Little Truffle Bar and Dining owner Daniel and Ruggie Ridgeway announce their reopening in Mermaid Beach

A local favourite restaurant that temporarily closed its doors to avoid the impact of light rail construction, is now reopening after a million-dollar renovation. Watch the video

A local favourite restaurant that temporarily closed its doors to avoid the impact of light rail construction, is now reopening after a million-dollar renovation.

Mermaid Beach’s Little Truffle Bar & Dining announced it will be opening again on Tuesday October 10 after 11-months of renovations.

Owners Daniel Ridgeway and his wife Ruggie said they originally closed the doors during the “heavy works” section of the light rail stage 3 construction. Now the fine dining restaurant will be reopening after extensive renovations.

“We are so excited to finally open our doors again. It has been far too long. Eleven months without operating our first restaurant has been difficult, but the wait is finally over,” Mr Ridgeway said.

Owner Daniel Ridgway unveils the new and improved venue Little Truffle. The restaurant is reopening after closing late last year for renovations. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to see what we have created.”

The renovation included a complete change of layout, fixtures, bar, amenities and kitchen.

“We have finally been able to create the Little Truffle we have always envisioned,” Mr Ridgeway said.

“We literally ripped everything out and started from scratch.

“Little Truffle 2.0 is a classy, lux venue which features a deep navy colour scheme with brushed brass finishings, dramatic velvet curtains, and dark timber floors.”

Mr Ridgeway said they were forced to close in 2022 due to light rail construction services outside the restaurant.

“We didn’t want guests dining with heavy drilling going through dinner service,” he said.

“We have fully soundproofed the venue as more work continues.”

Mr Ridgeway said parking will still be a challenge for patrons but they were relying on locals walking by and using a taxi or Uber.

Owner Daniel Ridgway seasons a steak in the new and improved venue Little Truffle. The restaurant is reopening after closing late last year for renovations. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Parking has always been a challenge and will still be a challenge now and into the future,” he said.

“Once the light rail is complete, they will have another transportation option to drink or dine with us.”

Mr Ridgeway said they were pleased to announce some of their classic dishes including their heirloom beetroot salad, Moreton Bay bug and prawn tortellini and the vanilla panna cotta and raspberry souffle would be making a return to the menu.

“Our spring reopening menu features a wide array of new dishes including beef tartare, duck breast cassoulet with Toulouse sausage, quail ballotine, and steamed ocean trout,” he said.

Inside the new and improved venue Little Truffle. The restaurant is reopening after closing late last year for renovations. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The highlight of the new menu is showcasing dishes from our wood-fired oven, such as a cat iron baked focaccia with mozzarella, whole fish and an impressive selection of prime meat cuts.”

Mr Ridgeway said the restaurant would be perfect for upcoming festive dinners and lunches as it will now have two private dining spaces.

“We cannot wait for our loyal locals and visitors to see our brand-new Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar,” he said.

“We appreciated our customers’ patience and loyalty during our renovations.

“We are certain that you will be blown away by our new sophisticated, yet approachable venue.”

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Originally published as Little Truffle Bar and Dining owner Daniel and Ruggie Ridgeway announce their reopening in Mermaid Beach