More than 30 years ago in Tasmania, the first truffle farm was set up in Australia – it would take six years to see the first tuber and despite an asking price of $2500 a kilogram, it was hardly a get-rich-quick scheme.
The truffle is the fruiting body of a fungus that forms on the roots of trees in natural woodland – there are many varieties, including Australian native truffles – while most are edible, not all are particularly flavoursome.
As we enter Truffle Season 2024, here are five Chef-hatted restaurants to visit for the ultimate truffle experience:
Indulge the Senses in Style
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the God of food, wine and indulgence himself lounging at Bacchus Restaurant, his South Brisbane namesake. Located on the podium level of the Rydges South Bank, this lavish yet inviting venue presents a sensory feast of sparkling chandeliers, rich furnishings, eclectic music and innovative European fare.
Equip yourself with a cocktail, direct your gaze to the languid pool, or open kitchen and indulge in the truffle degustation with sourdough and cultured butter to start, before risotto with acid butter, Parmesan and dry yeast and eye fillet, burnt leek and hazelnut. Finish indulgently with truffle ice cream, chocolate and macadamia, enjoyed with a truffle thyme elixir of truffle-infused vodka, pavan, pear, lemon and herbal thyme honey syrup.
Truffle by Name Truffle by Nature
Those looking for a fine Modern Australian dining experience presented in an intimate setting head to Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar on Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach. This elegant restaurant has undergone a complete transformation now featuring a deep navy colour palette, brushed brass fittings, dramatic velvet curtains, dark timber floors and stunning artwork, setting the scene for lingering over a memorable meal with someone special.
Choose from à la carte or four-course menu options and start your feast with dishes such as beef tartare, potato pave, pickled shimeji mushrooms, red wine sauce and truffle mayonnaise, then delve into lightly roasted lobster tail, truffle buttered angel hair pasta and lobster foam, or potato gnocchi, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, truffle cream sauce and Grana Parmesan.
Try Chef’s Truffle Menu
Experience the taste of fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere at Otis Dining Hall, an establishment popular among a crowd of suave Kingston locals. Set on Jardine Street, Otis offers an ambient escape from the day-to-day with a moody setting fitted out in earthy brown hues, restored timber floorboards and an elegantly decorated ceiling of ceramic roses, illuminated by twinkling chandeliers.
While toe-tapping to a backing track of The Beatles, peruse for a drop to drink from an extensive cocktail, beer and premium wine selection celebrating Australasian producers, paired with Chef’s truffle menu with dishes like seared scallops, truffle mayo, hazelnut and pumpkin. Move on to mains such as duck with truffled honey, pickled shiitake and foie gras supreme, or Otis pepper steak with truffle butter, brandy jus and mustard leaves.
Culinary Truffle Adventure
Embark on a culinary adventure where each day and sometimes each table is different at eRemo Restaurant on Ekerts Road in Pokolbin. This modern and contemporary Italian eatery, the centrepiece of Spicers Hunter Valley Guesthouse, exudes an elegant and stylish vibe of blond wood, sand-coloured brick and softly glowing downlights, while on balmy days, the verandah beckons as a sunny spot to sample a drop of local wine.
From a menu boasting share-style dishes, start with Wagyu bresaola carpaccio, capers, truffle mayonnaise and fennel croutons, then delve into memorable mains of grass-fed rib eye fillet with celeriac remoulade, truffle pecorino and green peppercorn jus, or whole spatchcock, spicy nduja, risoni, balsamic and charred corn.
Seasonally-driven Menu
Drawing on Mediterranean flair and inspiration, drop by Willo Parramatta restaurant and bar on Smith Street to experience a fresh, unique and seasonally driven menu using Australian ingredients. Find drinks, dinner and design at this trendy Sydney destination, whether perching on a stool at the bar and enjoying a cheeky cocktail; or dining at round wooden tables indoors, as a full glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light.
Order entrées that are as stunning on the eyes as the palate such as zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and served with truffle honey, with a side of house-baked black garlic sourdough and truffle butter; for the main, devour dry-aged black pork chops, celeriac purée, Tuscan kale and macadamia, or slow-roasted lamb shoulder, harissa and pomegranate.
