Are Restaurant Fajitas Keto Friendly? Your Guide to Ordering Low-Carb

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, Mexican cuisine can be a surprisingly keto-friendly option with the right modifications. So, are restaurant fajitas keto friendly? The answer is a resounding yes, as long as you know what to ask for to keep your meal low-carb.

Quick Summary

Restaurant fajitas are keto-friendly when customized by eliminating tortillas, rice, and beans. Enjoy the flavorful grilled meats, peppers, and onions, adding extra keto toppings for a satisfying meal.

Key Points

Yes, with Modifications: Restaurant fajitas can be made keto by eliminating high-carb items like tortillas, rice, and beans.
Embrace the Filling: The protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp) and vegetables (peppers and onions) are naturally low-carb and perfectly keto-friendly.
Add Healthy Fats: Increase your fat intake by loading up on delicious toppings such as guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.
Watch for Hidden Carbs: Be aware of potential hidden carbs in marinades, sauces, or thickeners. Always ask your server about the ingredients.
Use Substitutes: Replace high-carb sides with extra veggies or a side salad, and use lettuce wraps or your own low-carb tortillas instead of standard ones.
Customize Confidently: Don't hesitate to clearly communicate your dietary needs to the restaurant staff to ensure your meal is prepared correctly.

The Breakdown of a Traditional Fajita Plate

At first glance, a standard fajita platter might seem like a total minefield for anyone following a ketogenic diet. The sizzling skillet of grilled meat, onions, and peppers looks promising, but it’s the usual accoutrements that pose the real carb threat. Mexican restaurants typically serve fajitas with a variety of high-carb sides, including:

Flour or corn tortillas
Mexican rice
Refried beans
Tortilla chips served before the meal

The Carb Culprits: Tortillas, Rice, and Beans

For keto dieters, these starchy side dishes must be avoided entirely. A single large flour tortilla can contain over 30 grams of carbohydrates, which is more than many people's total daily carb allowance on a ketogenic diet. Both rice and beans, staples of Mexican cuisine, are also carbohydrate-heavy and will quickly knock you out of ketosis. Understanding these high-carb components is the first step toward ordering a delicious and compliant keto meal.

How to Order Keto-Friendly Fajitas at a Restaurant

With a few simple substitutions, you can transform a standard fajita platter into the perfect low-carb, high-fat meal. The key is communicating your needs clearly to your server. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you confidently place your order.

Step-by-Step Customization

Request "No Tortillas, Please": This is the most important step. When you order, specify that you do not want any flour or corn tortillas served with your meal. You can then enjoy the delicious filling with a fork.
Hold the Rice and Beans: Most fajita meals come with rice and refried beans. Ask the server to hold these high-carb sides. You can also ask for a double portion of the fajita vegetables or a side salad instead.
Ask for Extra Veggies: The grilled peppers and onions are generally keto-friendly. Don't be afraid to ask for extra vegetables to bulk up your meal and add more fiber and nutrients.
Load Up on Keto-Approved Toppings: The best part about keto fajitas is piling on the high-fat toppings. Ask for extra guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. Fresh pico de gallo is also a great option.
Watch Out for Hidden Carbs: Most traditional fajita marinades are low-carb, but it's wise to inquire if any sugary sauces or glazes are used. If you have concerns, ask for the meat to be grilled plain with just salt and pepper.

Keto-Approved Toppings and Side Substitutes

By forgoing the high-carb items, you open the door to a variety of delicious and satisfying keto-friendly alternatives. Here are some of the best choices for building your perfect fajita plate:

Lettuce Wraps: Use large, crisp lettuce leaves as a wrap for your fajita filling instead of tortillas.
Guacamole: A fantastic source of healthy fats, guacamole adds flavor and richness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of full-fat sour cream adds a creamy texture with minimal carbs.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar, cotija, or queso fresco are all great additions.
Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds flavor and freshness. Ensure it isn't a sugary, processed salsa.
Grilled Veggies: Aside from the standard peppers and onions, ask for a side of grilled mushrooms or other non-starchy vegetables.

Keto Fajitas vs. Standard Fajitas: A Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison of a standard restaurant fajita order and its keto-friendly version.


Component	Standard Fajita Order	Keto-Friendly Fajita Order
Carb Source	Flour or corn tortillas, rice, refried beans	None (fork, lettuce wraps)
Protein	Chicken, beef, or shrimp	Chicken, beef, or shrimp
Vegetables	Peppers and onions	Extra peppers, onions, and optional mushrooms
Fat Source	Guacamole, cheese, sour cream	Extra guacamole, cheese, and sour cream
Hidden Carbs	Potential sugary marinades, sauce thickeners	None (ordered plain or with careful inquiry)
Total Meal Carbs	High	Very Low

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Ditch the Carbs

Restaurant fajitas are not only keto friendly, but they are one of the most satisfying and easiest Mexican meals to modify for a low-carb diet. By simply skipping the tortillas, rice, and beans, and focusing on the protein, vegetables, and rich, fatty toppings, you can enjoy a flavorful and fulfilling meal without compromising your keto goals. The next time you're dining out, don't be afraid to order your sizzling plate and customize it to your liking.

For more great tips on eating low-carb while dining out, check out this comprehensive guide: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/dining-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

While onions and bell peppers contain some carbs, the amount used in a typical fajita portion is generally low enough for most ketogenic diets. Be mindful of portion size if your carb limit is very strict.

Yes, full-fat sour cream and cheese are excellent, high-fat additions to keto fajitas and are generally low in carbs. They help make the meal more satisfying and flavorful.

No, refried beans are very high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a keto diet. Ask for extra vegetables or a side salad instead.

Most restaurant fajita marinades are savory and not high in sugar, making them keto-safe. However, if you are very sensitive or uncertain, you can always ask for the meat to be cooked plain with just salt and pepper.

Large lettuce leaves are a popular, zero-carb option for wraps. Many grocery stores also sell low-carb tortillas that you can bring with you to the restaurant.

Yes, most fresh salsa and pico de gallo are low in carbs and are great for adding flavor. Just be aware that some store-bought varieties or sweet restaurant salsas may contain added sugar.

Look for other grilled protein dishes like carne asada or carnitas, ordering them without high-carb sides. Burrito bowls are also a great option if you request a lettuce base instead of rice.