For anyone who covets the intoxicating, opulent taste of truffles, you will be pleased to know that the time has come, once again, to celebrate gastronomy’s black gold in all its glory. Whether showcased in a dedicated dining experience or shaved over a bowl of handmade pasta, the truffle takes centre stage across a number of exceptional dining venues in Auckland, offering a raft of irresistible creations that celebrate the best of the season.

Kingi

Truffle season has arrived — and Kingi is celebrating in style. On Thursday 31st July, settle in for a one-night-only, four-course dinner where black and white truffles take centre stage (yes, even in dessert). Jax Lee-May of Kings Truffles — Kingi’s supplier and truffle expert — will share stories, secrets, and her passion for these coveted delicacies. Grown organically in North Canterbury, her truffles are among the country’s finest. Secure your spot for $189 per person.

Ahi

At Ben Bayley’s beloved Commercial Bay restaurant (where seasonal, locally-sourced fare is given an innovative, culinary twist), fresh truffles can be added to any dish on the menu for an additional $10. Promising to enhance this restaurant’s already-impressively interesting and balanced flavours, Ahi’s optional truffle topping is the perfect way to elevate your next meal here.

Queens

At Queens Rooftop, truffle season arrives with a decadent twist. Their truffle pasta layers hand-rolled saffron fettuccine with a rich creamed pāua bolognese, finished with a generous shaving of black Périgord truffle. A lush, uniquely local take on the season’s most luxurious ingredient.

Soul Bar & Bistro

Truffle season has arrived at Soul, and the team is making it a moment — serving fresh truffle tableside for an irresistibly indulgent upgrade. Add it to the signature mac & cheese (a cult favourite for good reason), the rich duck risotto, or any dish of your choosing. In truth, the possibilities are endless — because everything tastes better with a little truffle on top.

Esther

One place that is leaning into truffle season in a big way is Esther. Outside of the eatery’s ‘Dinner Delicacies’ — comprising rotating truffle specials and the option to add extra truffle to anything you fancy, Esther’s infamous truffle lunch is back and better than ever, with Tewnion Truffière from Canterbury and George’s Truffles from Riwaka both featuring across the menu. A treat for all the senses, guests are invited to dig into a six-course menu laced with extra truffle oomph. Chef Sean Connolly and Executive Chef James Laird have created a menu that sets the divine delicacies centre stage for midday dining throughout the season, for just $69 per person (min two diners). Available Wednesday to Friday, between 12–3pm.

The Grill

The Grill is celebrating truffle season in full flavour. Choose the indulgent five-course truffle menu ($150pp), with an optional cheese course for $20, launching next week. Crayfish lovers can opt for the Surf & Turf special: half a fresh New Zealand crayfish with garlic butter, paired with a Maple & Marble grass-fed sirloin and a side, for $125 — with the option to add freshly shaved truffle for $20. And for the true truffle devotee — fresh truffle shavings can be added to any dish for $20.

Spiga

At Remuera’s Spiga, the truffle season offering keeps beautiful Italian food at the forefront, where diners can indulge in a special stuffed pappardelle with freshly sliced truffle on top, or simply add fresh truffle — shaved to order — to any dish that takes your fancy, taking the always-excellent experience of dining here up a notch.

Bossi

Bossi’s beloved Fettuccine alla Ruota — tossed in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel and finished with truffle oil — gets an extra flourish this season with freshly shaved truffle for $12 a gram. In fact, you can add fresh truffle to any dish on the menu. Whether you’re after a subtle hint or full, flavour-packed indulgence — they’ve got you covered.

Huami

Huami brings a luxurious twist to a signature favourite with its black truffle peking duck — crispy, succulent, and infused with earthy richness. For an extra hit of indulgence, fresh truffle shavings can be added to any dish for $20. A bold, flavour-packed way to experience truffle season with a Chinese fine-dining flair.

Elmo’s

One of the best places to go for a taste of delicate truffles is always Elmo’s. This Ponsonby Road hotspot pulls out all the stops in honour of truffle season, with delectable pizza taking centre stage. The ‘in truffle we trust’ pizza pairs béchamel, wild thyme, mushrooms, black truffle, chives, mozzarella, and egg yolk — and is not to be missed. We recommend booking a table at this Ponsonby Road hotspot immediately.

Bivacco

Where better to celebrate the indulgence of truffle season than at one of our favourite Auckland dining destinations? Viaduct Harbour’s Bivacco is embracing winter truffle season wholeheartedly, offering a number of tasty ways to celebrate the arrival of these delectable morsels in fitting fashion. An edit of exceptional dishes highlighting freshly shaved Périgord Truffles are joining the menu — from delicate beef carpaccio with truffle, salsa verde, pickled baby onion, chive, and ricotta salata, to the mushroom pizza with truffle, gorgonzola, walnut, and rocket.

Gilt

Gilt is unsurprisingly celebrating the season in style with a decadent Riwaka truffle spaghetti, pairing freshly shaved truffle with butter and parmesan. This delectable dish is available on the menu for lunch or dinner — providing a sophisticated salve for the gloomy weather.

Takapuna Surf Club

Takapuna Surf Club is serving up a coastal spin on comfort with their neapolitan cacio e pepe pizza. Topped with shaved black truffle, cracked pepper, and a golden egg, it’s a simple yet indulgent ode to truffle season — best enjoyed with sea views and a crisp glass of something delicious.

Bar Albert & Mozzarella & Co.

Truffle season has arrived at Voco, bringing earthy indulgence to Mozzarella & Co. and rooftop favourite Bar Albert. Celebrate winter with the trattoria’s signature truffle pizza or add freshly shaved truffle to any main for a decadent upgrade. At Bar Albert, sip the exclusive truffle cocktail — an elevated blend of vodka, Amaro and citrus — or top off bar snacks with a $12 hit of black gold.

Lebanese Grocer

While the details are yet to be announced, we have it on good authority that Lebanese Grocer has received their first truffle delivery of the season, and we can’t wait to see what they whip up. Known for turning out some of (if not the) best Lebanese food in town, we’ve got high hopes.