The Michelin Guide Is Heading To South Australia – Here’s What That Actually Means
seasoned traveller
By Victoria Lewis | 13th May 2026We’ve all heard the phrase ‘Michelin-starred’ spoken about the world’s most famed restaurants, but just how does it all work, and why doesn’t Australia have any yet? With the recent announcement that the elusive Michelin Guide is currently visiting South Australia to award the country its first Michelin Stars, we thought now was as good a time as any to unpack it all in layman’s terms.
The news is causing quite the stir in the national food community this week, sparking chatter about which venues in and around Australia’s wine region will be awarded the distinguished gastronomic ranking, the full set to be revealed in October. In the meantime, we answer all the burning questions you may have about the Michelin Guide’s visit to South Australia.
What is the Michelin Guide?
With unexpected origins, the Michelin Guide was created by the Michelin tyre company in 1900 as a way to grow the automobile industry. What was once a marketing effort to see more cars (and tyres) on the road has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious food directories, guiding travellers and foodies to the top dining institutions across the globe.
Why does the Michelin Guide visit?
The Michelin Guide will visit destinations it deems to have not only exceptional food offerings, but also the promise to support and expand gastronomic tourism.
For South Australia, this means that right now, as you read, Michelin Guide inspectors are anonymously travelling through Adelaide and regional South Australia, road-testing firsthand the very best venues the state has to offer.
Why South Australia?
While, to many, South Australia might not seem like the most obvious choice for Australia’s first Michelin star stint, the region is home to some seriously world-class dining experiences – and that’s not even mentioning the wine. Of particular note for Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, is the “authenticity and personality” of South Australia’s dining culture, guided by “outstanding produce, a strong relationship to the land, and a confident openness to global influences”.
Backed by the premium produce of its $17.1 billion agriculture industry (ACCC), South Australia’s fine dining scene merges native ingredients and multicultural cuisines in a uniquely local way. It’s this creativity and connection to the land that caught the attention of the Michelin Guide, resulting in a dining scene driven by intuition over tradition, while celebrating the picturesque landscape and supporting local growers.
How does a restaurant receive a Michelin Star rating?
Now, how can South Australian venues make it onto this prestigious list? The Michelin Guide’s restaurant selection process follows a global standard that remains the same worldwide. Anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors will judge the dining experiences of South Australian venues using the following five criteria:
- The quality of the ingredients
- The mastery of cooking techniques
- The harmony of flavours
- The personality of the cuisine
- The consistency both over time and across the menu
What’s the difference between One, Two, or Three Michelin Stars?
As for the difference between the stars, the answer is actually quite simple. One Michelin Star is awarded for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” while Two Michelin Stars are given to restaurants that offer “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”. The top ranking, Three Michelin Stars, is reserved for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”. All roads lead to tiring out those tyres, after all.
There’s also the wonderful Bib Gourmand category, designed to highlight venues offering exceptional cuisine at more accessible price points for those dining on a budget.
We hope that cleared up all your Michelin-starred questions. The inaugural visit to Australia is to determine the restaurants included in the Michelin Guide South Australia 2027, which will be revealed in October this year (we’re getting hungry just thinking about it).
Imagery: @birdinhandwine / @lvn_restaurant / @maxwellwines
