114 South 20th Street in Rittenhouse Square, provides a keto-friendly date night option. The romantic restaurant offers protein-packed tapas in a small-plate style that encourages sharing. Customers can diversify their protein sources with seafood options like Spanish octopus. Extensive wine list from the Basque region offered with Spanish tapas amid rustic wine-cellar decor.
Tria
Tria, with multiple locations, caters to groups with varying dietary preferences. Keto dieters can opt for salads loaded with nuts, figs, vegetables, and fruits, or the charcuterie board featuring a variety of meat and cheese options. Snug cafe offers an ever-changing wine, cheese, and beer selection plus an eclectic small-plates menu.
Other Options
In addition to the restaurants listed above, several national fast-food chains offer surprisingly keto-friendly menu options, including McDonald's, Chipotle, Qdoba, Panera, and Five Guys. While these may not be the first choice for a keto meal, they provide convenient secondary options.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Other places to consider:
- A chic Lebanese cafe, market, and restaurant with a bar and outdoor garden.
- A Kid-friendly restaurant that serves up small plates, happy hour bites, and vegetarian options.
- An eco-minded chain serving grass-fed beef burgers, plus hot dogs, craft beer & wine.
- Simple kitchen featuring ready-to-bake pizzas with a choice of 7 different crusts & sauces.
tags: #keto #restaurants #Philadelphia