South Australia Joins Michelin Map with Inaugural Restaurant Selections

Australia has officially entered the global culinary spotlight with the unveiling of the inaugural Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 selection, marking the nation's debut on the renowned restaurant map. The selection features 77 recognized establishments, including one restaurant awarded Two Michelin Stars and ten receiving One Star.

Magill Estate Restaurant, led by chef Scott Huggins, achieved the highest distinction of Two Michelin Stars, described by the guide as offering "excellent cooking that's worth a detour." Situated at the base of the Adelaide Hills with views of Penfolds' historic Magill Estate vineyards, the restaurant presents a 10-course tasting menu that emphasizes premium Australian produce and precise techniques. Dishes have included sea urchin with snow peas and tarragon, and spring lamb Wellington. The restaurant's wine pairings and warm, engaging service were also highlighted.

Ten restaurants were awarded One Michelin Star, signifying "high quality cooking, worth a stop."

• Anvers Restaurant, located in the Adelaide Hills, offers modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients like Paroo kangaroo and Murray cod.
• Aptos, housed in a restored church in the Adelaide Hills, provides a multi-room dining experience with a tasting menu that highlights native Australian ingredients.
• arkhé, situated in Norwood, centers its identity around open-flame cooking, with chefs preparing dishes over an open fire.
• Aurora at ILA, located in Adelaide's ILA visual arts precinct, presents a polished take on modern Australian dining with an emphasis on open-flame cooking and seasonal produce.
• Skillogalee Barrel House, nestled among the vineyards of the Clare Valley, focuses on produce-led cooking using ingredients from local farmers and the estate itself.
• Botanic, set within a 19th-century teahouse in Adelaide Botanic Garden, offers an immersive dining experience with a tasting menu dedicated to showcasing Australian ingredients.
• Esmay, located within the Hackney Hotel, features a bright dining room and counter seating, with chef Alanna Sapwell's seasonal cooking offering a playful perspective.
• Hentley Farm, located in the Barossa Valley, serves a seasonally driven tasting menu in a converted barn setting.
• LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand, within the Bird in Hand winery in the Adelaide Hills, combines vineyard views with live-fire cooking, featuring vegetables from the property's garden.
• Maxwell Restaurant, perched above the Maxwell Wines estate in McLaren Vale, draws inspiration from the region's seasons with a globally minded tasting menu.

In addition to the Star awards, 16 restaurants received the Bib Gourmand designation for "good quality cooking at great value." These include venues in Adelaide, the Clare Valley, Kangaroo Island, McLaren Vale, and Seppeltsfield, recognized for their approachable prices and thoughtful cuisine.

For the past six months, Michelin inspectors have been evaluating restaurants across South Australia following an agreement between the South Australian Government and the Michelin Guide to bring the prestigious publication to the region, anticipating a significant boost in tourism.

"South Australia's debut has been very impressive. It speaks to a food culture of real depth, where exceptional produce, skilled chefs and an unmistakable sense of place come together," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. He noted the prevalence of wood and charcoal as a technique rather than a trend, allowing exceptional local produce to be the focus, and described the food culture as "technically refined yet relaxed, generous and unmistakably South Australian in its warmth."