From truffle mushroom risotto to dark chocolate soufflé, don’t miss out on these autumnal delicacies before the time is up.
The truffle gnudi at Contessa
Aquitaine
Aquitaine has graced Bostonians with it’s charming Parisian ambiance and delectable French cuisine for over 20 years. This truffle season, the traditional French bistro, located in the hustle and bustle of the South End, is serving up the ultimate truffle burger crafted with dry aged beef, sharp cheddar, sweet onion and truffle sauce, all sandwiched between toasted potato buns. To wash it down, enjoy a glass (or two) of a French wine or craft cocktail from the bar. 569 Tremont St., 617.424.8577, aquitaineboston.com
Bar Mezzana
Spend an evening dining on the Italian coastline in Bar Mezzana’s sleek, sun-soaked, sapphire blue dining room. With a killer aperol spritz and a roster of plentiful pasta dishes to twist your fork into, Bar Mezzana is upping the appetizer game in honor of truffle season. Before ordering the brown butter sweet potato agnolotti or a ragú bolognese tagliolini, leave room for the star of the show— a dreamy black truffle burrata with saba that is sure to satisfy any truffle lover's craving. 360 Harrison Ave., 617.530.1770, barmezzana.com
Contessa
With a modern glass terrace displaying sweeping cityscape views, a nostalgic atmosphere with eye-catching decor and a menu stocked full of truffle delights, Contessa is the freshest addition to the Back Bay restaurant scene. Influenced by Northern Italian trattoria cuisine, the eatery by Mario Carbone is now serving classic Italian favorites, but with a truffle twist. Visitors can whet their appetites with an assortment of truffle infused tagliatelle, pizza, gnudi and gelato. Three Newbury St., 617.536.5700, contessatrattoria.com
Coppa
Travel to the Italian countryside with an evening at Coppa, a neighborhood favorite owned by James Beard award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette. Tucked away on a quiet South End corner, Coppa’s seasonal menu includes a scrumptious white pizza topped with creamy scamorza, crimini mushrooms and a plethora of truffle shavings. Ditch the Friday night pizza delivery and stop by Coppa for a one-of-a-kind truffle pizza party. 253 Shawmut Ave., 617.391.0902, coppaboston.com
Giulia
This intimate, Italian hole-in-the-wall, located in Cambridge’s Porter Square, is a pasta-lover's paradise. Dim lighting, exposed brick and large wood tables serve as the rustic backdrop for the divine warm semolina cakes with sweet corn and topped with, you guessed it, black truffles. Celebrated Chef Micheal Pagliarini delivers an exceptional menu with something for everyone, from chilled octopus to pappardelle with wild boar and pistachio gelato. Be sure to save Giulia’s for a cheat day. 1682 Massachusetts Ave., 617.441.2800, giuliarestaurant.com
Menton
Nobody celebrates truffle season quite like Chef Barbara Lynch at her highly acclaimed, fine dining restaurant, Menton. The restaurant is hosting the much anticipated Truffle Week, in celebration of one of the world’s rarest and most coveted delicacies, the White Alba truffle. Head over to this truffle hot spot for a five-course tasting menu—think potato beignet, bay scallop, tagliatelle, dry aged muscovy duck and peruvian dark chocolate souffle, all topped with truffles. 354 Congress St., 617.737.0099, mentonboston.com
Mistral
Soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, crisp white table cloths and gorgeous landscape portraits inspired by the south of France have adorned this stunning South End restaurant for 20 years. Mistral, a refined French Mediterranean spot owned by celebrated chef Jamie Mammano, is where visitors can experience the flavors of a mouthwatering prime sirloin carpaccio drenched in black truffle aioli, served with toasted ciabatta and parmesan. 223 Columbus Ave., 617.867.9300, mistralbistro.com
Trattoria IL Panino
The North End may be brimming with Italian food options, but Trattoria IL Panino's Ravioli Porcini will have customers coming back for more. The cozy, family-owned spot is the first authentic trattoria in Boston, making it the perfect locale to celebrate truffle season in all its glory. The Ravioli Porcini, smothered in wild mushrooms and black truffle cream, is a showstopper sure to have customers hooked. 280 Hanover St., 617.720.1336, trattoriailpanino.com
Troquet on South
Black truffles need nothing more than velvety mushroom risotto doused with parmesan cheese to shine, and Troquet on South has that bite perfected. While devouring this classic Italian dish, guests can treat themselves to an extensive assortment of wines chosen by an in-house sommelier or sip some specialty cocktails from the bar. With dim lighting, intimate seating and an outdoor patio, Troquet on South is a must for everyone’s next dinner date. 107 South St., 617.695.9463, troquetboston.com
Photography by: Michael Blanchard
