Our guide to six of the best schnitzels in the Shire

You would have seen them in your Insta feed. Slabs of veal or chicken fried to crisp, golden perfection and flecked with herbs and lemon zest. The humble schnittie, the crunchy salty creation that has long been a classic in Europe, is now a pub grub staple on menus around Australia. And while not all schnitties are created equal -- some are indeed plumped up with mounds of molten cheese and tomato sugo to create a crowd-pleasing parmigiana -- here is my guide to some of the best schnitzels in the Shire.

The Taren Point Hotel, Taren Point

Taren Point Hotel, or Tazza Point Hotel, as it is affectionately known, is venerated by hungry tradies around the Shire who cash in their Two-For-One Meal Deals at least once a week. Yes there’s an ever-changing blackboard menu: but the presence of the high-vis brigade queuing up to order the crusty, golden bread-crumbed, fried slabs of chicken will reassure you. Join them here, at this shrine to the schnittie, which arrives served with a heaped side of chips, a small jug of rich gravy, and salad. tarenpointhotel.com.au

Bangor Tavern, Bangor

The chicken schnitzel on offer at the Bangor Tavern is a sight to behold. And it will give you cause to feel unaccountably happy. It’s designed for maximum comfort, which kind of reflects the ethos of this family-owned pub, which serves these plate-sized crusty cushions alongside a bowl of gravy, pile of golden chips and tangle of just-picked leaves. Crumbing something doesn’t make it crummy. It makes it delicious. When you crave a schnitzel with heft and crunch, head here, where you will find Bangor locals tucking into some sensational schnitties and looking pretty smug about it too. bangortavern.com.au

The Bavarian, Miranda

The results of my vox pop are in and, in unsurprising news, The Bavarian Miranda gets top billing when it comes to serving some of the best schnitzels in the Shire. Schnitzel in Vienna is often made with pork, and the schwein-schnitzel is true to its heritage with the breaded fried rendition here almost completely covering the plate. There is also a chicken schnitzel served with mushroom ragout, the all-time favourite parmi stuffed with Prager ham, mozzarella and napolitana, and the Wannabe a Schnitzel that will appeal to flexitarians. Enjoy with a stein overlooking the city skyline. Check the Bavarian Fest for upcoming specials. Danke. thebavarians.com

The Prince Hotel, Kirrawee

What’s better than a breaded fried thing on your plate than a breaded fried thing between a milk bun? The fried schnitzel burger at The Prince Hotel in Kirrawee is a thing of beauty. It’s served with bacon, lettuce and tomato, which together make for a crisp, bright foil for the schnitzel and bread, and arrives slathered in garlic aioli. Purists can also opt for the veal schnitzel or veal parmy, served with chips, slaw and gravy. The Feros Group have really upped the ante with this contemporary pub, which is divided up into different sections to suit everyone from families to couples on a first date and office workers cutting loose on #tgif. theprincehotel.com.au

Highfields, Caringbah

This multi-faceted pub is also all things to all people. There’s Huxley’s and Ugly Pizza on the ground level and the rooftop bar, The Botanical an oasis with views over the glittering city skyline. The veal schnittie here is served with chips, and slaw and arrives bronzed and crisp with a crust that rises like a souffle. And while the schnitzels are definitely a draw, it’s the sophisticated plant-filled space that really sets this place apart, offering diners both comfort and a sense of adventure. While the fare is familiar, the restaurant feels more Brooklyn than backstreet in the burbs. highfieldcaringbah.com.au

Mia’s Cronulla

Octoberfest is right around the corner. And if you want to consume your body weight in schnitzel and beer, head to Mias Cronulla where you will learn that hähnchen means chicken and the serve of schnitzel, which is served with chips and garden salad, and more generous than one your oma would serve. The narrow beer hall also serves pork and veal schnitzel and has a weekly special of a chicken schnittie served with chips and beer for the price of a redback ($20). miasbar.com.au

Carla Grossetti is an award-winning local journalist who writes for Australiantraveller.com and Internationaltraveller.com. Follow her food and travel adventures at @food.travel.stories or at @austtraveller