Top 14 Best Keto Restaurants in Washington DC

DC food is terrible. 

That’s according to politicians’ reviews, tweets, and the long history of bashing the DC food scene has received from outsiders over the years. (*)

However, the locals beg to differ, and they have good reasons!

The city won the Restaurant City of the year in 2016. (*)

Not only that, it even got its Michelin guide. (*)

But wait, there’s more.

Washington, DC is also home to restaurants that cater to low-carb diets, so it’s a perfect destination for us!

If you are heading there anytime soon, you should check out our list of keto-friendly restaurants in Washington, DC, below:

If you wish to feed your Seoul, check out our first restaurant on the list. 

1. SeoulSpice – Korean Comfort Food

Address: Various locations all over the city

Contact Number: +1 202-830-9351 (Wisconsin Ave branch)

Website: https://www.seoulspice.com/ 

Business Hours: Depending on the location

If you’re looking for comforting Korean dishes, head to SeoulSpice. Their dishes came from the Shin family recipes, passed down from generation to generation.

Beyond the authentic Korean taste, their dishes are made using fresh and homemade ingredients with minimal preservatives. Lastly, the restaurant is a dedicated gluten-free eating establishment. (*)

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Make-Your-Own-Bowl

• Base: Salad Bowl (Kale + Crispy Iceberg Lettuce)
• Protein: Beef Bulgogi, Chicken, Spicy Pork, and Tofu
• Veggies: Cucumbers, Korean Radish, Carrots, Kale Slaw, Kimchi, and Bean Sprouts

Kimchi Krunch

• Kalbi chicken, bean sprouts, carrots, kale slaw, radish, kimchi, crispy garlic, scallions, roasted sesame seeds, and ginger-carrot sauce

Herbivore

• Kalbi tofu, corn, carrots, bean sprouts, cukes, pickled radish, kimchi, kale slaw, ginger carrot sauce, roasted sesame seeds, and crispy garlic

For a lobster-rific meal, head to our next recommendation. 

2. Luke’s Lobster – Your Go-to Spot for Lobster

Address: Two locations in the city

Contact Number: +1 202-347-3355 (Penn Quarter branch)

Website: https://lukeslobster.com/ 

Business Hours: Depending on the location

Fact: lobster roll is one of the best sandwiches there are. But since you’re on keto, enjoying the roll may not be a great idea.

Lucky for you, you can easily ditch the roll and just enjoy the lobster filling instead. So if you wish to satisfy your lobster cravings, Luke’s Lobster is the place to be.

Bonus Point: Luke’s Lobster also offers DIY Kits so you can make your lobster roll at home. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Classic Rolls

• Lobster Roll, Shrimp Roll, and Crab Roll

Seasonal Favorites

• Spicy Mala Lobster Roll and Truffle Butter Lobster Roll

Soups

• Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque

Keto Side Dish

• Poppyseed Slaw

For delicious New American Dishes in a unique setting, head to the next restaurant. 

3. Firefly – Comfort Food + Whimsical Setting

Address: 1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

Contact Number:  +1 202-861-1310

Website: https://www.firefly-dc.com/ 

Business Hours: 

• Mondays and Tuesdays: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
• Wednesdays to Fridays: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 4:00 to 11:00 PM
• Sundays: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Surprise: this restaurant is designed around a tree, making it one of the most magical places you can ever visit in Washington.

But more than that, it’s known for offering New American comfort food best shared with your social circle.

To honor their guest’s tastes and preferences, they designed their menu to suit all types of dietary needs, including keto. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Soups and Salads

• Soup of the Day, Seasonal Greens, and Little Gem Caesar

Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

• Summer Squash Purée, Roasted Vegetables, and Piquillo Vinaigrette

Seared Salmon

• Crispy Brussel Leaves, Chive Beurre Blanc, and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Grilled Octopus

• Brussel Leaves and Arrabbiata Sauce

Keto Tip: Skip the vegetable hash. 

Enjoy delicious Mexican flavors at our next restaurant.

4. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana – Rich Flavors + Vibrant Atmosphere

Address: 401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-628-1005

Website: https://www.oyamel.com/ 

Business Hours: 

• Sundays and Mondays: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Tuesdays to Thursdays: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
• Fridays to Saturdays: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM

If you’re looking for Mexican cuisines, there’s no better place to visit than Oyamel Cocina Mexicana. 

This restaurant ranks consistently as a top DC restaurant. It also received the Bib Gourmand in 2017 and has been included in the  2018 Michelin Guide to Washington DC. 

They offer a limited selection of their main cuisines along with rotating festivals and seasonal offerings, so there’s always something new to enjoy here. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Ceviches

• Ceviche verde, Ceviche con citricos, Costel Costeño, and Ceviche rojo

Camarones al mojo de ajo Negro

• Wild-caught Gulf Coast white shrimp sautéed with Arbol chile, shallots, poblano pepper, lime, and sweet aged black garlic

Arrachera

• Grilled dry-aged Angus skirt steak served with cherry tomato pico de gallo, radish, and salsa jitomate

Check out our next recommendation for authentic Greek eats. 

5. The Greek Spot – Casual Greek Classics

Address: 2017 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-265-3118

Website: https://www.greekspotdc.com/

Business Hours: 

• Mondays to Fridays: 11:00 AM to 8:45 PM
• Saturdays: 12:00 PM to 8:45 PM
• Sundays: Closed

Inspired by their family’s recipes, the owners of The Greek Spot aim to deliver a beautiful combination of old Greek classics with a fun and modern twist. 

One of their new takes on Greek eats is their Fire Feta + vegetarian Gyro. There are also plenty of keto-friendly dishes that you can enjoy. 

Bonus Point: They also have outdoor seating on their street-side patio. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Chicken Souvlaki/ Pork Souvlaki Sticks

• 2 char-grilled skewers served with a lemon wedge and tzatziki sauce

Keto Tip: Skip the pita bread.

Grilled Salmon Light Fare

• Grilled salmon topped with Greek herbs and spices, oven-baked, then grilled.

Gyro Platter

• Spiced lamb and beef strips, Greek salad, and tzatziki sauce

Keto Tip: Skip the pita bread and orzo pasta. 

Greek Village Salad

• Onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, green peppers, kalamata olives, oregano, and house side dressing

For delicious Greek seafood dishes, visit the next restaurant. 

6. Kellari Taverna – Greek and Wine

Address: 700 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-535-5274

Website: https://kellariny.com/ 

Business Hours: 

• Mondays to Thursdays: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Fridays: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Sundays: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Here’s another Greek spot that you’ll surely love. This differs from the previous restaurant because its menu emphasizes fresh seafood. (*)

In addition to raw and marinated seafood, they offer a wide range of Greek cheeses and other meaty dishes like lamb chops. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Raw Bar Starters

• Oysters, Tuna Tartare, and Seafood Tower

Grilled Whole Fish

• Lavraki, Tsipoura, Black Sea Bass, and Astakos

Vegan Surf and Turf

• Grilled King Prawns and 6 oz petit Filet Mignon served with garden vegetables.

Quality Meats

• Lamb Shank, Kotopoulo, Brizola “Steakhouse”, and Paidakia

Don’t miss out on our next restaurant for great food and good vibes.

7. Flower Child – Healthy Food, Hipster Vibe

Address: 2112 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-919-3646

Website: https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/

Business Hours: 

• Everyday: 10:45 AM to 8:30 PM

Flower Child was established to deliver great food that will take you to your happy place. They promise to provide healthy food that can cater to vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and keto diets. Not only that, but their menu is also gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free. 

So if you’re looking to nourish your mind, body, and soul, this is the Washington restaurant to go to. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Salads

• Ginger Miso Crunch, Organic Kale, Chopped Vegetable, and Avocado Caesar

Bowls

• Grilled Chicken Thigh “Yaki” Noodles and Shrimp Pozole

Keto Tip: Add proteins like chicken, salmon, steak, tofu, and shrimp.

Small Plates

• Simple Hummus, Daily Soup, and Avocado Hummus 

Keto-friendly Sides

• Cauliflower Risotto, Yuzu Grilled Asparagus, and Roasted Broccoli

For a taste of Laos, check out our next recommendation.

8. Thip Khao Restaurant – Sleek and Modern Laotian Eatery

Address: 3462 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-387-5426

Website: https://www.thipkhao.com/ 

Business Hours: 

• Wednesdays to Sundays: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Mondays and Tuesdays: Closed

Thip Khao is DC’s first-ever Lao restaurant. Not only that, the restaurant has garnered honors from Michelin. (*)

The chef behind this fantastic restaurant took the time to explore her family’s culture and heritage by learning how to cook their cuisines. Now, she leads an international movement to promote Lao cuisine. 

While noodles and rice play a big part in their cuisines, you have the option to skip them to keep your order low carb.

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Sai Oua

• Spicy Herbal Pork Sausage, Cucumber, and Charred Green Chili Sauce

Gaeng Phet

• Rich Red Coconut Curry, Basil, Lemongrass, and Makrut Lime Leaf

Nahm Tok

• Grilled Pork Shoulder Salad with Cilantro, Spicy Chili Lime Sauce, Onion, and Mint

Keto Tip: Order without the toasted rice. 

To enjoy homestyle Korean cooking, head to our following recommendation.

9. Mandu – Homestyle Korean Dishes

Address: 453 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-289-6899

Website: https://www.mandudc.com/

Business Hours: 

• Mondays to Wednesdays: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Thursdays to Sundays: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

If you wish to enjoy comforting Korean dishes in a sleek yet modern environment, Mandu is the place to go. A Korean mother-and-son tandem owns this restaurant, so you’re sure that you can enjoy the most authentic Korean dishes.

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Dakkochi

• Grilled Chicken Skewers, Ssam, and Pickled Garlic Mayo

Bulgogi

• Thinly-sliced Ribeye, Ssam, Ssamjang

Galbi Jjim

• Braised Bone-in Short Rib, Carrots, Jujube, Chestnut, Radish, and Ginkgo

Grilled Cauliflower Muchim

• Flame-grilled Cauliflower, Crispy Perilla, Fried Artichoke, and Spicy Korean Chili Romesco

To experience French cuisine at its finest, look at our next restaurant. 

10. Le Diplomate – Old-fashioned French Restaurant

Address: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-332-3333

Website: https://lediplomatedc.com/ 

Business Hours: 

• Mondays to Thursdays: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Fridays: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
• Saturdays: 9:30 AM to 12:00 AM
• Sundays: 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM

Le Diplomate has the most extensive French menu in Washington. They offer the Galloc Classics along with a few daily plates. All of which are recommended for the keto dieter. 

The restaurant is housed in a beautiful historic building designed to embody the spirit of a Parisian brasserie. 

What’s Keto on their Menu:

Steak Tartare du Parc

• Hand-chopped Steak, Capers, and Quail Egg

Warm Shrimp Salad

• Served with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Avocado

Beef Bourguignon

• Served with Lardons, Crimini Mushrooms, and Red Wine Sauce

For a Turkish delight, the next restaurant is your best bet. 

11. Ottoman Taverna – All Food Turkish

Address: 425 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-847-0389

Website: https://ottomantaverna.com/

Business Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Daily)

We have another Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant on this list, and it’s no other than the Ottoman Taverna. 

According to Michelin inspectors, the restaurant offers authentic Turkish cuisine at a reasonable price. The best part is they offer all the fantastic food in a space that’s “fit for a king.” 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Shepherd Salad

• Chopped Tomatoes, Onions, Cucumbers, Walnuts, Parsley, Lemon Dressing, and Green peppers

Kebab Menu

• Doner Kebab, iSkender Kebab, Adana Kebab, Beyti Kebab, Tavuk Adana Kebab

Keto Tip: Order without rice. 

Lamb Chops

• Thyme and pepper marinated lamb chops served with sautéed baby vegetables and smoked eggplant puree. 

Enjoy the history and good food in our next restaurant.

12. Old Ebbitt Grill – The Oldest Washington Saloon

Address:  675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States

Contact Number:  +1 202-347-4800

Website: https://www.ebbitt.com/ 

Business Hours: 

• Mondays to Fridays: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
• Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM

As the oldest saloon in Washington, this is probably the most iconic tavern that served American meals in the area. They’re most famous for their oyster specials which are an excellent choice for keto dieters. 

Pro Tip: They offer Oyster Happy Hour from 3 pm to 5 pm and 11 pm to 1 am daily. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Oyster Menu

• Dixon Point, Belle du Jour, Wellfleet, Pemaquid, and Osprey 

Crispy Roasted Half-Chicken

• Served with arugula, farro, Sungold tomatoes, Grana Padano, white balsamic vinaigrette, shaved zucchini, and squash

Cedar River Farms Filet Mignon

• 8 oz Beef Tenderloin served with Broccolini and Bordelaise Sauce.

Keto Tip: Skip the potatoes. 

Next, we have an Asian restaurant where you can make bowls. 

13. Bibipop Asian Grille – Build-Your-Own Bowls

Address: 1516 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036,

Contact Number: +1 202-567-1735

Website: https://bibibop.com/ 

Business Hours:

• Mondays to Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Sundays: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM 

Bibibop Asian Grill is the place to be if you’ve been craving bibimbop. This Asian restaurant offers bibimbop-inspired customizable bowls to fill you up and satisfy your cravings.

We included it in the list because they have a keto-friendly base that you can take advantage of—salads!

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Build-Your-Own-Bowl

Base: Romaine Salad or Supergreen Salad

Protein: Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Steak, Veggie, and Organic Tofu

Hot Toppings: Bean Sprouts

Cold Toppings: Lettuce, Red Cabbage, Carrots, Daikon Radish, Kale, Kimchi, Eggs, Cheese, and Cucumbers

Sauces: Spicy Sriracha, Korean Red Sauce, and Yum Yum

Spicy Chicken Bowl

• Lettuce, Cucumber, Cabbage, Cheese, and Spicy Chicken

Keto Tip: Skip the potatoes and beans.

Sides

• Veggie cup, Protein cup, Kimchi

Last but not least, have a barbecue feast at our next restaurant. 

14. Hill Country Barbecue – Texas BBQ + Live Music

Address: 410 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

Contact Number: +1 202-556-2050

Website: https://www.hillcountry.com/ 

Business Hours:

• Mondays: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• 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

The Hill Country Barbecue is the place to visit if you want to fill up your Texas BBQ dishes. The best thing about this restaurant is their recipes don’t have a long list of ingredients. For them, the best barbecue is just about high-quality meat, the perfect dry rub, and post oak wood.  

Bonus Point: The restaurant has regular live music. 

What’s Keto on their Menu: 

Beef Options

• Brisket and Beef Shoulder

Sausage Options

• Hot Link and Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage

Pork Options

• Spare Ribs and Pulled Pork

Bird Options

• Turkey Breast and Market Chicken

Low-carb Sides

• Collard Greens with Smoked Bacon, Confetti Coleslaw, Cucumber Salad, Smoky Chipotle Deviled Eggs, Pickles, Jalapeños, and Onions 

Final Words

The DC food scene has improved a lot over the past few years, so it’s the best time for you to visit. 

Lucky for you, you already have this list of keto restaurants in Washington DC. Armed with this list, you can easily find a dining spot where you can satisfy your cravings the keto way!

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