You Had Me at Chicken Parma – 5 Venues to Get Your Fix!

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The origins of the dish do go back to old Italy, where it was originally made with eggplant and not chicken, as poultry was too expensive for most households.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:

Established in 1859, the Barwon Club Hotel is Geelong’s premiere pub dining venue. Centrally located on Moorabool Street, the iconic venue offers a casual and vibrant space for functions as well as mid-week catch-ups with friends. Dance along to live music five nights a week or unwind with a cold drink in the sunny beer garden with a side of nibbles – perhaps the sharing plate topped with braised beef sliders, pork belly spring rolls and chicken tandoori skewers.

 

Stop in on Sunday and Monday for the parmy menu and chow down on the Mexican, topped with salsa, jalapeños, corn chips, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and cheese, or the American with ground beef, onion rings, American cheese, mustard, ketchup and pickles. All parmas are served with chips and a salad on the side; there is also a vegan version with plant-based schnitzel topped with Napoli sauce, roasted capsicum and vegan cheese.

Take a trip back in time to find a classic old pub with great country food at the Bull & Barley Inn on Eton Street in Cambooya. Nestled in a quaint country town, enjoy good old-fashioned hospitality at this watering hole which has been restored to its former grandeur including comfortable accommodation. Sit back on the open verandah and enjoy spectacular views across the Darling Downs, or head indoors and experience an authentic 1900s old-world atmosphere with displays of interesting historic photos.

 

Grab a cold one and devour starters like salt and pepper squid served with lemon pepper and aioli, or honey ginger prawns on a bed of rice; then order a classic chicken parmigiana topped with Napoli sauce, tasty cheese, ham, chips and salad, or everyone’s favourite bangers and mash – thick pork sausages, crispy bacon and onion gravy on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

For craft beer and quirky pub fare, Surry Hills locals drop into Dove & Olive on Devonshire Street. Step through the door and be enveloped in a warm, rustic vibe with hanging leadlight lights, pale wood tables and leather couch seating, opening onto a green courtyard, where guests can perch on a stool, ale in hand and catch up with friends.

 

Plating up Mod Oz fare with a hint of American comfort, choose from starters like spicy baked chicken wings with blue cheese sauce, moving onto classic mains such as chicken parmy with double smoked ham, basil, Napoli sauced, three cheese mix, slaw and fries; perhaps smoked chilli maple pork ribs hit the mark served with coleslaw and chips, washed down with icy pot of beer.

Sitting on the banks of the Goulburn River for more than half a century, Jamieson Brewery & Grill on Eldon-Jamieson Road in Jamieson is one of the first microbreweries in Victoria. With a reputation for high-quality ales and hospitable country charm, this child-friendly venue has play equipment in the gardens and a dedicated kids’ zone in the restaurant making it the perfect destination for a memorable family meal.

 

Order a cold beer to go with starters of spring rolls, salad and kecap manis, before pub favourites such as freshly crumbed chicken parma, lightly grilled and topped with basil Napoli sauce, ham and cheese, served with chips and salad; or finger-lickin’ good JD BBQ and chilli slow-cooked spare ribs, served with maple slaw and chips. Burgerholics wrap their hands around the three cheeseburger with American, brie and Mersey Valley, pickle burger sauce and tomato chutney.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours and lively atmosphere of South Gippsland at Kernot Food and Wine Store on Loch-Kernot Road in Grantville. Live music on Sunday creates the perfect backdrop to enhance your dining experience as you chill out in classic country surrounds either alfresco on the corner deck, or indoors amongst corrugated iron counters, shelves groaning with local produce, wine and knick-knacks and blackboards proclaiming specials of the day.

 

For the perfect midweek treat, drop in on Wednesdays for Parma Night and enjoy a parma of your choice and a drink – think choices like the Mexican, the Mac and Cheese or the Outback with crispy onion rings and BBQ sauce; perhaps go classic and enjoy schnitzel topped with Napoli, ham and cheese, served with chips and salad. Make sure to leave room for desserts like sticky date pudding, caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.