The keto diet has taken Australia by storm, with more people embracing a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle for weight loss, improved energy, and better health. Canberra, known for its vibrant food scene, has plenty of restaurants catering to keto dieters, from gourmet eateries to hidden gems offering low-carb delights.

If you’re on the lookout for the best keto restaurants in Canberra, this guide will help you discover top spots serving delicious, low-carb meals. Whether you’re after bunless burgers, keto-friendly pizzas, or sugar-free desserts, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a comprehensive list of the best places to enjoy keto-friendly dining in the nation’s capital.

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that focuses on reducing carbohydrate intake to shift the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbs, leading to benefits such as weight loss, improved mental clarity, and stable blood sugar levels.

A keto-friendly diet typically includes:

• Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts, cheese)
• Protein sources (meat, fish, eggs, poultry)
• Low-carb vegetables (leafy greens, zucchini, cauliflower)
• Avoidance of sugar, grains, and high-carb foods

Eating out on keto can be tricky since many dishes contain hidden sugars and starches. Fortunately, Canberra has a range of restaurants that make keto dining easy and delicious. Let’s explore the top places to enjoy a keto-friendly meal in Canberra.

Top Keto Restaurants in Canberra

Here are some of the best keto-friendly restaurants in Canberra, offering delicious low-carb meals to satisfy your cravings.

1. Tipsy Bull

Location: 2/5 Lonsdale St, Braddon

A favourite among Canberrans, Tipsy Bull is renowned for its gourmet dishes and extensive gin selection. They offer plenty of keto-friendly options, including:

• Grilled meats and seafood
• Charcuterie boards with cheese, nuts, and olives
• Keto-friendly cocktails with sugar-free mixers

Why it’s great: Fresh, high-quality ingredients and an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere make it a fantastic spot for keto diners.

2. Grease Monkey

Location: 19 Lonsdale St, Braddon

If you love burgers but want to stay keto, Grease Monkey is a must-visit. Their keto-friendly choices include:

• Bunless burgers (lettuce-wrapped or served in a bowl)
• Grilled chicken with avocado and aioli
• Loaded beef patties with cheese and bacon

Why it’s great: A casual, lively setting with customisable low-carb burger options.

3. Monster Kitchen and Bar

Location: 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra

Located in the stylish Ovolo Nishi Hotel, Monster Kitchen and Bar offers elegant keto-friendly dishes, such as:

• Grass-fed steak with butter sauce
• Slow-cooked lamb with roasted vegetables
• Low-carb, high-protein sharing plates

Why it’s great: Upscale dining with a focus on high-quality proteins and fresh produce.

4. Local Press Café

Location: 35 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore

A health-conscious café, Local Press Café is a haven for keto eaters. Their offerings include:

• Keto breakfast bowls with eggs, avocado, and smoked salmon
• Zucchini noodles with pesto and grilled chicken
• Bulletproof coffee (coffee with MCT oil and butter)

Why it’s great: A scenic lakeside location with nutritious, whole-food ingredients.

5. CBD Dumpling House

Location: Canberra Centre, Bunda St, Canberra

Asian cuisine can be tricky on keto, but CBD Dumpling House offers keto-friendly options such as:

• Stir-fried meats and vegetables (request no sauce or sugar-free soy sauce)
• Steamed seafood with garlic butter
• Szechuan-style grilled meats

Why it’s great: Customizable dishes for keto diners and bold, authentic flavours.

6. Brodburger

Location: 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston

A burger joint with a cult following, Brodburger offers keto-friendly modifications such as:

• Bunless burgers served with a side salad
• Char-grilled chicken and lamb skewers
• Keto-friendly sides like halloumi and avocado

Why it’s great: Generous portions, top-quality ingredients, and a lively atmosphere.

7. Eighty/Twenty Food

Location: 1/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon

A health-focused café, Eighty/Twenty Food offers:

• Keto smoothie bowls with coconut, chia seeds, and nuts
• Grass-fed beef and low-carb veggie plates
• Bulletproof coffee and sugar-free keto desserts

Why it’s great: A great option for health-conscious keto diners looking for fresh and nutritious meals.

Keto-Friendly Cafés & Takeaway Spots

If you’re on the go, these cafés and takeaway spots have fantastic keto-friendly options:

Highroad (Dickson)

• Keto-friendly breakfast platters with eggs, bacon, and avocado
• Almond milk lattes and sugar-free iced coffee

Elemental Café (Braddon)

• Bulletproof coffee
• Keto smoothie bowls with coconut, chia seeds, and nuts
• Low-carb zucchini fritters

Paleo Café (Kingston)

• Grass-fed meats and healthy fats
• Sugar-free treats and keto-friendly cakes
• Coconut-based coffee drinks

Tips for Eating Keto at Any Restaurant in Canberra

Even if a restaurant isn’t specifically keto-friendly, you can still stick to your diet with these simple tips:

• Opt for protein-based dishes: Choose grilled meats, seafood, and salads with healthy fats.
• Skip the starch: Ask for extra veggies instead of bread, rice, or potatoes.
• Request sauce on the side: Many sauces contain hidden sugars; opt for olive oil or butter instead.
• Check for keto-friendly swaps: Some places offer lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or zoodles as substitutes.
• Use keto dining apps: Apps like ‘Carb Manager’ and ‘HappyCow’ help locate keto-friendly spots.
• Ask about ingredients: Don’t be afraid to request modifications to keep your meal keto-friendly.
• Bring your own keto condiments: Some restaurants may not have keto-friendly sauces, so bringing your own can enhance your meal.

Canberra is home to a thriving food scene, and keto dieters don’t have to miss out! From gourmet restaurants like Tipsy Bull to casual burger joints like Grease Monkey, there are plenty of options for delicious, low-carb meals. Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner, a quick café bite, or a takeaway meal, Canberra has a variety of keto-friendly spots to explore.

By following keto-friendly eating tips and exploring the best low-carb dining options in Canberra, you’ll enjoy flavourful meals without breaking your diet. Have you tried any great keto restaurants in Canberra? Let us know in the comments below!