How Long Are Restaurant Leftovers Good For in the Fridge?
Quick answer
- Most restaurant leftovers are safe in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Refrigerate them within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if it is above 90°F outside.
- Reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot, to 165°F in the center.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Smell and look are not reliable signs of safety.
Restaurant portions are big, so leftovers are part of the deal. Here is how long common restaurant foods last in the fridge and how to store and reheat them safely, based on widely used U.S. food safety guidance.
How long restaurant leftovers last
| Food | Fridge (40°F or below) | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Fried chicken and chicken tenders | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 4 months |
| Burgers and cooked beef | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Steak | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Pasta with sauce | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Cooked rice and fried rice | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Soups and chili | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Seafood | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| French fries | 3 to 5 days | Not ideal |
| Salads with dressing | 1 to 2 days | Do not freeze |
The 2-hour rule
Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F. Do not leave leftovers out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour on a hot day, in a hot car or at a picnic. If your takeout sat on the counter all evening, it is safer to toss it.
How to store leftovers
- Move food into shallow, airtight containers so it cools quickly.
- Keep your fridge at 40°F or below.
- Label containers with the date.
- Split big portions so you only reheat what you will eat.
How to reheat leftovers
- Pizza: a hot skillet or oven at 375°F keeps the crust crisp.
- Fried chicken and fries: an air fryer or oven at 375°F to 400°F brings back the crunch.
- Pasta and rice: microwave covered with a splash of water, stirring halfway.
- Steak: warm gently in a low oven, then sear quickly.
- Reheat sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil.
- Only reheat leftovers once.
Signs to throw food out
Toss leftovers past their safe window, even if they look and smell fine. Some bacteria that cause illness do not change the smell or taste of food. Mold, slime or an off smell are clear signs to throw food away right away.
This guide is for general information. Follow official food safety guidance and use your judgment, especially for young children, older adults and pregnant people.
Frequently asked questions
How long is leftover pizza good for?
Leftover pizza is good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge if it was refrigerated within 2 hours.
Can you eat leftovers after 5 days?
Most cooked leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days. After that, the risk of foodborne illness goes up.
Is it safe to leave takeout out overnight?
No. Perishable food should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How many times can you reheat leftovers?
It is best to reheat leftovers only once and only the amount you will eat.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
