However, eating out doesn’t have to derail your calorie goals.

We did the legwork to help you navigate restaurant menus and identified the lowest-calorie options.

Table of Contents

What qualifies as a low-calorie restaurant meal?

low calorie restaurant meals

Photos: The brands. Design: Eat This, Not That!

Calories are units of energy that your body needs to function.

However, determining the right number of calories can be tricky.

Read on for some ideas on low-calorie restaurant dishes from 15 popular chains.

low calorie olive garden menu items

Photos: Olive Garden. Design: Eat This, Not That!

Then, check out the#1 Healthiest Order at 10 Major Chain Restaurants.

Try something like the Herb-Grilled Salmon for a healthier option at Olive Garden.

This gives you the option to select healthier options if need be.

Low-Calorie Options from Chili’s

Photos: Chili’s, Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!

This leaves you room to order a cocktail or split an appetizer before your meal.

Surprisingly, there are quite a few to choose from.

Low-Calorie Options from Red Robin

P.F.

Low-Calorie Options from Applebee’s

Photos: Applebee’s, Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!

“The Spicy Tuna Roll from P.F.

To keep your meal low-calorie at P.F.

Chang’s, choose steamed or grilled dishes, avoid fried items, and opt for vegetable-based dishes.

low calorie options at red lobster

Photos: Red Lobster; Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!

Ask for sauces on the side and use them sparingly to control your calorie intake.

Low-Calorie Options from P.F.

Chang’s

The Best & Worst P.F.

Low-Calorie Options from TGI Friday’s

Photos: TGI Friday’s. Design: Eat This, Not That!

Skip the cheesecake or opt for a smaller portion to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.

We also recommend sticking to the SkinnyLicious menu, which has options like the SkinnyLicious Chicken Soft Tacos.

Skip heavy sauces or ask for them on the side to control your calorie intake.

Low-Calorie Options from Texas Roadhouse

Photos: Texas Roadhouse, Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!

Low-Calorie Options from Bonefish Grill

Low-Calorie Options from Longhorn Steakhouse

Photos: Longhorn Steakhouse. Design: Eat This, Not That!

Low-Calorie Options from Outback Steakhouse

Photos: Outback Steakhouse. Design: Eat This, Not That!

ihop restaurant front design

Photo: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!

california pizza kitchen pizza

@calpizzakitchen/Twitter

table with Red Robin food

Red Robin/Facebook

PF Changs

Courtesy of Facebook via PF Changs

chicken tacos on a plate from cheesecake factory

Courtesy of Cheesecake Factory

table at Bonefish grill

Bonefish Grill