There's something about the humble schnitzel that never fails to satisfy. Perhaps it's the crispy golden crumb on the outside or the juicy, tender meat on the inside—whatever the reason, one thing's for sure, this timeless comfort food that's a favourite amongst the European set is as popular now as it's ever been.
So loosen your belt and prepare to load up at these schnitzel hotspots around the city—these are the best schnitzels in Auckland, period.
The Bavarian
Newmarket
Fancy schnitzel the size of your face, possibly bigger? Then get along to The Bavarian, an impressive German-style eatery nestled in the rooftop dining precinct at Westfield Newmarket.
The schnitzels here are an absolute mind-blow, and not just because of their size (with most weighing in at a hefty 300 grams plus). We love their mouthwatering flavour combinations, including Parmigiana (chicken with double-smoked ham, tomato sauce and mozzarella), BBQ (pork with bacon, BBQ sauce and jalapeños), and Texan (chicken with chilli con carne, cheese and onion jus).
Their limited-edition schnitzels are also Auckland famous, with one memorable offering garnished with fairy bread and candy floss (the Sparkling Unicorn schnitzel, naturally).
For a true blue schnitty experience, make sure you pair your meal with one of this spot's hugely popular pretzels, as well as a stein or two—the Lemon Weissbier (beer with a splash of Limonata) will legit change your life. So pull up a bench, and let the face-stuffing commence.
Mitten Drin
Avondale
With a German-born chef at the helm, it's no wonder Mitten Drin is dishing up some of Auckland's best schnitzel.
After running a successful restaurant for many years in Berlin, Mike Berndt has brought his flair for authentic German fare to Avondale and that includes not one, but three types of schnitzel for you to sink your teeth into—organic chicken, pork, and weiner (beef), the latter of which comes with a cheeky beer-spiked sauce. Now that's what we call legit schnit (sorry not sorry).
De Post Belgian Beer Cafe
Mt Eden
Whether you want your schnitzel straight-up traditional or slapped between a couple of burger buns, De Post Belgian Beer Cafe has you covered.
As burger obsessives (and avid lovers of anything hybrid) we're rather partial to the latter option, which features crunchy chicken schnitzel pieces stacked with slaw, cheddar cheese and smokey BBQ sauce.
However, if you wanna keep things simple, opt for their regular chicken schnitty with frites and salad (and for a little extra, mushroom or peppercorn sauce). To put it plainly—there are no wrong decisions here.
Carmel Israeli Street Food
Eden Terrace
Or perhaps you prefer your schnitzel stuffed inside a sandwich... Enter Carmel Israeli Street Food, the hugely popular food truck-turned-eatery in Eden Terrace.
Their juicy schnitzel challah takes golden, slightly sweet challah bread and stuffs it with some of the crispiest chicken schnitzel you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting eating, along with labneh cheese, greens, and a generous whack of relish (because sauce makes everything better, right?).
If this sounds like your idea of heaven (affirmative!), scooch on over to their France Street spot from 9 am-2:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday.
Berlinchen
Heritage Hotel, Auckland CBD
When it comes to Auckland's best schnitzel, Mike Berndt might just have the monopoly because he's also responsible for the Heritage Hotel's German-style restaurant, Berlinchen and its trifecta of tasty schnittys.
As at Mitten Drin, you can choose from chicken, pork or beef, each with the same picture-perfect crumb and a lush sauce for sloshing over the top. Pre-load with German beer or apple cider, then follow up with black forest or apple strudel for dessert.
Ima Cuisine
Auckland CBD
You know Ima Cuisine for their hugely popular hot cross buns, but did you know that they also make a mean schnit?
These guys specialise in hearty, Mediterranean fare that's packed full of flavour, and this is certainly the case with their crunchy chicken schnitzel, which comes alongside a tasty Middle Eastern salad and some good old-fashioned mashed spud. Yup, this is officially comfort food at its best.
Federal Delicatessen
Auckland CBD
If you ever needed another excuse to visit The Fed, here it is—premium schnitzel made from tender milk-fed veal, dressed to impress with lemon and sage.
The fact that it's been on the menu for practically forever is proof of just how good it is. Order alongside the eatery's trademark poutine and things reach a whole new level of deliciousness.
The Engine Room
Northcote
It's only fitting that an award-winning restaurant would serve some pretty good schnitty, right? So with that in mind, head along to The Engine Room in Northcote for a fine-dining version of the dish you won't soon forget (and which, like The Fed's, has been a part of the menu for as long as we can remember).
Yes, don't let the price tag put you off, their pork offering with caper butter, potato rosti and coleslaw is, in our opinion, worth every penny.
Little Jimmy
Epsom
Another spot with outstanding schnitzel is Little Jimmy in Epsom. These guys do a game-changing chicken number accompanied by mushrooms, coriander mayo, burnt butter and lemon (hells yeah).
Wash it all down with a housemade cocktail (the pineapple and chocolate-laced World Famous In NZ, perhaps?), and you've got yourself the stuff of sweet schnitzel dreams.
Der Metz
Kohimarama
Also home to legendary-sized schnitzels is Der Metz, an authentic German restaurant just off the main road in Kohimarama. This family-run business has made a name for itself by slinging some seriously mammoth schnit, which come in no less than eight mouth-watering varieties.
Keep it traditional with the Jägerschnitzel (bread-crumbed beef with a rich mushroom gravy), or take the plunge and try something a little more exotic, like the Paprika Schnitzel (bread-crumbed or grilled chicken schnitzel in a spicy paprika-spiked sauce).
Whichever option you choose, we have just one piece of advice: be sure to wear your loosest clothing.
Bird On A Wire
Commercial Bay, Ormiston, Ponsonby & Takapuna
Chicken schnitzel fans, this one's for you. Bird On A Wire are experts at creating delish chicken dishes, including a free-range, panko-crumbed offering that's served with lemon-spiked slaw and beer-battered chips for peak schnitzel-eating pleasure.
Help your feed take flight with a bottle of crisp cider.
Coops Corner Pub
Viaduct
Frozen margaritas and tequila ice cream aren't the only things Coops Corner Pub has going for it. They also do a mean chicken schnitzel, served with potato mash, slaw and gravy that will lay the groundwork for said margs (and ice cream) rather nicely.
Morningside Tavern
Morningside
Another place with solid schnitzel is Morningside Tavern. This trendy spot is dishing up a yummy pub grub-ish version made from chicken which pairs perfectly with the accompanying salad and tomato and basil chutney.
Take our advice and tag on a bowl of truffle-laced smashies and an ice-cold beer (this is a tavern, after all).
While you're loading up on comfort food, here are the best late-night desserts in Auckland.
Image credit: The Bavarian, Carmel Israeli Street Food, Federal Delicatessen, Der Metz by Iconic Auckland Eats.