In brief
Australia’s South Australian state becomes the first region to receive Michelin stars as 11 restaurants get coveted marks. Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide was awarded two stars, while ten other venues earned one each. The move followed covert inspections paid for by the government and aims to boost tourism. With New Zealand already in the guide, this marks a milestone for Australian gastronomy.
South Australia Earns First Michelin Stars
Australia has been awarded its first Michelin stars, with 11 restaurants in the state of South Australia receiving the distinction. Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide was the only venue to receive two stars, while 10 others were awarded one star each.
South Australia's government paid for incognito inspectors to visit the state, according to national broadcaster ABC, which is why no spots have been recognised in other parts of the country.
The announcement comes more than a century after the Michelin Guide was first published in France and after years of unsuccessful attempts to bring it to Australia. Michelin has approached the national tourism board about bringing the guide to the country more than once, with no success.
South Australia decided to go it alone and pursued its own deal. The state government has not disclosed how much it paid, but Tourism Minister Emily Bourke defended the investment in an interview with ABC News, saying it is enabling the state to create a tourism destination and put it on the world map.
The move follows Michelin’s expansion into New Zealand, which became the first destination in Oceania to feature in the guide in July, agreeing to pay NZ$6.3m (£2.7m; $3.5m) over three years for its inclusion.
The Michelin‑Starred Restaurants
Two Michelin stars
- Magill Estate Restaurant, Rosslyn Park
One Michelin star
- Anvers Restaurant, Kangarilla
- Maxwell Restaurant, McLaren Vale
- Botanic, Adelaide
- Arkhé, Norwood
- Esmay, Adelaide
- Aurora at ILA, Adelaide
- Hentley Farm, Seppeltsfield
- LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand, Woodside
- Aptos, Stirling
- Skillogalee Barrel House, Sevenhill
The wider guide includes more than 70 other South Australian restaurants, with some recognised through the Bib Gourmand category, which highlights restaurants offering good food at more moderate prices.
