Truffle might once have been the domain of high-end degustation menus and Wintery fine dining. However, these days, Australia's culinary creatives are getting playful, dropping decadent hits of truffle into some of the most unexpected corners of their menus. Think burgers, scrambled eggs and pizza - not exactly the white tablecloth experience, but all the more exciting for it.
From Hervey Bay to Port Douglas, Cammeray to the Sunshine Coast, these restaurants are reinventing the way we experience truffle - sometimes subtle, sometimes show-stopping, but always memorable.
Here are five venues giving the elusive fungus a new lease on life:
Paolo’s Pizza Bar – Hervey Bay, Qld
Experience a slice of Naples with an avant-garde twist at Paolo’s Pizza Bar, perched along The Esplanade in Torquay. A hub for locals and food-savvy tourists alike, the venue balances moody interiors - charcoal-toned walls, whitewashed brick and whimsical cartoon art - with the soul-warming pull of an imported Italian wood-fired oven. Outside, beach views and sea breezes make alfresco dining a no-brainer. Inside, the energy simmers with Mediterranean allure, dishing out rustic comfort with polished charm.
While the wood-fired pizzas hit the spot every time, it’s the wild mushroom pappardelle that quietly steals the show. Loaded with earthy mushrooms, wrapped in a velvety mascarpone sauce and laced with garlic, parsley and just the right hit of truffle oil, it transforms from simple pasta into something far more seductive. The truffle is subtle but purposeful, elevating the dish without overshadowing its delicate complexity.
Secure your table soon - this pasta doesn’t linger.
Wharf Street Café – Nambucca Heads, NSW
Overlooking the serene Nambucca River, Wharf Street Café is all about effortless coastal charm. Morning sun filters over the terrace as locals sip Campos coffee and ease into the day with fresh, creative fare that borrows from global inspiration but stays rooted in quality. It’s the kind of place where breakfast becomes brunch and brunch becomes a lingering afternoon by the water, cider in hand.
The standout? The truffle scrambled eggs - a quiet revelation in the breakfast realm. Swirled through with truffle oil and offset by pickled onions atop rustic sourdough, this isn’t your average café scramble. It’s rich, fragrant and impossibly moreish, an everyday staple elevated to something quite special. For those who believe the best meals come early, this is your wake-up call.
Grab a seat riverside and make your next brunch count.
N17 Burger Co – Port Douglas, Qld
After a reef dive or rainforest hike, N17 Burger Co on Macrossan Street is where you refuel - with serious flair. It's part luxe sports bar, part all-day burger haven, complete with taps flowing and screens glowing. Don’t let the casual vibe fool you - there’s culinary thoughtfulness hiding behind those burgers and wings.
Case in point: the truffle burger. This isn’t just a gimmick - it’s a masterclass in indulgence. Featuring a juicy Black Angus patty, melted Swiss cheese and a lush layer of black truffle mayo, it’s finished with crispy Panko-crumbed shiitake mushrooms for a little crunch and a lot of umami. All of it tucked into a glossy milk bun. The result is comforting yet elevated - a truffle moment that doesn’t require a dress code.
Book ahead and arrive hungry - this burger plays hard.
At Jizakana in Cammeray, elegance and innovation meet over sushi-grade sashimi and artful omakase experiences. With its minimalist aesthetic - blond timber, exposed brick and soft lighting - it sets the tone for a serene but deeply sensory dining experience. Whether you’re seated at the Chef’s counter or a private table, expect detail, finesse and a few surprises.
Among the menu’s Japanese delicacies, truffle finds a unique expression. There’s the truffle edamame, kissed with orange zest for brightness, but it’s the baked truffle cabbage that lingers in the memory. A humble vegetable, transformed by the earthy depth of truffle oil, ponzu zing and crisp sweet potato shards - it’s delicate yet daring and quietly addictive. Truffle in a Japanese setting? Unexpected, yes. Welcome, absolutely.
Omakase or à la carte - reserve your spot to explore both.
Sopra Cucina & Bar – Bli Bli, Qld
With its riverfront outlook and warm, polished interiors, Sopra Cucina & Bar brings the romance of regional Italy to Bli Bli. From plush tan leather to the sparkle of glassware, the ambience hints at celebration - even if you're just here for pizza and wine. Sopra leans into tradition but isn't afraid to take creative detours when the ingredients call for it.
Take the Bosco pizza. A white-base pie layered with fior di latte, truffle paste, mushrooms and fresh rocket, it’s both elegant and indulgent. The truffle paste adds a luxurious savoury punch without overpowering the delicately sweet cheese or the umami-rich mushrooms. It’s a clever balancing act that gives the classic funghi pizza an elevated, deeply aromatic edge.
For your next pizza night, book in and bring a good bottle to match.
These venues prove that truffles don’t have to be reserved for the high-end or the highly formal. Whether they're reinventing breakfast or sliding onto a burger, truffles are having a moment - and it's never tasted so good.
