The Best (and Worst) Paleo Restaurants
It’s nice to eat out at a restaurant occasionally. Sticking to your Paleo Diet shouldn't be a reason to avoid eating out!
If you’re going out with a group of friends, try to have some influence over the restaurant you go to. Some restaurants offer so many more Paleo friendly options than others.
The Menu
It’s also a good idea to check out the menu in advance – most restaurants will have this on their website. If you’re unsure, call ahead to check on specific ingredients. It’s definitely worth making the restaurant aware that you need something gluten, dairy and legume free before you arrive. Most places seem to be extremely accommodating with this, often to the extent of suggesting dishes that aren't even on the menu!
Mix & Match Paleo Options
When looking through the menu be prepared to mix and match. There’s almost always no problem with asking for the meat from one dish to go with the vegetable side from another dish. Dishes often come with a side of fries, some other type of potato, rice or pasta – ask to swap this for more vegetables or a salad.
Un-Paleo Sauces
Sauces, gravy and dressings are often places where gluten, soy and all sorts of undesirables are hiding. It’s best to ask for no sauce, or ask for it on the side, rather than take the risk that your beef will arrive swimming in gluten!
Ask, Ask and Ask Again!
Don’t be afraid to ask exactly what is in your dish – it’s your health – it’s important. It’s also worth asking if the meat is grass-fed. Perhaps it isn't, but hopefully the more people who ask, the sooner restaurants will start stocking it.
Which Types of Restaurant Are The Best For a Paleo Diet?
Some restaurants types are a lot more Paleo than others – but of course, you may find lots of local exceptions to this. Look at the menu and ask about the ingredients!
Korean BBQ/ Mongolian BBQ/ Brazilian BBQ
It doesn't get much more Paleo than cooking a pile of meat at your table barbecue. Sides are usually salads and vegetables and it’s often a great chance to try cuts of meat you don’t usually have.
Steakhouses
Steak and vegetables – even better if they offer grass-fed meat.
Indian
Whilst there are a lot of dishes to avoid, there are also dishes cooked in coconut milk, or dry cooked (like tandoori) in herbs which represent great Paleo choices. Check they cook with ghee or coconut oil rather than vegetable oil
Burgers
Lots of “real food” burger restaurants seem to be appearing – good news as these can be a good Paleo option if you order without the bun!
Thai
Thai can be a great Paleo dining solution when coconut oil and milk are used.
Mexican
Most options like tacos or fajitas work well within a Paleo Diet – just order without the tortilla
Japanese
A wide variety of fish makes dishes like sashimi a great choice
Seafood Restaurants
If there are any wild or line caught options, these are likely to be a good bet
And the Worst Restaurant Type For Paleo Options?
Sadly, some restaurants are a lot harder to navigate for Paleo choices. If you’re going somewhere that you know will be challenging, consider eating before you leave, so you won’t be tempted.
Chinese
With a few notable exceptions, Chinese restaurants are often associated with their use of MSG and soy. Finding a Paleo option can be very difficult.
Making Paleo Work—Even When You’re Eating Out
While sticking to your Paleo diet is easiest at home, eating out doesn’t have to mean compromising your health goals. By doing a little research beforehand, asking the right questions, and making a few strategic swaps, you can enjoy a delicious meal almost anywhere — without grains, dairy, legumes, or seed oils sneaking onto your plate.
The best Paleo-friendly restaurants tend to be those that celebrate real, whole foods — think grilled meats, seafood, fresh veggies, and simple, honest flavours. Brazilian BBQ, Thai curries with coconut milk, and a good steakhouse are often your best bet. Meanwhile, cuisines heavy on soy, wheat-based sauces, and fried foods (like many standard Chinese takeaways) can be more of a minefield.
If all else fails? There’s no shame in ordering a simple protein with a side of salad or veg and skipping the sauce. Or even eating beforehand and treating yourself to a sparkling water and good company instead.
Paleo Dining Tips for Eating Out with Confidence
If you're following a Paleo lifestyle in Australia or anywhere else, it's absolutely possible to enjoy meals out without compromising your nutrition goals. Eating at a restaurant doesn’t need to be a cheat meal — with the right approach, it can be a perfectly Paleo-friendly experience.
Choosing the Right Restaurant
The first step to a successful Paleo meal out is picking the right venue. Focus on restaurants that centre their menus around whole foods, quality meat, seafood, and fresh produce. Ethnic restaurants like Thai, Korean BBQ, Brazilian BBQ, and Indian often have naturally Paleo dishes, especially if you steer clear of deep-fried items, legumes, and sugary sauces. Steakhouses are also usually a safe bet — just double-check how the meat is cooked and avoid sauces unless you know exactly what's in them.
Many of the best Paleo restaurants will happily accommodate ingredient swaps, like replacing rice or bread with extra vegetables or salad. With a growing number of Australians opting for gluten-free or low-carb options, most kitchens are used to making adjustments. It never hurts to call ahead or speak to your server to explain your preferences politely but clearly.
What to Watch Out For
When dining out, be particularly cautious about hidden ingredients that aren’t Paleo-friendly. These include:
Seed oils (often used in dressings, marinades and for cooking)
Gluten or wheat-based thickeners
Soy sauce and other soy products
Sugar and sweet sauces
Dairy, especially cream-based sauces
These ingredients often sneak into dishes that might otherwise seem Paleo-safe. If you're unsure, it's perfectly fine to ask for sauces and dressings on the side or skip them altogether.
Smart Paleo Substitutes in Restaurants
You don’t need to rely on a Paleo-labelled restaurant to eat well. Here are some easy swaps that work in a wide variety of venues:
Swap grains for veg: Ask for zucchini, broccoli, or seasonal greens in place of pasta, rice or bread.
Skip the bun: Burgers are fine — just ask for no bun and double salad instead of chips.
Choose grilled over fried: If the protein is crumbed or battered, ask for a grilled version if available.
Order simply: Dishes like grilled steak or salmon with steamed veggies are both safe and satisfying.
Go bunless or bowl-style: Many cafés and burger spots now offer lettuce-wrapped options or “naked” versions.
Paleo Dining on the Go
If you're travelling or short on time, there are still plenty of options. In most Australian cities, you’ll find clean takeaway options like grilled chicken shops, sushi (opt for sashimi and salads), and poke bowls (skip the rice and soy sauce). Farmers markets are also fantastic places to grab fresh cooked meals and snacks that are naturally Paleo — think roast meat rolls without the bun or grilled skewers with vegetables.
Eating Out and Staying Social
One of the best things about the Paleo lifestyle is how flexible it can be when done right. Being mindful of what you eat doesn’t mean you need to miss out on dinners with friends or special occasions. Most of the time, a few thoughtful swaps are all it takes to stay on track. And if the options truly are limited? You can always eat beforehand and focus on the social side of the outing.
Australian Paleo-Friendly Restaurant Chains
While independent venues are often more flexible, here are a few Aussie restaurant chains that typically offer Paleo-compliant meals or easy modifications:
Grill’d – Go for a burger in a low-carb or lettuce bun, no sauces, add avo or egg.
Nando’s – Grilled chicken with a garden salad can work well. Skip the sauces.
Schnitz – Order a protein bowl without crumbing, with greens and no dressing.
Roll’d – Ask for a rice paper roll with no noodle filling, or go for a bun-less bowl with meat and veg.
As always, double-check ingredients and don’t hesitate to ask how something is prepared.
Your turn:
Where have you had the best Paleo meal while dining out? Are there any hidden gems in Australia or abroad you'd recommend for fellow Paleo eaters? Drop your tips, favourite spots, and menu hacks in the comments — I’d love to add them to the list for a future update.
And if you’ve ever had a truly terrible Paleo dining experience, tell me that too — sometimes those stories are even more helpful!
Let’s build the ultimate Paleo restaurant guide together.
Do you agree with the best and worst types of restaurants? I’d love to see which restaurants you've found good Paleo options in – and which ones you've found difficult too. Please let me know in the comments, below.
