Top 10 Kidney-Friendly Restaurants
We analyzed 3,211+ dishes across 104 chain restaurants to find the safest places to eat when you're managing kidney stones or following a low-oxalate diet.
104
Restaurants Ranked
3,211
Dishes Analyzed
10
Best Picks
#1
White Castle
33 dishes analyzed
23 of 33 low-risk (70%)Zero high-risk dishes
Best pick: Vanilla Shake — 0mg
#2
Wingstop
32 dishes analyzed
23 of 32 low-risk (72%)3 high-risk
Best pick: Blue Cheese Dip — 0mg
#3
QDOBA
12 dishes analyzed
7 of 12 low-risk (58%)Zero high-risk dishes
Best pick: Three-Cheese Queso — 1mg
#4
Carrabba's Italian Grill
27 dishes analyzed
17 of 27 low-risk (63%)1 high-risk
Best pick: Tuscan-Grilled Chicken — 0mg
#5
The Original D's Restaurant & Bar
30 dishes analyzed
17 of 30 low-risk (57%)Zero high-risk dishes
Best pick: D's Grinder — 1mg
#6
C
CAVA
41 dishes analyzed
25 of 41 low-risk (61%)2 high-risk
Best pick: Shredded Romaine Lettuce — 0mg
#7
Red Lobster
42 dishes analyzed
26 of 42 low-risk (62%)3 high-risk
Best pick: Lobster Lover's Dream — 0mg
#8
Friendly's
31 dishes analyzed
17 of 31 low-risk (55%)Zero high-risk dishes
Best pick: Fribble Milkshake — 0mg
#9
Tim Hortons
40 dishes analyzed
26 of 40 low-risk (65%)2 high-risk
Best pick: French Vanilla Cappuccino — 1mg
#10
Cook Out
37 dishes analyzed
20 of 37 low-risk (54%)1 high-risk
Best pick: Reese's Cup Milkshake — 0mg
How We Rank
Rankings are based on a composite score using real menu data: the percentage of dishes rated low-risk (under 25mg oxalate per serving), the percentage rated high-risk (100mg+), and the average oxalate across all dishes. Restaurants need at least 5 analyzed dishes to qualify. Values are estimates based on typical recipes.
Regional Rankings
These regional lists include local chains specific to each area, plus nationwide favorites:
Track Your Restaurant Meals
More Ways to Stay Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
How were these restaurants ranked?
We rank restaurants using a composite score based on real dish data: the percentage of low-risk (safe) dishes, the percentage of high-risk dishes, and the average oxalate content across all menu items. Restaurants with more safe options and fewer high-risk dishes rank higher.
What makes a restaurant kidney-friendly?
A kidney-friendly restaurant has a high proportion of menu items with low oxalate content (under 25mg per serving). The best restaurants for kidney stone prevention offer simple proteins, dairy-based dishes, and preparations that avoid high-oxalate ingredients like spinach, sweet potatoes, and nuts.
Can I eat at restaurants not on this list?
Yes! This list highlights the best options, but you can eat safely at almost any restaurant by choosing wisely. Look for grilled meats, dairy-based sides, and rice instead of potatoes. Use our Menu Check feature to analyze any restaurant menu with a quick photo.
Are these oxalate values exact?
These are estimates based on typical recipes and ingredient analysis. Actual values may vary by location, seasonal ingredients, and specific preparations. We recommend asking your server about ingredients when dining out.
What should I order at a restaurant to avoid kidney stones?
Focus on simple grilled proteins (chicken, fish, steak), white rice, bread, eggs, and dairy-based sides. Avoid dishes heavy in spinach, beets, sweet potatoes, chocolate, nuts, and soy products. Drink water or lemonade instead of tea.
Do these rankings change by region?
Yes! We also have regional rankings for the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and West that include regional chains specific to those areas. Nationwide chains appear in all regional rankings.