Discover Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes, an idyllic farm in Victoria's central highlands, a short 15-minute drive from Ballarat's CBD. Specialising in Black Perigord truffles in winter and tuber aestivum in summer, our sensory journey includes truffle experiences and cuisine by chef Liam Downes in our 24-seat restaurant and gardens. Whether for a Friday long lunch or a three-hour truffle experience with a chef's degustation, our offerings cater to diverse preferences. Emphasizing a farm-to-plate philosophy, we prioritize ingredient sourcing from our farm and the local landscape. Join us for a culinary adventure, delighting in the freshest flavours of the season. Our commitment to sustainability and local partnerships ensures each dish reflects the region. The lush landscapes surrounding our farm contribute to a truly immersive experience, inviting you to connect with nature and indulge in truffle-infused creations.
Join us on Friday afternoons for a meticulously curated degustation-style lunch that showcases the finest local produce. Designed for group enjoyment, our long lunch experience removes the guesswork from dining, allowing you to savour the highlights and nuances of our exceptional offerings. Indulge in a relaxed yet sophisticated culinary journey, perfect for those seeking a delightful and stress-free dining experience. This is designed for all groups but if the group is above 5 people, this will have to be compulsory.
Meredith Wine Tasting
A$30.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Join us at Black Cat Truffles for an intimate tasting of Meredith Wines, one of our favourite local producers renowned for elegance and expressive cool-climate wines. This curated experience will take you on a journey through their finest selections, each glass showcasing the depth, balance, and terroir-driven character that define Meredith Wines. $30 per person for 4x 75ml pours | Limited availability | Reservations recommended
*please book for the number of people attending and not just doing the tasting experience, credit cards will not be charged and all purchases will be finalised on the day.
Brunch
Multiple dates available
Indulge in the refined ambiance of the Black Cat Truffle gardens as you join us for an exquisite Sunday brunch experience. Delight in the culinary artistry of our ever-evolving seasonal A la carte brunch menu, complemented by the richness of coffee sourced from the esteemed Karon Farm. Elevate your brunch affair with our enticing bottomless option, allowing you to savor a choice of breakfast, artisanal coffee, and limitless mimosas.
Black Cat Truffles By Liam Downes reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
4.9Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.9Value
Noise • Energetic
Loved For
Victoria
Best Overall
Victoria
Best Food
Victoria
Best Service
Victoria
Best Ambience
Victoria
Best Value
Victoria
Great for brunch
Victoria
Innovative
Victoria
Modern Australian
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Black Cat Truffles By Liam Downes offers "incredible food," "amazing quality," and a "fantastic experience." This hidden gem boasts "beautiful surroundings," a "peaceful setting," and "exceptional service." The truffle hunt is "fun, interesting, and informative," making it a "must-visit" destination for those seeking a unique culinary adventure.
122 Reviews
C
Claudia
Victoria1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Gorgeous venue, especially on a sunny day as you can sit out under the vine canopy & enjoy being among the truffiere.
The service is impeccable; friendly, knowledgeable staff who know their product.
The food is to die for, even if you are not a truffle fiend, and you definitely will not walk out hungry.
Lots of local beer & wine to choose from too.
All up, a wonderful experience.
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M
Matt
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Such a great experience, plan to go back for winter season!
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A
Anne
Victoria2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Brilliant Chef’s selection. Every mouthful a delight.
Keep returning and the experience always exceeds expectations.
Liam & his team are a fantastic asset to Ballarat and the wider “food destination” community.
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c
christine
Las Vegas17 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
A hidden gem with delicious food, beautiful outdoor ambience & friendly service. A must visit for brunch on a Sunday morning. Only 5mins from Creswick, 25mins from Ballarat or Daylesford. My fav is scrambled eggs with spanner crab and chilli 😋
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R
Ruby
Victoria7 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
sensational service, food and venue! Will be back ❤️
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PK
PaulK
New York State2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Lovely dining experience!
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A
Anthony
Melbourne2 reviews
4.0
Dined on January 25, 2025
Overall 4
Food 4
Service 4
Ambience 4
A very enjoyable Sunday brunch experience, friendly & efficient staff serving wonderful fare in a lovely setting...
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L
LOUISE
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on January 10, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Saturday brunch. Delicious food - you can taste the quality of the produce. We sat outside under shady trees and grape vines looking out onto the truffle farm. Our waiter was lovely and made us feel comfortable straight away.
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M
Michael and Vicki
Victoria10 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 24, 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
What a fabulous Christmas Eve lunch, so good we have booked in for 2025 with new friends we met on the day. Started with a truffle hunt and a visit to the Alpacas which was fascinating and fun, to the dining experience which was 12/10.
The food was delicious and presentation was amazing matched perfectly with local wines.
The service was first class, we were made to feel welcome from arrival and the staff interaction and knowledge was spot on.
Highly recommend dining at Black Cat Truffles
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D
Danielle
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 23, 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Best brunch in the most beautiful surroundings, the food was amazing and the staff are excellent, couldn’t have asked for any better place to share our family Christmas Eve brunch
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FAQs
Black Cat Truffles By Liam Downes is rated 4.9 stars by 122 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.