By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
We’ve dined and drunk our way through Harbour City to bring you our pick of the best truffle dishes in Sydney this season:
Truffle Degustation Menu at Aria:
Start strong and enjoy a truly extravagant experience by indulging in Aria’s annual Winter truffle degustation menu. A terrific option for those who can’t quite narrow down their favourite truffle tastes, this seven-course culinary journey celebrates the fantastic fungi in all its glory. Expect dishes like West Australian black marron, potato, truffle and Hollandaise; Wagyu, Jerusalem artichoke, truffle and malt and hazelnut gianduja, truffle and vanilla.
Limited Edition Triple Cheese Truffled Toastie at Blackwood:
For a comforting yet luxurious twist on a classic toastie this Winter, Blackwood’s Bondi and Cronulla stores are offering a limited edition cheese truffled toastie that combines carbs, gooey cheese and generous shavings of truffle. Pair it with the creamy truffle hot chocolate for a unique take on snacks by the beach. The best bit? The grand total for both is a budget-friendly $26, which feels practically free for foodies keen to tuck into a truffle treat for less.
Handmade Ravioli Uovo at 6 Head:
It may be famed for its steaks, but this season, a vegetarian dish is the star at 6Head, more specifically, the handmade ravioli uovo - adorned with truffle ricotta, fresh egg yolk, pecorino cheese and delicate truffle shavings. A beautiful blend of both tastes and textures, it showcases the seasonal truffle at its finest and is so hearty you (almost) won’t miss ordering one of the restaurant’s signature meaty mains.
Polenta Truffle at Menzies Bar:
Menzies Bar delivers a bistro-style experience that blends classic European flavours with a contemporary twist which at the moment includes a polenta truffle dish. Featuring creamy Parmesan polenta enriched with pine mushrooms and truffle butter, it’s a hearty yet refined option that embodies the Winter warmth of the Italian Alps in every bite.
Truffle Croquettes at Cardea:
While cool speakeasy Cardea may be known for its on-stage performances, the off-stage offerings are equally A-listers on the menu including the indulgent truffle croquettes. Featuring mushroom-truffle pecorino and chimichurri mayo, these crispy snacks are perfect for those looking to savour the earthy richness of truffles in a bite-sized format.
Truffle Mochi Gelato at IIKO Mazesoba:
IIKO Mazesoba’s annual truffle menu features a range of innovative dishes, that are certain to convince even the most hardened cynic that truffles can definitely work in dessert! An excellent example is the truffle mochi gelato - a little bit creamy, a little bit umami and a whole lot of delicious, this treat offers a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours that will intrigue your taste buds. (Honourable mention: The restaurant's truffle milk pudding.)
Truffle Donut at Sydney Common:
If anywhere in town is going to make bar snacks feel a bit boutique, it would be The Bar at Sydney Common - nestled within the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. Among this season’s elevated bistro snacks is a savoury doughnut, that combines the richness of truffle with the creamy notes of a classic French fromage to offer a delightful treat in a sophisticated setting.
Mash Potato With Truffle Pecorino at Bottega Coco:
Is this mashed potato like the type you used to whip up with a packet of powdered Deb? Probably not, but it’s safe to say that Bottega Coco’s take on this classic comfort food is whole lot better! Made with silky potatoes infused with truffle pecorino it is designed as a satisfying side, although we definitely would not judge should you decide to opt for several servings of this delicious dish as a main!
Truffle Fried Rice at One Dining:
Add a little luxe to a lazy lunch break by ordering One Dining’s truffle fried rice. Not your regular Chinese takeaway, this dish combines the aromatic flavours of truffle with perfectly cooked rice, making it a must-try for fans of the premium fungi!
Black Truffle Duck Spring Rolls at Luna Lu:
Similarly, Luna Lu presents an elevated fusion of Asian flavours with its black truffle duck spring rolls. Featuring premium Italian black truffle and porcini mushrooms, served with a ginger vinaigrette, these delicious snacks offer a decadent twist on a classic dish.
Scallop, Prawn & Black Truffle San Choy Bow at MuMian:
Modern Cantonese restaurant MuMian’s Winter menu is also packed with truffle treats like the san choy bow filled with scallops, prawns and black truffles. This dish offers a refreshing take on traditional flavours, enhanced by the earthy aroma of black truffle.
Tiramisu with Fresh Australian Black Truffle at a’Mare:
Finally, those keen to end their truffle journey on a sweet note must try the tiramisu at a'Mare.
As part of the exclusive truffle dinner series, the Barangaroo restaurant’s seasonal truffle menu will pay homage to Italian classics such as gnocco fritto with taleggio cheese, topped with truffle; Wagyu beef tartare with Piedmont hazelnut, crispy mushrooms and shaved Australian black truffle; risotto with a Parmigiano Reggiano broth and shaved Australian black truffle; and a black truffle tiramisu served tableside. Combining the richness of a classic Italian dessert with the aromatic allure of truffles, you’re asking for truffle, err, trouble, if you don’t taste it!
Truffle Negroni at Gin Lane:
Prefer to drink your truffles? Gin Lane is currently crafting a sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni: the Truffle Negroni.
Infused with truffle-washed gin and truffle-salted Campari, this concoction is a tribute to luxury. Balanced with Rosso vermouth and garnished with an orange slice rimmed with truffle salt, it's a drink that promises to elevate your evening out with every sip.
