Australia receives first Michelin stars as 11 South Australian restaurants make history
A first for Australia
The Michelin Guide has awarded stars in Australia for the first time, recognising 11 restaurants in South Australia. The state negotiated its own arrangement with Michelin, becoming the first Australian state included in the guide.
Magill Estate, located at Penfolds winery in the foothills of Adelaide, received two stars. Chef and owner Scott Huggins told ABC News the recognition fulfilled a dream, saying he felt “extremely lucky and honoured” to be the first Australian restaurant to earn two stars.
A range of local cooking
Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec called the awards an “historic milestone” and said the restaurants were putting South Australia on the world culinary map. He praised the range of European, South East Asian and Japanese influences alongside native ingredients.
Magill’s 10-course menu includes sea urchin with snow peas and tarragon, as well as spring lamb Wellington with kohlrabi. Anvers features Paroo kangaroo, Murray cod and damper bread, while Botanic Botanic takes inspiration from its home in a former 19th-century teahouse in Adelaide’s Botanic Garden.
Restaurants earn wider recognition
At Esmay, chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone serves seasonal food around a central counter where diners can talk with the chefs. Beyond the 11 star-awarded restaurants, 16 establishments received Bib Gourmand awards and another 50 appeared in the guide’s recommended selection.
Five-year agreement ahead
The 77 recognised venues include restaurants with stars, Bib Gourmand awards and recommended listings. The Bib Gourmand distinction highlights good food at more moderate prices. South Australia’s agreement with Michelin lasts five years, and restaurants will continue to be reviewed during that period. New venues may be added, while existing star-holders could lose their awards; one star denotes high-quality cooking worth a stop, two indicate cooking worth a detour, and three are for cuisine worth a special journey.
Key points
- Eleven South Australian restaurants received Australia’s first Michelin stars.
- Magill Estate earned two stars, the highest award reported in the state’s first selection.
- The guide also named 16 Bib Gourmand venues and recommended 50 others.
- South Australia’s five-year agreement allows for continuing reviews and possible changes to the selection.