It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Step aside Christmas, it’s truffle season! Between June and August every year, Canberra’s doorstep turns into a foodie haven of rare and aromatic black truffles, and we want everyone to get their taste. These mysterious buried treasures are jam-packed with flavour and are taking over the capital one restaurant at a time.

THE ITALIAN PLACE

Kick-off truffle season with a night of luxurious local food and wine at The Italian Place. On Sunday 30 June, enjoy a four-course truffle dinner with Blue Frog Truffles and matching wines from Grove Estate that hope to transport you to Tuscany.

BELTANA FARM

If you’re after that immersive farm-to-table experience, Beltana Farm will tick all the boxes for you. From Friday 20 – Saturday 21 June, they will be celebrating the start of truffle season with an After Dark Truffle Hunt with canapés on the terrace, a moonlit BBQ among fire pits, shared feasts indoors, and insights from Farmer Alice O’Mara.

Over July and August, embrace winter amidst their trufferie of over 800 trees and participate in a late-morning truffle hunt leading you into a long lunch or a hunt & hamper experience. You can even explore how truffles are used with new dishes added to the menu or even request fresh truffle shaved onto your favourite dishes over a glorious lunch in the restaurant.

CONTENTIOUS CHARACTER

Contentious Character is holding not just another truffle dinner, but their favourite night of the year, the Annual Winemaker Truffle Gala. On Saturday 19 July, experience a five-course truffle degustation carefully crafted by the head chef, Andy Park. The menu gives you a chance to enjoy the earthy richness of truffles with the option to pair it with their finest matching wines.

RAKU

If you’re in the city, stop by Raku to enjoy an unforgettable fine-dining experience along with one of their truffle dishes. Theses are a must-try, including New Zealand scampi with foie gras, truffle oil, soy jelly, and Tajima wagyu gyoza with truffle oil, white ponzu, pickled mustard seed, and sesame.

DAIRY ROAD WINTER MARKET

Celebrate seasonal produce of truffles, wine, and artisan goods at the Dairy Road Winter Market on 26 July. With over 50 sellers of winter goods from regional farms, explore the best of the cold climate produce, specifically get your hands on some truffles, and pick up all the other goodies you can pair with them.

THE TRUFFLE FARM

With Canberra as Australia’s go-to truffle hunting destination, The Truffle Farm is nestled in the Majura Valley and offers the ultimate truffle experience. You’ll get the chance to follow their team and truffle dogs to unearth prized black truffles, as well as enjoy a meal prepared by the executive chef and learn some secrets to using truffles at home.

OTIS DINING HALL

Experience truffle at Otis Dining Hall like never before this winter with their monthly changing Chef’s Truffle Menu. Enjoy an elevated tasting menu loaded with everything truffle, with options of premium matching wines. The place to be, book in for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday or treat yourself to a truffle lunch on Saturday.

COMPA

Italian steakhouse, Compa is celebrating truffle season with an exclusive four-course dinner, hosted by Matt Maron himself and in collaboration with local producer, The Truffle Farm. This one-night-only event on Friday 11 July will hero the very best local truffles paired with signature COMPA dishes, fine wine and good company.

POACHERS PANTRY

Join Poachers Pantry in their Smokehouse Restaurant to enjoy an amazing four-course menu created by executive chef, Adam Wilson. The menu features Terra Preta Truffles and Blue Frog Truffles, with each course paired with a Poachers Vineyard wine. With bookings essential, be sure to reserve your seat next to the fire for the sitting on Saturday 20 July.

Carlotta

A celebration of truffle season awaits at Carlotta. On Tuesday 8 July, enjoy an evening of truffles with a specially curated menu spotlighting local Brae Garden Farm truffles across every course, from truffle beef carpaccio to their signature tiramisù reimagined.

If you’re visiting Canberra for the truffle season, see our list of best hotels in Canberra for your stay.