You may think of truffle as clandestine but this Merivale café - with the same name - is anything but. 7 days a week this busy establishment plays host to a colourful spectrum of patrons, from mums on the school run to business meeting aficionados.

Located on Papanui Road, Truffle sits proudly on the corner of a petite Merivale precinct with an assortment of shops and businesses. Its generous veranda out front means people can rock up, order a tasty brekkie and watch the world pass by. Sounds rather good - it is. Inside the design is modern with accents of British racing green, and a large wrap around bench seat in the same hue is an inviting place to sit, relax and hum along to the playlist. 

Allpress coffee is served meticulously, and a steady stream of regulars and newbies seek out their daily caffeine fix here.  And if you’re needing something to snaffle with your latte, Truffle is renowned for baking one of the best cheese scones in town (the kitchen sometimes makes up to 3 batches a day!). When Mon, the manager, says they are a hotseller, she’s not kidding. 

Beyond the jam-packed cabinet options, you can order from a modest but well-rounded brunch menu where you’ll see, you’ve guessed it, truffle. But don’t panic, it's not overkill. Truffle Mushrooms is popular and for good reason; a medley of mushrooms is served on Grizzly rye toast with lashings of truffle creme fraiche and parmesan. Other classics include Egg Bene and Banana Bread French Toast, a must for those looking for some sweetness in their brunch.  

Truffle is one of those local haunts you know will deliver the goods time and time again. Why? From the sheer amount of people flowing in through the door.