Winner winner, chicken dinner.
Winner winner, chicken dinner.
There are a few things that are quintessentially Australian, and you must admire the fact they exist. You know the stuff we’re talking about here, like Vegemite and musk flavoured lollies and the holiest of meals — the Schnitty. AKA the Schnitzel.
Now to be truthful, the Schnitzel has roots that can be easily traced back to Germany. But let’s not be caught up in details here; the simple fact of the matter is this humble dish of crispy golden wonder is a pillar of modern Aussie society. Your go-to when you come out of the surf, the mid-week treat when you’re out with friends, and the fuel needed to keep your Sunday session going. Where would our food menus be without the Schnitzel? (Shudder) It doesn’t bear thinking about!
So when you crave this crunchy delight, we’d like to extend a hand in helping you find where you might partake in some mighty schnitzels. Here’s our rundown of some fine places where you can get your Schnitty on the Gold Coast.
The Bavarian (Broadbeach + Coomera + Robina)
When it comes to supersizing the whole German experience, The Bavarian venues in Broadbeach, Coomera, and Robina are second to none. Grab yourself huge traditional-style glasses of beer, and be sure to bring your best hunger game because the food here is plentiful! Apart from obscenely good food specials, our pick would have to be their Schnitzel Celebration Platter which includes the original, the Garlic and Parmesan (GP) and the Jagerschnitzel — perfect for cutting up and sharing, if you want to that is!
Where: Oracle Broadbeach, Westfield Coomera or The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Schnitz (Pacific Fair & Robina)
If there’s one thing these guys know how to do well, it is serving up colossal-sized plates of crisp Schnitzel to their loyal customers. The diverse menu offering four proteins (chicken, pork, beef or vegan) and four crumbs (traditional, corn crunch, spicy or cheese & herb) gives you a multitude of ways to enjoy your Schnitzel. You can even ‘health-things-up’ a bit with the options of wraps and salads. With delivery to your door around the Gold Coast, Schnitz is a dead set winner when it comes to bread crumb coated goodness.
Where: The Patio, Pacific Fair, Broadbeach and Robina Town Centre, Robina
Fisherman’s Wharf
With eye-catching vistas right around the Broadwater, you might find it hard to focus on the delicious-looking menu you have before you. With regular live music and a friendly atmosphere added into the mix, you don’t have a better place to enjoy yourself a tasty Chicken Schnitzel with chips and salad (for under $25) as the sun sets on another glorious day on the Gold Coast.
Where: 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Harbour Vue Tavern (Coomera Waters)
Another stellar venue to enjoy waterfront views whilst tucking into their famous 250gm Chicken Schnitzel with gravy. These guys are the complete package with a plethora of weekly specials, live music, karaoke evenings, and a wholly dedicated weekly Parmi night. Come and enjoy yourself as much as you want, as they’ll then take you home with their courtesy bus when the evening is over. — Epic!
Where: L1/941 Harbour Village Parade, Coomera
The Avenue
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or celebrate the end of the week with a few drinks and some food, The Avenue has got you well and truly covered. Drop in early to experience some first-rate food and to start your night off right before you no doubt decide to stick around for their nightly live music, comedy, or drag queen-themed evenings of fun. Special shout out to their Sea-nitzel which is topped with king prawns, avocado, garlic cream sauce with beer battered fries & garden salad. Schnitty game leveled up.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Bavarian Haus (Surfers Paradise)
When it comes to true nostalgia from Europe, the Bavarian Haus in Surfers Paradise is well up on the list of places you need to visit. The traditional German-style décor and long-style tables are the perfect spot to bring your gang and get into some hearty food. Speaking of Schnitzels, you spolit for choice with pork or chicken, both made in-haus served with fries and cabbage slaw. But for the hungry folk, The Wood Chippers Classic Schintzel is topped with mashed potato, knackwurst sausage and gravy, also served with fries and cabbage slaw. And let’s not forget their sizeable collection of flavoursome imported German beers too wash it all down.
Where: 41 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
We’re huge fans of spending a leisurely afternoon partaking in some carefree barefoot bowls, and where else is a better place to do so than in vibrant Burleigh Heads. Combine your visit with their weekly trivia night or weekend live music. We can’t think of a better way to end the day of laying on the beach by escaping the sand to snag yourself one of the Coast’s best Schnitzels with chips and salad for under $20! Be rude not to, right?
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Southport Yacht Club
An award-winning dining venue in its own right, the Southport Yacht Club welcomes visitors with open arms and makes sure they leave with big smiles. Yes, you can expect fantastic waterfront views and first-rate service, but the menu is where the venue shines! Try a relaxed atmosphere to fix your schnitzel cravings as you choose between steamed baby potatoes or beer-battered fries, not forgetting the options of peppercorn, mushroom, or red wine jus to accompany the golden goodness.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
The German Club Gold Coast
If cosy home-style cooking in a uber-friendly atmosphere is right up your alley, then look no further than the Gold Coast German Club. You’ll experience a proper submersion into German culture as everyone is made welcome — member or not. Your Schnitzel choices include chicken, pork loin or the Jaeger served with creamy mushroom sauce, beer battered chips and salad. And as a side note, try and make some space for dessert because the Germans certainly have it covered when it comes to sweet things.
Where: 3 Jondique Avenue, Merrimac
Bine Bar & Dining
We are just going to say this is one of the best places to grab yourself a hard-earned beer and bask in the dipping afternoon sun. When the evening rolls around, keep sipping beers long into the night because why not? And to ensure you have the energy to keep going, be sure to order The Naked Schnitty (chicken or mushroom) with your choice of sauce for $20. Drop in on a Thursday for their Parmi and Beer evening because we all know that adding Napoli sauce and melted cheese to a Schnitty takes it to the next level.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.