It’s everyone’s fave pub classic – chicken parmigiana – a dish so widely loved it has its own nickname!
Whether you call it a ‘parma’ or a ‘parmy’, there is no doubt Aussies have fallen in love with chicken schnitzel, covered with tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The origins of the dish do go back to old Italy, where it was originally made with eggplant and not chicken, as poultry was too expensive for most households. Once Italian immigrants arrived in America, they discovered meat was cheaper and more widely available, resulting in many Italian dishes such as meatballs and parmigiana being made with chicken.
However you top it, there is a parmy out there for everyone…here are five restaurants to find the best parmy in town:
Parmy Night Every Wednesday
Family-owned and operated, Pizzami Gourmet Pizza Bar on the corner of Kingfisher Drive and Heron Street loves catering to locals and Peregian Beach visitors alike. Serving great local produce and good old-fashioned service with a smile, this Sunshine Coast dining destination dishes up cold beer, cocktails and ocean views in light, bright and breezy surrounds.
Drop in on Wednesday nights for the parmy special and choose from four different toppings for your chicken parmigiana – original, naked, parma-geddon and surfs up – available for just $17.90 with any drinks purchase.
Sweeping Views Across Marina
Perched atop Rambutan boutique hotel on Flinders Street with sweeping views across Ross Creek and the marina, Armati's Restaurant is one of Townsville's most iconic dining destinations. Chill out on the balcony and enjoy balmy breezes, or dine indoors where hanging greenery and wicker chairs set a relaxing vibe for enjoying all things North Queensland.
Be mesmerised by the sight of Chefs in full flight slinging pizzas into the wood-fired oven, the centrepiece of the dining room; or choose from à la carte options like classic chicken parmy topped with shaved ham and melted mozzarella, served with chips and salad.
Relaxed, Informal Dining
Cold beer, fine wine and quality food are what Melbourne foodies find at dining destination the Wayside Inn on City Road. Nestled between Southbank and South Melbourne, the Wayside offers a relaxed, informal bar to enjoy a counter lunch and icy ale; dine in the spacious restaurant area, or take to a leafy courtyard, ideal for lapping up the afternoon sun.
Graze on starters of crispy chicken wings with sriracha and soy or fried calamari rings, then devour a double-crumbed chicken schnitzel, topped with sliced ham, mozzarella and housemade marinara sauce, served with chips, salad and garlic aioli.
Extensive Range of Parmigianas
Standing at the meeting point of Fitzroy and Collingwood since 1853, the Birmingham Hotel on Smith Street delivers no nonsense, just good, drinks and even better service. Whether it’s just a catch-up with mates, a cheap meal, functions, a game of footy or the biggest pay-per-view event of the year, ‘The Birmy’ as it is fondly known has got it covered.
With 16 beer taps, a carefully selected wine list and cheeky cocktails to go with award-winning pub food, settle in with an ice-cold ale and delve into an extensive range of parmigianas from Mexican to Hawaiian and Aussie.
Parmy Specials Every Wednesday
In the heart of Wilston Village, find hidden gem Wilston Village Bar on MacGregor Street where you can share great food, drinks and good times. Offering a classic menu done well from steaks and burgers to fresh, healthy salads, this Brisbane dining destination is the place to head for live music, craft beer and wine; various open-sided spaces in the pavilion-style interior create spots to pull up a seat and enjoy a bite and brew.
Make sure to stop in on Wednesday night for snitty and parma specials available with a drink purchase and devour housemade chicken schnitzel topped with ham, Napoli and béchamel sauce, mozzarella, chips, salad and aioli.
