When Marco Tallarico launched Truffle Kings in 2023, his mission was simple: bring Italy’s truffle culture to Canada. His online store curates olive oils, vinegars, truffle-infused delicacies, and fresh truffles flown in weekly from Italy. Inspired by summers in Sicily and Calabria, Tallarico says, “Truffle Kings aims to educate consumers on the true essence of Italian fine foods.” For him, it’s also a tribute to the family producers who have shaped Italian culinary culture for generations.
Marco Tallarico, founder of Truffle Kings, bringing authentic Italian truffle culture to Toronto.
Part of his mission is correcting misconceptions around Italian products. “Every year when I come back from Italy, I’m amazed by the lack of knowledge, even among second- and third-generation Italians, about what constitutes true quality,” he explains. “My vision for Truffle Kings was to respond to the way people are seeking out more authentic, artisanal, high-quality foods since the pandemic. People want to know where things come from, the integrity of the producers, and they are seeking out organic and biodiverse products. My goal is to bring those truths to the table.”
Truffle Kings brings the flavours of Italy to Canada with premium olive oils, vinegars, truffle-infused delicacies, and fresh truffles. Photo courtesy of Truffle Kings/
Tallarico’s ties to Italy are deeply personal. He spent summers in Sicily and Calabria, two southern regions that are only now gaining international attention. “For years, tourists focused on the north—Rome, Milan, Tuscany—but the south remained untouched. Now, thanks to shows like White Lotus, Sicily and Calabria are finally in the spotlight. For me, though, they’ve always been home.”
Related: → Craving the full truffle experience? Try truffle hunting in Umbria.
Acacia honey infused with summer truffles — a delicacy with a long shelf life, pairing beautifully with mild cheeses, fresh pastries, or savoury bites. Photo: Truffle Kings
Prelibato Rosé Balsamic Dressing, crafted from Modenese Trebbiano and Ancellotta grapes, delicately infused with rose essence. Photo: Truffle Kings
And how does a truffle king like to enjoy his truffles? “The best way to use truffles is on anything that steams—popcorn, eggs, pasta, steak, even French fries,” he says with a laugh. But he cautions against truffle oil on fried foods: “That’s too much fat on fat. Instead, try our Truffle Salt on popcorn or fries—it’s a perfect match.” When in season, he insists that nothing beats thinly shaved fresh truffles on pasta, but for year-round cooking, Truffle Kings’ truffle pepper is his secret weapon. “Imagine a cacio e pepe with truffle pepper? Delicious.”
The best way to use truffles is on anything that steams,” says Marco Tallarico, founder of Truffle Kings — pasta being one of the most decadent pairings. Photo: Truffle Kings
Back in Toronto, Tallarico finds comfort in a few standout Italian spots. His family owns the Oretta restaurant group, run by his cousin Sal. “He’s done a fantastic job of staying true to Italian culture,” says Tallarico. His personal favourite? “Joso’s. It may be Mediterranean rather than strictly Italian, but to me, it’s still the best restaurant in the city.” He also applauds Giulia and Forno Cultura, as well as Nodo, for their dedication to fresh ingredients and authentic Italian culture.
For Tallarico, it all comes back to sharing the true taste of Italy—whether that’s through his curated truffle collection or a night out at one of his favourite Toronto restaurants.
