In brief
In a historic moment for Australian dining, the Michelin Guide awarded 11 South Australian restaurants their first stars. Magill Estate in Adelaide earned two stars, while ten others received one star each. The state's government paid for a discreet inspection program, positioning the region as a culinary destination. The announcement follows a decade‑long effort to bring Michelin recognition to Australia and mirrors similar moves in New Zealand.
For the first time ever, the prestigious Michelin Guide has awarded stars to Australian venues – 11 restaurants based in South Australia received the distinction on Wednesday. It marks a milestone for the region’s culinary scene and for the country’s food tourism industry.
The Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide became the sole two‑star venue, while ten others – including Anvers, Maxwell, Botanic, Arkhé, Esmay, Aurora at ILA, Hentley Farm, LVN, Aptos and Skillogalee Barrel House – each earned one star. Chef and owner Scott Huggins, who had dreamed of Michelin accolades as a youth, said the two stars were "one thing, achieving two is another."
South Australia’s government covered costs for a trial run of Michelin inspectors who visited the state incognito, a decision that kept other parts of Australia out of the current guide. Tourism Minister Emily Bourke defended the expenditure, explaining that the awards "enable us to create a tourism destination and put us on the world map."
The move follows the Michelin Guide’s earlier expansion into New Zealand, where a three‑year agreement brought the first Oceania listing. Despite the guide’s 126‑year history, less than a century passed after its 1900 founding before it arrived in Australia, after repeated outreach was initially rebuffed.
Star definitions remain the same: one star for high‑quality cooking, two for "excellent cooking worth a detour" and three for "exceptional cuisine worthy of a special journey." The guide also notes dozens of South Australian establishments earning Bib Gourmand status for offering good food at moderate prices.
For those looking to taste the best of South Australian gastronomy, a careful itinerary that begins with a two‑star experience at Magill Estate and rounds out with other one‑star restaurants will showcase the region’s culinary range from native ingredients to refined French techniques.
