The Schnitzel Haus has been open in Erindale for (I think) about a year now. A second Haus recently opened on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, next door to Hopscotch. Painted bright yellow, it’s pretty hard to miss. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and heaters at the Braddon location. The yellow theme continues inside but is downplayed by lots of white furniture and the simple bistro-style setting. Schnitzels are advertised as oven-baked and not deep fried which should attract the more health-conscious diners. The menu includes 12 schnitzels such as the Italian Schnitzel, French Schnitzel and Thai Curry Schnitzel, all served with chips and a side salad. You also get a choice of chicken, pork or veal schnitzel. Then there are the schnitzel dogs ($16.95 each) which are pork or veal sausages crumbed to look like a schnitzel. The schnitzel burgers ($14.95) come in chicken, veal, pork or tofu options. There are a few entrees, sides, desserts and a kids menu. For those with gluten allergies, gluten free bread crumbs are an extra $2.
The three of us started off with garlic bread ($6.95) which came in four pieces. The slices of garlic bread were crunchy, thick and garlicky, sprinkled with fresh parsley on top.
I decided to be slightly healthy and ordered the Gym Schnitzel with pork schnitty, avocado, sweet potato mash and slivered almonds ($24.95). Each schnitzel arrives with a wooden pick stamped with the animal you chose. The schnitzel was thin, well crumbed with a very light amount of seasoning. It was also really crispy which surprised all of us considering it wasn’t fried. Although thin, the schnitzel was pretty large in size (I didn’t finish it). Both the sweet potato mash and avocado were smooth and creamy. An odd combination with the schnitty but it gave a natural sweetness to the dish. The chips were very average – not as much crunch on the outside or fluffiness on the inside and a tad dry. I did appreciate the fresh simple side salad.
A friend had the Aussie schnitzel with beef schnitty, eggs, cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce ($24.95). This could be good hangover food?
Another friend had the Spanish Schnitzel with chicken schnitty, chorizo and capsicum salsa ($24.95). This looked great!
I couldn’t leave without the three of us sharing the dessert schnitzel. This was the banana schnitzels with chocolate sauce, vanilla mascarpone and honeycomb ($12.95). Not what I was expecting when it came out. The banana had been quartered before being coated in coconut flakes. I forgot to ask whether these had been oven-baked as well, if so I’m impressed! The banana was still warm and the coconut provided a lovely additional crunch factor. The chocolate sauce was nice as was the mascarpone, though I think I would have preferred a scoop of ice cream. This was a good and inexpensive dessert to finish off with and I was thankful for the small pieces as we were all so full.
The three of us each ordered a different type of schnitzel and were satisfied with our meals, however prices are a little high for what we received. The schnitzel dogs and burgers are cheaper. I like the fact that vegetarians and those with gluten allergies are catered for easily. Advertising the schnitzel as oven-baked will attract a few people looking for healthier alternatives. Service was friendly and attentive as we were regularly checked on. It wasn’t too busy in the restaurant that day so our meals only took about 15-20 minutes to arrive. Dessert arrived within 10 minutes of ordering.
If you’re feeling up to it, there’s a schnitzel lover challenge on the menu where you receive one of each schnitzel with salad, chips and sauce for $39.95.
The Schnitzel Haus in Braddon is open seven days a week from midday until late. The Schnitzel Haus in Erindale is open from 5pm Monday to Tuesday, and 12-10pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Foodgasm 7/10
Value for money 6/10
Service 9/10
FPJ score 22/30
If you want more random photos and updates about food, I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Facebook: /foodpornjournal
Twitter: @foodpornjournal
Instagram: /foodpornjournal