How accurate are restaurant calorie counts?
They are useful estimates, not lab measurements. Portions, cooks, substitutions, sauces, and oil use vary. Even packaged-food labels have some allowable error.
Use restaurant numbers as a planning tool. They are usually better than guessing from nothing, but not precise enough to micromanage daily outcomes.
If you eat out often, consistency matters. Pick repeatable meals, learn which orders fit your targets, and judge progress by weekly trends.