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XOX Truffles
Categories: Food Specialty Food Chocolatiers and Shops Food Desserts Food Coffee & Tea Chocolatiers and Shops, Desserts, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
754 Columbus Ave(between Via Buffano & Filbert St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighbourhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 421-4814
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
338 reviews for XOX Truffles
Review Highlights
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"I like that they make Earl Grey truffles here." In 42 reviews -
"Exceptional truffles hand made by Jean-Marc." In 23 reviews -
"The dark chocolate and red wine are divine." In 41 reviews
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338 reviews in English
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Review from Desiree P.
Orange County, CA
4/13/2012
Delicious!
Chef Jean Marc's French chocolate truffles made with whole cream and lots of butter rolled in dark chocolate powder, are superb (like no other I've ever eaten). Several food magazines have ranked these truffles in the top 10 in the US and it's obvious why. Handmade and fresh! An organic coffee includes a free truffle and is one of the best bargins in North Beach at $1.50. (Columbus near Filbert) -
Review from Andrew W.
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would have completely missed the tiny shop of chocolately goodness if I did not have three other people trying to search it out as well. But I am glad that I was able to visit XOX Truffles because their truffles have a nice hard shell with a creamy delicious center. Ranging from 0.50-0.75 cents each, these truffles are totally worth buying a box of 15 or 20, even though they are small. And with over two dozen flavor you are bound to find one that really tickles your taste buds.
I bought a box a twenty for myself and enjoyed pretty much every single flavor. I cannot pinpoint my favorites because I feel that most of the time I am just each "a dark chocolate variant" aka chocolate with a little something different added. I do know that I love espresso, orange, and peanut butter but I am not keen on the spicy one. After tasting these truffles, I picked up two more boxes of twenty as gifts. -
Review from Johnny W.
3/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Happy 500th review! I dedicate this to a sweet little (literally - it's cramped inside) shop I found the first time I was wandering North Beach. Offering up about 20 flavors of hand-made truffles, this shop of chocolate-ly, truffle-ly goodness is run by husband and wife duo Jean-Marc (of Fringale, apparently) and Casimira.
As of several months ago (pricing may have changed), you could buy inidividual bite-sized truffles at $0.75 per, or in quarter pound increments of about 20 truffles each, up to an entire pound, served up in Chinese take-out containers at ~$12 per quarter pound, in any combination of flavors you so desire.
Of course, the problem with these variety boxes is that, if it's your first time trying these, you may have some difficulty distinguishing flavors, and, well, it's nice to know what you enjoy and what you don't! Having made this exact mistake, take the following with a grain of salt, as some of the flavor associations may be wrong:
* Cognac (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - Pretty darn tasty
* Honey Vodka (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - Couldn't quite pick this one out
* Spicy Cayenne Tequila (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - Not bad
* Vin Rouge/Red Wine (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - Tasty!
* Caramel (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - Just alright
* Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - This one got a bit lost among the box, probably because it wasn't particularly unique
* Earl Grey (Cocoa Powder-Dusted) - Another one I couldn't quite place
A bit pricy given their size, but, really, these are pretty strong and flavorful truffles - how quickly are you going to, or should you, really, finish a box of 20? They lasted me a good month, so $12 wasn't all that bad of a deal. Also, while their shop might not look accessible because of the single step to get in, they have a ramp stowed away inside that they're more than happy to bring out should you need it. -
Review from Amy B.
Arlington, VA
5/18/2012
Truffle with every coffee - OUTSTANDING! Best place to get coffee with friendly staff. Try the mocha! (Went every day while on vacation.)
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Review from Timothy R.
Mill Valley, CA
4/15/2012
I love this place. Best Truffles any where. go in get a cup of coffee get a free truffle and you will know what I mean. Plus the coffee is pretty darn good. The place is run by a French Chef and his wife. My personal favorite Truffles would be the Dark Chocolate, Coconut, and the Raspberry chacolate. But have yet to taste one I do not love.. Try them your mouth will thank you all day and night and insist on more.
I give XOX five thumbs up!!! -
Review from Max P.
3/1/2012
Great stuff
I got my mom a box of truffles for Valentines Day
I tried a few a they were something special to say the least
A great treat for any occasion -
Review from Denise D.
2/10/2012
Vegan truffles are the bomb. XOX truffles is a delightful little cafe located in a quiet and artistic location. My friends and I were walking towards Little Italy and stumbled across this hidden gem. I decided to take a look inside not because of the truffle but was in need of caffeine.
Taken away by the choices of truffles, I was awed by knowing there were four different types of vegan truffles. My favourite is the dark chocolate and second would be orange. Though it's soy there is no after taste and definitely melts in your mouth. Obviously, I didn't get any caffeine fix but got a box of truffles for a sweet price.
Coming to SF without coming here would be a big sin. -
Review from Amy E.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2012
2 years ago and 8 months pregnant, we pulled over and my husband jumped out of the car, returning with a hot chocolate. I took one sip and then rolled down the window as we drove off, yelling NO WAAAAAY!!! They smiled, they knew, they made my world.
Ok, so now here we are Valentine's day 2012, and living 2 blocks away as of 2 weeks ago. I just sent the husband (he has a name - Scott) off for the same hot chocolate. Will it affect me the same? I guess I'll find out. But I sit here drooling at my desk with anticipation.
Where the hell is he? I bet he is sitting outside eating truffles and drinking coffee. Ok, well he deserves a little treat on Valentine's Day too right. XOXO -
Review from Lyna K.
2/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went here for the truffles and bought a box with the 20 flavors for 12.99. Honestly I felt that the price was high for the tiny pieces that were pre packaged in the smallest sized chinese take out boxes. They are obviously hand made because of their irregular sizes, some larger and some smaller.
Unlike other reviewers I love that they are all in the same box because I'm a fan of guess the chocolate flavor. It's fun.
Most of the flavors were awesome I particularly liked the raspberry, coconut, espresso, peanut butter flavors. The little truffles were covered in cocoa powder and they had a nice snap from the chocolate shell underneath.
Not fond of the lemon ginger or spicy tequila. I think the least favorite was the earl grey ( that's the only thing I can think it was, it had a more herbal taste) If it wasn't earl grey it had to be cardamom or something like a spice and was not feeling it at all.
I would love to get a larger container next time and i think i'll hand pick the flavors this time since I know what I did like. Altogether it was a fun game and a sweet treat. -
Review from Taraka D.
Santa Rosa, CA
2/13/2012
I've been coming to this little place for about 12 years. My Godmother lives across the street, and every time my sister and I visit her, we go here. I guess you could say it's our tradition. My Godmother lovingly nicknamed Jean-marc "Frenchie". Cracks me up. They're good friends, so obviously he doesn't take offense to it.
Yesterday, after we enjoyed sushi and interesting conversation, we came here for coffee and truffles. I got an Americano and a spicy cayenne tequila truffle. Those flavors blended together paired with the coffee was incredible. My Godmother tried the red wine truffle and said it was pretty damn good. I don't think "Frenchie" has ever created something that sucked. He's a confectionery genius, to say the least.
So if you're ever in North Beach, wandering in and out of restaurants and shops on Columbus Avenue (you damn tourists), stop in here and get yourself a little something. They've even got adorably decorated boxes for the truffles in case you'd rather have one later or give them as gifts. -
Review from Jodi C.
Walnut, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place makes San Francisco worth visiting. What's better than getting a fresh cup of joe for a cheap price & a free top shelf truffle sample for free?
Seriously, there truffle chocolates are orgasmic. Even though there establishment is very small but, there truffles are out of this world.
Pro(s):
Delicious, cheap, many flavors of truffle, friendly knowledgable staff, great location.
Con:
Beware. LOVE AT FIRST BITE.
On your next trip to SF, don't forget to visit XOX truffle. You won't regret it. CHEERS! -
Review from dave c.
Seattle, WA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's so sad for all the other chocolatiers! (Only one perfect truffle store slot available).
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Review from Bertilla M.
Santa Clara, CA
3/14/2012
In 5min, I got my iced coffee, free truffle, and change for parking. They're awesome.
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Review from Renee L.
Alhambra, CA
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Truffles: Earl Grey, Hazelnut were the best. We got an assortment of flavors, but those were the best! All placed into one box, it was very difficult to tell what was what. Did not like that.
Overall experience: We came during the workers lunch break. He left a note saying he would be back at 2:25. He seemed to be done w his lunch but sat inside near the door. There were about 6 of us waiting for 10mins. IMO, i would have cut my break short to serve customers. Why take the chance of letting customers walk away?!?! I was not a fan of that. However, he did make it up by giving us one free truffle each. -
Review from Todd H.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
XOX truffles are well worth their high reputation: silky, flavorful and delicious. The shop is smaller than I expected and really cramped, but that's OK: They can spend more money on ingredients by spending less on rent.
My only complaint is that, when you purchase an assortment of flavors, they pack all of them together. Since most of their truffles look identical, this makes it impossible to choose what you want to try or to offer a specific flavor to someone. I imagine that they'd be willing to pack them separately if asked, though. -
Review from Lori S.
Manhattan Beach, CA
2/14/2012
XOX Truffles is my favorite place for the best chocolate EVER!!
I am a huge chocolate lover and stopped here on a whim six years ago, and nothing can beat what he does with chocolate. I love that there is no wax so these little nuggets just melt in your mouth. I honestly can't say which flavor is my favorite but try the Spicy Tequila Cayenne....slowly....for a real treat! The caramel truffle tastes like pure butter rich caramel, the French Roast and hazelnut are rolled in sumptuous crunches....sigh, earl grey and a vegan truffle that tastes like utter heaven?
Seriously, if you haven't been XOX is definitely a must to your list. Anytime I have a friend traveling to San Fran I place an order :-) -
Review from Teresa P.
When I think of chocolate truffles, two different visuals come to mind:
1.) an expensively dressed woman sipping on a martini, wearing a large hat, haw-haw-hawing with her fellow affluent hoitie-toitie socialites snacking on truffles with pinkies up and commiserating over their latest botox adventure or recent 5th yacht purchase.
2.) an old retired lady in a flowered mumu with rollers in her hair sitting in front of the tv eating her "bon bons".
Haha - I know, my impression of truffles is completely arbitrary and skewed. They never really interested me before... until I tasted XOX truffles. I'm not a big fan of sweets nor chocolate, but these little gems really blew me away. I could see these little things are made with a lot of love, and passion for the trade. So very Francais, so very artisanal, and I now have new-found appreciation for a good truffle.
The champagne one was amazing. The caramel one, fantastic. The hazelnut, yummy. The tequila-cayenne - wow! I can go on and on. What I'd really rather do is just dunk my whole face in one of the bowls and get truffled up. Not cute, but I'd do it if given the chance.
To anyone I know that is reading this, my birfday is coming up. Hint, hint.
To the hubz, when I'm 80 and in my mumu and rollers asking you to bring me my bonbons, please hand me XOX truffles. :) -
Review from Alyssa W.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
12/17/2011
My parents have known Jean-Marc since he was first starting up XOX Truffles over a decade ago. I have fond childhood memories of visiting his quaint little shop in North Beach on summer afternoons to pick up a takeout box of chocolate truffles.
Now that I live in the city, I love to stop by from time to time and buy a few to snack on. They're great with coffee (I usually eat half of them by the time I get back to my apartment).
You can taste the quality in the truffles. Each batch is hand-made, and Jean-Marc takes pride in his wide assortment of flavors. My favorites are the Dark Chocolate, Casimira's Favorite and Black & White. -
Review from Chloe M.
11/25/2011
A little back story.... earlier this year I was on bed-rest for 2 weeks. Could hardly move. Everything hurt. My very sweet friends came by to visit, keep me company, cook me food, etc. One of my friends brought me a little box of XOX truffles.
OMG So amazingly, melt-in-your-mouth, close-your-eyes-is-this-what-heaven-tastes-like delicious. I kept the box in the refrigerator and every time I forced myself to hobble on crutches to go around my apartment, I would reward myself with a truffle. So, yes, these truffles are worth hobbling on crutches for; they're that good. -
Review from Amanda S.
Emeryville, CA
1/8/2012
Am I allowed to take off a star for aesthetics? It's not that hard to make pretty truffles. I realize that truffles are supposed to look like their fungal cousins, but the shape of these are extremely irregular and kind of look like that the one making them doesn't take pride in his work. Plus, if the chocolates aren't distinguishable in any way, once you buy more than one variety, you have no idea what you're eating until you put it in your mouth. Which isn't altogether a bad thing, (even though I'm the type of person that wants to save my favorites for last) because this kind of makes it exciting.
The flavors, for the most part, are fantastic - distinct, yet blended well with the flavor of the chocolate. And if you let them come to cool room temperature as chocolate should be eaten, the texture is phenomenal and the flavors are divine.
The service is excellent as well. The shop is tiny but usable as long as there's no more than 3 customers in the building at one time. Plus, I highly approve of the policy of giving a free truffle away with every cup of coffee and bulk purchase. Completely destroys any possible pretentiousness. -
Review from Sarah M.
Washington, DC
2/21/2012
Walking by the store last night on my way out of San Francisco, and ran into the owner (or someone just closing up the shop). Told him how sad I was that I'm a self-diagnosed chocoholic and didn't have the chance to try any of their chocolates. He came back out with a little box full of different truffles, FREE!! Definitely the best truffles I have ever had in my life, and that's saying a lot. I will for sure be ordering from them online in the future!! (I hope they ship cross country)
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Review from Maitai N.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2012
Yuuuuummy truffles!! Gave a box of chocolate to my darling and he loved it! Definitely going back again.
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Review from Chelsea E.
Rocklin, CA
2/24/2012 1 photo
Amazing! The only word that can remotly describe this place. I am not a big sweets fan but I cant even describe how good they are here. We were at lunch across the street for lunch 3 years ago and we just stopped in to see what they had. We have been hooked ever since. Whenever we are in the city we have to come here. I have never tried anything bad and the service has always been great. I love how it is small and quiet and the little tables and chairs out front are great to just sit down eat truffles and drink some coffee.
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Review from Clint T.
Newark, CA
3/11/2012
Great chocolate. Everything is good here. I love the rasberry, coconut, orange, and dark. YUM!
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Review from Jonathan F.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011
I was in North Beach this morning and stopped in at this little place. The coffee is outstanding and to get a free chocolate truffle along with your cup of coffee, what could be more wonderful!
This little cafe is an authentic chocolate truffle place. The owner is French and make his truffles fresh every day. In fact when I walked in the door, he was making a fresh batch.
So, all you chocolate lovers, next time you are in North Beach, stop by XOX. Major credit/debit cards are accepted. There is street parking right out front.
But this is North Beach so it is best to take transit and walk. North Beach is very easy to walk through. Also, North Beach is great for bicycling.
And, what is a better energy boost after a ride on the bike than a bit of chocolate. So stop by XOX. -
Review from Lisa R.
1/30/2012
Truffles for .75?! Hell Yeah! There was quite the truffle selection to satisfy everyone's pallet, and staff put the truffles in tiny bags so you can eat them as you go. A great find in North Beach!
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Review from Allie E.
Danville, CA
10/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The latte was decent.
But the free truffle I got with it was delish!
They are homemade-like, which makes this little joint all the more cuter.
Definitely worth stopping by when you're out and about and want a break from walking ;) -
Review from michelle t.
Westwood, CA
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think I just went to heaven. :)
These truffles are really the BEST BEST BEST truffles I've had in my life.
I buy them by the boxes. They are great gifts!
My favorites:
-Hazelnut
-Orange
-Caramel
-Coffee.
I think I'm starting to salivate just talking about them.
Added the fact that all the workers there are incredibly nice and friendly! They even let you try a piece or two!
Love EVERYTHING about this place! -
Review from Taylor O.
10/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Quite the hit with out of town visitors, the one free truffle with coffee draws you in and you leave with a couple dozen. The are tinier morsels compared to drugstore mass made truffles, more artisan-like differently shaped pieces of slowly melt on your tongue flavor.
It's not quite visible from nearby Washington Park but is just past the stoplight on Columbus, worth the extra few steps.
Two recommendations: go for the Cognac flavor and it doesn't necessarily open right at 9am. The Earl Grey and red wine were also pretty good. -
Review from Toeknee T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/4/2011
Great Truffles! Haven't been inside for Ages. I was going to get Tea there but didn't like there selection (Stash). Oh well, maybe a double Espresso. I used to drink black with whip cream. Nah... Don't want to be wired up anymore. I stuck with a CAP and got a free truffle (One free truffle for each Coffee Purchase).
I picked the Vin Rouge(Red Vin) Truffle. Very Good.
They also have interesting liqueur inspired truffles. Like Amaretto, Kahlua, and Cognac(Chocolatier, Owner, Jean Marc) fav. I will try the Chili Tequila Truffle next time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/4/2010
I finally revisited this nice little gem in North Beach. Got to try the Chef's fav Cognac Truffle.… Read more »
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Review from Alexander C.
Cambridge, MA
11/2/2011
INCREDIBLE. JUST INCREDIBLE.
I stepped in and was unimpressed with the place. A small, kind of hole-in-the-wall place. But then I looked at the truffles, and just their shape made me have extremely high expectations for this place. Here's why: The truffles were not perfect circles, rectangles, or square. They were irregularly shaped, but that's because they're HAND-MADE.
My two favorites were the Peanut Butter and Caramel. They were so sweet and the chocolate was smooth and pure. Amazing! -
Review from Robert A.
8/12/2011
Stopped in here during a food walking tour we took through Little Italy while my visit in San Francisco. The owner took the time to explain his method for making chocolate truffles and gave us samples of many varieties.
He also took the time to make up a batch while we waited and gave us many samples. I recommend if you have a sweet tooth to come on in and have a taste. Like I said we were on a food tour so not sure what they offer for the individual that just walks in. -
Review from Johnny W.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2012
The window and counter space is covered with awards and newspaper articles that feature XOX truffles as among the best in the nation. Yes, they're great, but I really like this place cause it's a locally owned and very friendly cafe. I always come for the "free truffle with any coffee purchase" special (although the coffee is often just lukewarm by the time it's served).
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Review from Shamie D.
West Chester Township, OH
8/27/2011 1 photo
Forget Lindt, this is the place to get REAL chocolate truffles! My wife and I really needed a caffeine fix after a day of sight-seeing around Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf and Lombard (Crooked) Street. We wandered into the place after noticing all the great reviews on Yelp (thanks everyone!).
This place is great because the truffles are homemade and not made in some factory far away. Each one has a different shape and uniqueness to it. I had the coffee and my wife had a hot chocolate since it was a chilly summer evening. Everything was so decadent! The barista was extremely friendly and so were some of the other guests. They gave us some tips on places in the neighborhood we could walk towards.
I like spicy chocolate so I tried the cayenne chocolate truffle which had a great balance between subtle spice and rich dark chocolate. I have also recently had a craving for chocolate and peanut butter so tried that truffle as well, which was perfect! the flavors were melded together so well that I couldn't distinguish where the chocolate ended and the peanut butter began. My wife on the other hand loves coconut and chocolate and caramel, so she tried the coconut truffle and the caramel truffle. They were also tasty and well balanced.
Combined with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or hot chocolate these were an awesome compliment to a wonderful day of sightseeing in San Francisco. I cant' wait to come back soon! -
Review from Jen N.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
Yep.
Dark chocolate tequila chili? Yep. -
Review from Mindee C.
San Pedro, CA
12/28/2011
Tried their free piece of handmade French-style truffle today. I am not a chocolate person, but I am going back to get a few boxes. It was really quite amazing. Smaller than a regular commercial truffle, but perfect with a cup of strong expresso or to feed your chocolate urge.
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Review from Angelina A.
San Pedro, CA
1/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Best truffles ever!!!!! Im a total chocoholic and this place is my rock bottom. I can easily go there 10 times a day. My favorite is the hazelnut but they are all sooo yummy its hard to choose just one. you also have to get their hot chocolate!!! ugh how I wish I was there right now....
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Review from Barnabas L.
Phoenix, AZ
3/19/2011
woah the truffles!!! yummmyyyy
I tried their amaretto, Peanut Butter, Hazelnut, Dark chocolate, and french roast... WOAH all i can say is woah! the good kind
So i tried the peanut butter first and my first reaction was ...oh i thought it was going to be a fuller taste, but as i continued to eat/chew and pinpoint flavors (and drink my cappucino, which btw, it was good but the foam was a huge dissapointment) it grew on me. I am glad it wasn't over powering and i feel it paired well with their coffee/espresso drinks. very light pb taste and the chocolate (mind you dark chocolate) added a fuller and a little bitter taste to it. mmm good job!
The amaretto was very memorable, as my sister puts it "it kept changing flavors".. yeah not really sis, but it was a full amaretto flavor which didn't over power the truffle.
to be honest everything was well thought out and not overpowering the truffle, very beautiful compliments to each other and a coffee if you had one.
Coffee wasn't the best but they don't boast their coffee, they boast their truffles and it sure met the hype. -
Review from Kathy N.
Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2011
OMG! This place has the best truffles I have ever tried in my life!
YOU MUST STOP BY AND TRY! I purchased (the white box) box of 20? I forgot how much count there was in the box but I must say it WASNT enough for me (and I normally do not eat chocolote on a regular basis). They were so YUMMY!
-vodka truffles; my favorite!
-honey truffles; were good
- earl grey truffles; were ok (for me) it too bitter for my taste
-raspberry truffles; were a delite!
-hazelnut tuffles; were great! -
Review from Kim K.
4/22/2011
Truffles are as tiny as the store. These petite, lumpy little morsels look as homemade as they are. Not overly dusted, nice creamy texture. The amaretto, champagne and honey vodka are quite satisfactory. I bought a "box" of 20 but since they throw them in the tiny chinese take out box together, I forgot the other flavors I ordered by the time I got home.
The cafe isn't a place to linger long; there's no restroom and just a sliver of a bar to sit at inside. The ceiling high storage boxes with things spilling out in front to the truffle display case make me feel like sanitation is a bit questionable.
If you want a free truffle with your coffee, tea or hot chocolate, this is your place. I wouldn't go out of my way for it though.
