When it comes to the keto diet, Tex-Mex is one of the most challenging cuisines to work with. (*) After all, how can you stay keto if most of your options are high-carb dishes like tacos, burgers, and quesadillas?Well, the Houston food scene is an exception! Foodies and health buffs alike flock to this exciting city because it has one of the most diverse food scenes in Texas—or even in the entire US! The good news is they have something for everyone—even for ketogenic dieters! Browse through our list of keto friendly restaurants in Houston to find your new favorite dining spot!
In this list, you’ll find a few Tex-Mex locations (it’s Texas, after all!), but you’ll also come across a few dining establishments that offer high fat and ketogenic meals from various cuisines all over the world.
If you’re ready, let’s get started!
Embracing the Keto Lifestyle
Before we delve into Houston’s keto restaurant scene, let’s understand the essence of the keto diet.
The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that encourages the body to enter a state of ketosis. In this state, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to potential weight loss and improved overall health.
Health Benefits of a Keto Diet
The keto diet isn’t just about shedding pounds; it offers a range of health benefits.
From enhanced mental clarity to better blood sugar control, the keto lifestyle has captured the attention of health-conscious individuals.
Research suggests that the diet may even have potential in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.(*)
Discovering Houston’s Culinary Scene
Houston, a melting pot of cultures, boasts a culinary scene as diverse as its population. From Tex-Mex to barbecue, the city has long been celebrated for its indulgent flavors.
Now, with the rise of the keto movement, chefs and restaurants are crafting innovative dishes that cater to the low-carb lifestyle.
Keto Cuisine: A Growing Trend
The popularity of the keto diet has sparked a culinary revolution in Houston. With an increasing demand for keto-friendly options, restaurants are rising to the occasion. Houstonians can now indulge in their favorite dishes without straying from their dietary goals.
Houston’s Top 10 Keto Restaurants
| Restaurant | Editor’s Favorite Keto Dish On Their Menu |
|---|---|
| Ruggles Black | – Keto Bread: Almond flour and coconut oil bread topped with mozzarella and cream cheese. – Keto Carbonara Pasta: Zero-carb miracle noodles with manchego cream and bacon slices. – Keto Pepperoni Pizza: Gluten-free crust with Muenster Cheese, beef pepperoni, and more. |
| Riel | – Tempura Cauliflower: Crispy cauliflower with kimchi hot-dip. – 44 Farms Bone-In Ribeye: Beef tender with vegetables, bearnaise sauce, and fried eggs. |
| Caroline’s a Healthy | – Cheeseburger Pizza: Ground beef, mixed cheese, and vegetables on a keto crust. – Chicken Tenders: Almond-coated chicken strips served with ketchup. |
| Eatery | – Cheeseburger Pizza: Ground beef, mixed cheese, and vegetables on a keto crust. – Chicken Tenders: Almond-coated chicken strips served with ketchup. |
| Flower Child | – Turkey and Avocado Cobb Salad: Avocado, almonds, and smoked almonds with gorgonzola vinaigrette. – Yuzu Brussels Sprouts: With savoy cabbage and charred onion. |
| The Grove | – TX Wedge: Blue cheese, bacon, avocado, and more in a salad. – Grilled Steak and Wedge: Beef tender and TX Wedge Salad. |
| Kata Robata | – Texas Kobe Beef Skewers: 72-hour sous vide beef skewers with teriyaki sauce. – Foie Gras and Duck Chawanmushi: Japanese-style egg custard with duck breast and more. |
| The Branch | – Bulgogi Bisteca: Marinated steak tips with vegetables and sesame seeds. – Avocado Salad: Mixed greens, avocado, cheese, and more. |
| Peli Peli Kitchen | – Peli Peli Chicken: Wood-roasted peri-peri chicken with sides. – Ribeye Marina: Ribeye steak with calamari and shrimp. |
| State of Grace | – Slow Roasted Prime Rib: Prime rib with au jus, horseradish sauce, and Hawaiian salt. – Steamed Lobster Tail: South African Cold Water Rock Lobster tail with drawn butter. |
| Taste of Texas | – Slow Roasted Prime Rib: Prime rib with au jus, horseradish sauce, and Hawaiian salt. – Steamed Lobster Tail: South African Cold Water Rock Lobster tail with drawn butter. |
1. Ruggles Black Restaurant
- Address: 3963 Kirby Dr. Houston TX
- Contact Number: 832-530- 4493
- Website: https://rugglesblack.com/
Opening Hours:
- Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fridays and Saturdays: 11:00 Am – 11:00 PM
- Sundays: Closed
We placed Ruggles Black at the top of the list because this is one of the few spots that has a full keto menu!
Yes, you read that right! They don’t just have a menu with few food choices that can be keto-friendly.
Instead, they dedicated an entire menu for people on a ketogenic diet, so you can certainly find lots of delectable keto dishes here.
How to Order:
Just check out their keto menu and choose a dish that will tickle your fancy!
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Keto Bread: If you’re missing your breads, you may want to try their famous keto bread that’s made of almond flour and coconut oil and topped with mozzarella and cream cheese.
- Keto Carbonara Pasta: And yes, they have keto pasta too! Their carbonara is made using zero-carb miracle noodles seasoned with black pepper and manchego cream, then topped with high fat parmesan and bacon slices.
- Keto Pepperoni Pizza: And if there’s pasta, there’s pizza too! The pizza has a gluten-free crust topped with Muenster Cheese, beef pepperoni, roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
2. Riel
- Address: 1927 Fairview St.
- Contact Number: 832-831-9109
- Website: https://www.rielhtx.com/
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sundays: Closed
Riel describes their offerings as Globally inspired Gulf Coast cuisine comprising a blend of American and European cuisines. In addition, they are known for using incredibly tasty, and locally raised hormone-free beef from 44 Farms.
How to Order: Get their steak (it’s the most popular dish on the menu!) but stay away from Pierogies to stay keto.
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Tempura Cauliflower: This crispy cauliflower dish comes with kimchi hot-dip, which is truly irresistible.
- 44 Farms Bone-In Ribeye: This is their famous ribeye steak, and it comes with seasonal vegetables, a creamy bearnaise sauce, and fried eggs—all of which are keto friendly!
3. Caroline’s a Healthy Eatery
- Address: 9440 Louetta Road Suite 12
- Contact Number: 281-205- 7774
- Website: https://www.carolineskitchen.us/
- Opening Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays: Closed; Wednesdays to Thursdays: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Fridays: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sundays: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
If you’re looking for more of a home-cooked keto meal, you may want to pay a visit to Caroline’s.
The place features a casual café ambiance, but don’t be fooled! This one’s a local favorite, and they have been serving sugar-free and gluten-free meals and food items since the 70s!
How to Order: You can order just about everything except for the Cheesecake trio, as it comes with berries.
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Cheeseburger Pizza: This features pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, ground beef, and mixed cheese on a keto friendly crust.
- Chicken Tenders: Satisfy your crispy chicken tenders craving with Caroline’s Chicken Tenders made of chicken strips coated with almond, coconut, and herbs and served with ketchup.
Pro Tip: Sticking to Your Keto Goals – Consistency is key to success on the keto diet. Learn how to stay on track even during challenging times. By setting clear intentions and prioritizing your health, you can embrace the keto lifestyle with confidence.
4. Flower Child
- Address: 1101 Uptown Park Blvd #C-6
- Contact Number: 713- 730- 4261
- Website: https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/locations/houston-tx/
- Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Flower Child has only one mission—to spread delicious vibes and nutritious food all over the city.
The great thing is their menu is focused on gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free meals that are perfect for people on a keto diet!
How to Order: Go for their salads! You can also give their bowls a try, but make sure to ask the server to skip the rice!
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Turkey and Avocado Cobb Salad: This satisfying and filling salad includes a blend of arugula, romaine, and red cabbage. It’s topped with tomato, cucumber, avocado, pickled onion, smoked almonds, and drizzled with gorgonzola vinaigrette. Skip the crunchy corn.
- Yuzu Brussels Sprouts: This is served with savoy cabbage, charred onion, and golden miso.
5. The Grove
- Address: 1611 Lamar St.
- Contact Number: 713-337- 7321
- Website: https://www.thegrovehouston.com/
- Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Fridays and Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sundays and Mondays: Closed
Salads, steaks, and sandwiches—these are the dishes that make The Grove a keto haven! The restaurant’s light and airy ambiance is a big plus too!
How to Order: You can never go wrong with their salads and steaks. But, if you’re eyeing their sandwiches, make sure to ask the server to hold the bread.
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- TX Wedge: This comes with deep Ellum blue, bacon, avocado, red onion, pickled cherry tomato, and fried shallot.
- Grilled Steak and Wedge: Perfect for steak lovers, this features petite beef tender and served with TX Wedge Salad on the side.
6. Kata Robata
- Address: 3600 Kirby Dr. Suite H
- Contact Number: 713- 526- 8858
- Website: https://www.katarobata.com/
- Opening Hours: Daily: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
We know we’re crazy to have included a sushi bar in a list of keto restaurants, but we just can’t help it! While sushi lovers claim that this restaurant is a bucket list for sushi lovers, you can find lots of keto-friendly options on their menu!
How to Order: Skip the sushi, of course! But don’t be scared to try out their grilled meats and fresh seafoods and fish!
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Texas Kobe Beef Skewers: Everyone’s going crazy about this 72- hour sous vide beef skewers drizzled with teriyaki sauce and topped with sesame seeds.
- Foie Gras and Duck Chawanmushi: The perfect started to your meal, this is a Japanese-style egg custard with duck breast, seared foie gras, ginkgo nut, and mushroom.
7. The Branch
- Address: 7710 Long Point Rd
- Contact Number: 832-623- 6725
- Website: http://www.thebranchhtx.com/
Opening Hours:
– Mondays: Closed
– Tuesdays to Thursdays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
– Fridays: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
– Saturdays: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
– Sundays: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
As a Craft Beer and Foodery, The Branch is known for its happy hour but there’s more to this pub than just the beer and cocktails. Browse through their menu, and you can indeed find lots of low-carb comfort food that are perfect for a night out of town!
How to Order:If you’re planning to order the sandwiches, make sure to skip the tater tots and breads. It can also be challenging to find a keto appetizer, so stick with the mains.
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Bulgogi Bisteca: These are marinated steak tips served with cucumber, tomato, baby spinach with garlic sesame vinaigrette, red onions, and sesame seeds.
- Avocado Salad: Get your dose of good fat on with this salad that features mixed greens, avocado slices, cotija cheese, red onion, diced tomatoes, and avocado ranch dressing. You can add chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
8. Peli Peli Kitchen
- Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd Suite B2515
- Contact Number: 281-257- 9500
- Website: https://www.pelipeli.com/
Opening Hours:
– Mondays: Closed
– Tuesdays to Thursdays: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
– Fridays and Saturdays: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
– Sundays: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Peli Peli Kitchen takes us to South Africa with their wood-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and vibrant and nutritious vegetables. With their menu line up, lots of dishes await the keto dieters here!
How to Order: This spot is known for its authentic Peri-peri Chicken, which is a definite must-try! Go for the grilled veggies to enjoy a ketogenic meal!
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Peli Peli Chicken: The chicken is slathered with authentic peri sauce that’s keto-friendly and grilled perfectly over a wood-fired braai. You can get these with two sides.
- Ribeye Marina: For a Surf n Turf delight, try their Ribeye Marina, which features Ribeye steak topped with calamari and shrimp sautéed in a white wine reduction sauce.
9. State of Grace
- Address:3258 Westheimer Road
- Contact Number: 832-942- 5080
- Website: https://stateofgracetx.com/
Opening Hours:
– Mondays to Thursdays: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
– Fridays: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
– Saturdays: 5:00 PM to 10:00PM
– Sundays: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
If you’re in for a fancy-schmancy dinner date with your love, the State of Grace is the best place to be as it adds an upscale twist to your usual Tex-Mex favorites. They’re also considered one of the best oyster spots in Houston, so it’s a definite must-try!
How to Order: Head to this dining establishment on their happy lunch hour and enjoy the best oysters in the city at an affordable price!
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- USDA Prime Steak: You can choose between petite filet, NY Striploin, Ribeye, or Porterhouse. The steaks are wood-roasted over Texas Pecan and Oak, which gives them that woody and smoky flavor.
- Oyster Bar: Don’t miss out on one of the best oysters in the city!
Pro Tip: Navigating Keto-Friendly Menus – When dining out on keto, navigating menus can be an adventure in itself. Look for dishes rich in healthy fats and lean proteins while avoiding starchy sides. Don’t hesitate to customize your order to fit your dietary preferences – many establishments are more than willing to accommodate.
10. Taste of Texas
- Address: 10505 Katy Fwy
- Contact Number: 713-932- 6901
- Website: https://www.tasteoftexas.com/
Opening Hours:
– Mondays to Fridays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
– Saturdays: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
– Sundays: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
If you want to experience the finest Texas Hospitality, the Taste of Texas is the best place to be. Serving Houston City since 1977, this restaurant is a hidden gem where you can enjoy Certified Angus Beef which they claim to be the highest quality of beef in the market.
How to Order: Help yourself to their salad bar, where you can create your version of a fiber-rich salad. And, of course, you should never leave this restaurant without trying out their prime ribs and steaks!
Editor’s Favourite Keto Dish On Their Menu:
- Slow Roasted Prime Rib: This juicy, tender, and flavorful prime rib is seasoned perfectly with natural au jus, horseradish sauce, and red Hawaiian salt.
- Steamed Lobster Tail: You can pair your prime rib with steamed South African Cold Water Rock Lobster tail with drawn butter.
In Summary
Contrary to popular belief, the keto diet shouldn’t hinder you from enjoying all the good food that Houston restaurants have to offer.
With proper planning and the right amount of research, you can enjoy eating out at these amazing dining hotspots without ever getting kicked out of ketosis.
FAQS
- Are there vegetarian keto options available in Houston’s restaurants? Absolutely! Many keto-friendly establishments in Houston offer creative vegetarian dishes that align with the low-carb lifestyle.
- Can I find keto options for takeout or delivery? Yes, many restaurants now offer keto-friendly takeout and delivery options, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes wherever you are.
- What if I have food allergies or sensitivities? Houston’s keto restaurants often provide allergen information, and their accommodating staff can help tailor dishes to your specific dietary needs.
- Is it expensive to dine at keto restaurants in Houston? While some upscale keto restaurants may have higher prices, there are also budget-friendly options available that allow you to enjoy keto cuisine without breaking the bank.
- How can I stay motivated to stick to my keto lifestyle? Surround yourself with a supportive community, set achievable goals, and focus on the positive impacts of the keto diet on your health and well-being.
Looking for more of keto-friendly restaurants, check this list!
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