By Aliza, founder and editor of Menu Info. Updated October 2026.
Restaurant portions are often big enough for two meals, and leftovers are one of the easiest ways to get more value from eating out. The key is storing them the right way. Following a few simple food safety rules keeps leftovers tasting good and lowers the risk of foodborne illness. The guidance below follows the general recommendations of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety service.
The short answer
Most cooked restaurant leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, as long as they were refrigerated within 2 hours of being served. If you will not eat them in that time, freeze them. Frozen leftovers stay safe indefinitely, but taste and texture are best within about 3 to 4 months.
How long common leftovers last
| Leftover | Refrigerator | Freezer (best quality) |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Cooked chicken, fried chicken or wings | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 4 months |
| Burgers and cooked beef | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Cooked rice and pasta dishes | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Cooked fish and seafood | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Soups and stews | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Salads with dressing | 1 day for best texture | Not recommended |
| French fries | 3 to 4 days | Not recommended (texture suffers) |
When in doubt, the safer choice is to throw it out. Food can carry harmful bacteria without looking or smelling bad.
The 2 hour rule
Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F, a range often called the "danger zone." That is why cooked food should not sit out for more than 2 hours. If it is hot outside, above 90°F, such as food left in a car on a summer day, the limit drops to just 1 hour. If you go to a movie or run errands after dinner, your leftovers may pass this window before they reach your fridge.
How to store restaurant leftovers
- Refrigerate quickly. Put leftovers in the fridge as soon as you get home.
- Use shallow, airtight containers. Shallow containers help food cool evenly. Moving food out of foam clamshells or pizza boxes also keeps it fresher.
- Divide large portions. A big tray of pasta or rice cools faster when split into smaller containers.
- Keep your fridge at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F.
- Label the date. A quick note with a marker helps you track the 3 to 4 day window.
A special note about rice
Cooked rice from takeout, such as fried rice from Panda Express or rice bowls from Chipotle, needs extra care. Rice can carry spores of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which survive cooking and can produce toxins if the rice is left warm for too long. Refrigerate rice promptly, eat it within 3 to 4 days, and reheat it until it is steaming hot throughout.
How to reheat leftovers safely
Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, checked with a food thermometer if you have one. Sauces, soups and gravies should come to a rolling boil. Stir food halfway through microwaving, because microwaves heat unevenly and can leave cold spots.
Best ways to reheat popular takeout
- Pizza: Reheat slices in a covered skillet over medium heat for a crisp crust, or in an oven or air fryer at about 375°F for a few minutes. The microwave makes the crust soft and chewy. Find typical pizza prices on our Domino's and Pizza Hut menu pages.
- Fried chicken and wings: An oven or air fryer brings back the crunch much better than a microwave. Heat until hot all the way through.
- French fries: Spread them in a single layer in an air fryer or a hot skillet. They will never be quite as good as fresh, but this gets close.
- Burgers: Separate the bun and cold toppings, warm the patty in a skillet or oven, then rebuild the burger.
- Pasta: Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating so it does not dry out.
Signs leftovers should be thrown out
- They have been in the fridge longer than 4 days.
- There is mold, a sour or unusual smell, or a slimy texture.
- They sat at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour in hot weather.
- You are not sure how long they have been stored.
Never taste food to check whether it is still good.
Frequently asked questions
Is pizza left out overnight safe to eat?
No. Pizza left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out, even though it is a common habit to eat it the next morning.
Can you reheat leftovers more than once?
It is best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Each cool down and reheat cycle lowers quality and gives bacteria more chances to grow.
Can you freeze restaurant leftovers?
Yes. Most cooked dishes freeze well in airtight containers. Salads, fries and creamy sauces do not freeze well.
Are leftovers safe after 5 days?
Food safety guidance recommends eating cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days. After that, the risk of foodborne illness increases.
Should leftovers cool down before going in the fridge?
No. You can put warm food straight into the fridge. Splitting it into smaller, shallow containers helps it cool faster.
This guide is general information based on public food safety guidance. Getting more meals out of every order is one of the easiest ways to save; see more tips in how to save money on fast food, and browse typical prices on our restaurant menu pages. Menu Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned.