Australia has awarded its first Michelin stars, with 11 restaurants in South Australia earning the distinction. The 2027 Michelin Guide, unveiled in Adelaide, recognizes 77 venues, including one two-star restaurant, 10 one-star establishments, 16 Bib Gourmand winners, and 50 Michelin Selected venues.
Magill Estate Restaurant, located at the Penfolds winery, received two Michelin stars, becoming Australia’s first restaurant to achieve this honor. Chef Scott Huggins leads the kitchen, offering a 10-course tasting menu that showcases contemporary Australian cuisine.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Australian culinary tourism, placing Adelaide and South Australia’s wine regions on Michelin’s global dining map. Until now, Michelin had never awarded stars in Australia. The selection is limited to South Australia, not the entire country.
The awards followed anonymous inspections by Michelin’s team. Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin’s International Director, praised South Australia’s diverse food culture, which blends European, Southeast Asian, and Japanese influences with native Australian ingredients.
Ten restaurants received one Michelin star each: Anvers, Aptos, Aurora at ILA, Botanic, Esmay, Hentley Farm, LVN at Bird in Hand, Maxwell, and Skillogalee Barrel House. These establishments are spread across Adelaide and wine regions such as Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley.
Among the one-star winners, Esmay, led by chef Alanna Sapwell, and LVN, which combines dining with a winery experience, stand out. Botanic offers contemporary Australian cuisine in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, while arkhé specializes in open-fire cooking in Norwood.
The guide also awarded 16 Bib Gourmands to venues offering good-quality, affordable dining. Recipients include Adelaide’s Africola, Parwana Afghan Kitchen, and Sunny’s Pizza, as well as regional spots like Antidote Kitchen and Tirage on Kangaroo Island.
An additional 50 restaurants earned Michelin Selected status, meeting inspectors’ standards without receiving stars or Bib Gourmands. These include several established Adelaide restaurants and regional venues, such as Osteria Oggi, Shōbōsho, and Star of Greece.
Michelin also recognized outstanding hospitality professionals: Shakaan Abillion as Young Chef, Melissa Pisanelli for Service, and Maxime Martin as Sommelier.
South Australia’s entry into the Michelin Guide follows a five-year agreement with the state government aimed at boosting culinary tourism. While inspections remain independent, the guide’s impact on visitor numbers is yet to be seen.