Love a chicken parma? Here’s your guide to the nation’s best

What’s not to like about the humble chicken parma? Crispy-fried crumbed chicken covered in a rich tomato sauce, layered with ham and oozy melted cheese is a hot favourite for very good reason. It’s one of those can’t-take-off-the-menu items, whether that’s the textbook pub serving, where the chicken is so big it hangs off the plate, a more elevated twist featuring prosciutto and fancy cheese, or a more authentic Italian eggplant version. If you’re unable to go past a parma, we’ve trawled through our venue reviews to find the best ones around the country. 

We don’t want to start any heated debates about what constitutes the best chicken parma (AKA parmi), but, for us, we like options. While this iconic dish is known for its chicken-sauce-ham-cheese combo, there are plenty of riffs to try. Take, for example, the Precinct Tavern in Darwin, where you can choose between nine toppings, including garlic prawns or a mix of bacon, avocado, battered pineapple ring and garlic sauce, or even Mexican-inspired pulled pork, guacamole, sour cream and corn chips. 

But we love the schnitty in all its forms, so we’ve included some classics in this selection. You might not get a parma at Melbourne’s City Wine Shop, but you’ll enjoy one of the city’s best chicken schnitzels, served with an Italian slaw. You may also like your schnitty topped with a Sri Lankan curry sauce, which you’ll find at The Henson in Sydney, or for a different take altogether, try a kangaroo schnitzel at Picabar in Perth. And if you simply appreciate a quality high-low pairing, head for the Victory Hotel in South Australia to match a parma with one of the world’s best wines – the list is amazing. 

Whatever you fancy, you’ll find some of Australia’s best chicken parmas and schnitzels at the venues below.