Where to get the best parmas in Melbourne

We’ve found some of the best options in town for this pub-grub classic. Whether you want a traditional parma or variations on the theme, step this way.

Young & Jacksons

More than just an old pub, Young & Jackson blends classic dining room vibes with boutique bar details. It's been serving punters since 1863, and the parma is as reliable as ever. Cut into juicy chicken breast, melted mozzarella, leg ham and fresh tomato sugo. With a ploughman's platter and fried chicken on the side, you won't be going home hungry.

Prince Alfred

Smoked ham, napoli sauce, mozzarella and chips. It's simple, and it's the best. The Prince Alfred parma is a classic dish, right down to the mottled, caramelised cheese layer on top. Usually it clocks in at $24, but on Thursdays you can feast for just $18. Which leaves plenty of cash for happy hour bevs and triple choc brownies.

Green Man’s Arms

For a vegan take on an eggplant parma, step inside Carlton spot Green Man’s Arms. The meat-free, dairy-free version of the pub standard comes with cabbage slaw and potato aioli. The Green Man’s vego fare is Israeli-inspired, with Middle Eastern flavours on show. Paired with great local ales on tap, it’s pub grub with a green difference. 

Hardimans Hotel

Kensington’s Hardimans Hotel adds a posh flair to this pub grub classic. The classic chicken parma is served with smoked ham, mixed leaf salad, fat chips and honey mustard vinaigrette. Skip the meat and order a surprisingly satisfying eggplant parma, complete with vegan cheese! Either way, it goes down very well with a pint of local cider.

Mitre Tavern

Where better to down a tried-and-true pub fave than Melbourne’s oldest building, the 1837 Mitre Tavern. Head to the bistro to order the Mitre chicken parmigiana. Think seasoned breadcrumb crust, melted cheese and chunky chips. Or venture out and enjoy the smoky barbecue parma, or a spicy jalapeno peri peri dish.

The Leveson

North Melbourne is blessed with great pubs, including The Leveson. It’s in a Victorian-era building with a very modern interior. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of old-school pleasure on the menu. Thursday’s your best bet, with a $25 parma and craft pint special for lunch and dinner. Or you can swap the ale for a glass of wine or a soft drink.

Imperial Hotel

One of the CBD’s old corner pubs still going strong, the Imperial Hotel has been serving up chicken parmas for generations. Now though, it’s not one-parma-for-all. Choose the regular parma with shaved ham, or try the eggplant with Napoli sauce and mozzarella. Not super hungry but need something before the footy? The 'half a parma' is your perfect portion.

Parma and pint night at Fortress

For a less-than-traditional experience, head on down to the medieval-inspired tavern at Fortress Melbourne. On Tuesdays you can get a parma and a pint for just $20. Hang around to play one of 70 types of boardgames or test your skills over at arcade alley.