What to eat at a restaurant with colitis? A practical guide

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including colitis, actively avoid or modify their diet to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. For those living with this condition, knowing what to eat at a restaurant with colitis is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining a social life without stress. By preparing and making informed choices, you can enjoy dining out with confidence.

Quick Summary

Managing colitis while dining out involves strategic planning, menu navigation, and communication. The key is prioritizing simple, low-fiber, low-fat dishes and being prepared to make special requests. Simple proteins, refined grains, and cooked vegetables are generally safe choices, while fried, spicy, and high-fat foods should be avoided.

Key Points

Pre-plan your meal: Check restaurant menus online beforehand to identify suitable and safe options.
Opt for simple cooking methods: Choose grilled, baked, or steamed dishes to avoid excessive fats and oils.
Request sauces and dressings on the side: Maintain control over ingredients by asking for all condiments on the side.
Know your personal triggers: Use a food diary to identify which specific foods or ingredients worsen your symptoms.
Prioritize easily digestible foods: Lean proteins, refined grains, and cooked, low-fiber vegetables are generally safer bets.
Communicate clearly with your server: Don't be afraid to make special requests or inform the staff about dietary needs.
Distinguish between flare and remission strategies: Your diet needs change depending on your symptoms; be more restrictive during a flare-up.
Stay hydrated and avoid triggers: Stick to water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and highly processed or spicy foods.

Navigating the menu before you go

Eating at a restaurant with colitis is much easier with some pre-planning. A little research can save you significant stress and discomfort. Most restaurants have their menus available online, allowing you to review options and decide on a meal that won't aggravate your symptoms before you even arrive. This gives you time to identify simple, safe dishes or even call ahead to ask questions about ingredients or preparation methods.

Prioritize simple preparations

The method of cooking can significantly impact how well your body tolerates a meal. Opt for dishes that are simply prepared, such as grilled, baked, or steamed options. This allows you to avoid unnecessary fats and oils that can be problematic for an inflamed gut. Always ask for sauces, dressings, and gravies to be served on the side, so you have complete control over what you consume.

What to look for on the menu

When reading a menu, focus on ingredients and cooking styles that are gentle on your digestive system. Look for meals centered around lean proteins, refined grains, and well-cooked, low-fiber vegetables.

Lean proteins

Fish: Excellent choices include grilled salmon, tuna, or mackerel, which are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Poultry: Go for a grilled or baked skinless chicken breast or turkey.
Eggs: Cooked eggs, such as scrambled or hard-boiled, are an easily digestible protein source.
Tofu: Firm tofu is another versatile and lean protein option.

Refined grains and starches

White rice: A staple for many people with colitis, white rice is low in fiber and easily digestible.
White potato: Plain baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes (without high-fat toppings like butter or sour cream) are often well-tolerated.
Sourdough bread: Some individuals find sourdough bread easier to digest than other breads.
Refined pasta: Plain white pasta with a simple sauce can be a good choice, as opposed to high-fiber, whole-grain pasta.

Well-cooked vegetables and low-fiber fruits

Cooked vegetables: Choose peeled and cooked varieties like squash, zucchini, green beans, and carrots. Steaming or roasting vegetables until very tender breaks down their fibers, making them easier on your digestive tract.
Low-fiber fruits: Options like bananas, melons, and applesauce are generally well-tolerated.

Cuisine-specific tips

Different types of restaurants present unique challenges. Here are some ideas for popular cuisines:

Italian: Opt for gluten-free or refined-grain pasta with a plain, tomato-based sauce (ensure it's free of garlic and onion). A simple dish of baked fish or chicken with steamed vegetables is also a safe bet. Avoid creamy sauces, excessive cheese, and high-fat, processed meats like sausage.
Asian: Simple sushi rolls with plain fish (like salmon or tuna) and cucumber are often safe choices. Steamed rice, rice noodles, and simple stir-fries with lean protein and low-FODMAP vegetables (like carrots and bell peppers) are also good. Be mindful of sauces, which often contain garlic, onion, or high-sugar ingredients. Avoid fried items like tempura and high-sodium soy sauce.
American/Diner: A plain grilled chicken sandwich (without the bun), grilled fish, or a plain baked potato can work. Request a side salad with simple oil and vinegar dressing. Skip the fried food, fatty burgers, and creamy soups.
Greek: Grilled fish or meat skewers (souvlaki) served with rice or baked potatoes are excellent options. Ask for salad without onions and get the dressing on the side. Avoid creamy dips like tzatziki and hummus, which often contain high-FODMAP ingredients like garlic.

Comparison table: Flare vs. Remission


Feature	Eating During a Flare-up	Eating in Remission
Fiber	Extremely low-fiber, low-residue diet.	Higher-fiber foods may be tolerated; the Mediterranean diet is often recommended.
Texture	Soft-textured foods are preferred to reduce digestive work.	Can handle more variety in food texture and preparation.
Protein	Focus on simple, lean, well-cooked proteins like boiled chicken or eggs.	Lean proteins like fish and chicken, plus other sources as tolerated.
Fat	Strictly limit fat intake, avoiding fried and processed foods.	Healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3s are beneficial.
Beverages	Plenty of water; avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks.	Adequate hydration remains important; low alcohol intake may be tolerated.
Restaurant Approach	Look for bland, very simple dishes and inform the server about sensitivities.	Greater flexibility in menu choices, but still cautious about known triggers.

Communication is key

Don't be afraid to speak up and make your needs known. When ordering, clearly communicate your dietary restrictions to your server. Some find it effective to frame requests in terms of a food allergy to ensure the message is taken seriously by the kitchen. You are not a burden for asking how a dish is prepared or requesting modifications like leaving out certain spices or serving a sauce on the side. The restaurant's goal is for you to have a good dining experience, and most are willing to accommodate simple requests.

Conclusion

Dining out with colitis requires a proactive and thoughtful approach, but it is certainly possible to enjoy a meal out with friends and family without risking a flare-up. The most effective strategy involves planning ahead by reviewing menus online, prioritizing simple and lean options, and not hesitating to ask for special preparation to ensure your food is safe. Listening to your body, particularly by distinguishing between flare-up and remission needs, is the most powerful tool you have. By focusing on simple preparations and communicating clearly, you can enjoy a flavorful and social dining experience while keeping your gut health a top priority.

For more resources and information on managing inflammatory bowel diseases, visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, it's best to avoid fatty red meat and fried foods like standard burgers and fries, especially during a flare-up. A better option would be a plain grilled chicken sandwich without the bun or a piece of baked fish.

Salads can be problematic during a flare because of the insoluble fiber in raw vegetables and seeds. If in remission, choose a simple salad with low-fiber veggies like cucumber and peeled carrots and ask for a simple olive oil and lemon dressing on the side.

Always request sauces, dressings, and gravies on the side. This gives you control over the amount you use and helps you avoid hidden ingredients like garlic, onion, and excessive fats or sugars that can be irritating.

During a flare, opt for the simplest and blandest menu items. A plain baked potato, white rice, or grilled chicken with steamed carrots are safe options. Restaurants with customizable options, like build-your-own bowls, can also work.

Yes, but with caution. For example, in Asian cuisine, opt for steamed rice and simple sushi rolls. In Italian, choose refined pasta with plain tomato sauce. You may need to ask for modifications and check for high-FODMAP ingredients like garlic and onion.

Most rich, sugary, and high-fat desserts like ice cream, cake, and cookies should be avoided, especially during a flare. A safer alternative might be applesauce or a simple, non-dairy, low-sugar option, if tolerated.

Planning ahead is key to reducing stress. Communicate your needs clearly to your server, and don't feel guilty about making special requests. Sometimes, suggesting a restaurant you already know is safe is the best option.