It’s been a big week for South Australia with the Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 announcing it will reveal its inaugural restaurant selection in October 2026.
The South Australian government is investing approximately $6.3 million over three years to bring the guide to the state. Tourism Australia previously declined a nationwide, multi-million-dollar proposal for a national Michelin Guide, South Australia proceeded with its own partnership to boost local tourism, similar to models used in Thailand and Singapore.
South Australia is currently hosting Tasting Australian, presented by Journey Beyond, and The Australian Tourism Exchange 2026.
The Michelin Guide faces ongoing controversy regarding its opaque, Eurocentric rating system, placing pressure on chefs and restaurateurs with paid partnerships with tourism boards raising questions about impartiality. But others say it can put a country on the culinary map, as it has elsewhere.
The Guide said South Australia offers a compelling gastronomic identity that resonates with both tradition and modern creativity.
“South Australia offers an impressive diversity of culinary expressions within a single destination,” the International Director of the MICHELIN Guide Gwendal Poullennec said.
“The strength of its identity lies in the freedom chefs enjoy defining their own voice, guided by outstanding produce, a strong relationship to the land and a confident openness to global influences. Our Inspectors were struck by the authenticity and personality of the region’s dining culture, and we are delighted to spotlight South Australia on the MICHELIN Guide stage.”
Anonymous inspectors
Anonymous guide inspectors said they found South Australia’s cuisine reflects a multicultural heritage, where European traditions and Asian influences come together in a contemporary and confident style.
South Australia offers a compelling proposition for gastronomic travellers in search of authenticity, diversity and a strong sense of place, the guide said.
With its concentration of acclaimed wine regions, proximity between producers and dining destinations, and a culinary scene driven by creativity rather than convention, the region provides an ideal context for the MICHELIN Guide to showcase a distinctive and evolving gastronomic culture rooted in both heritage and innovation.
“We are proud to welcome the Micheline Guide to South Australia,” South Australia’s Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said.
‘Today’s announcement is a fantastic recognition of what we already know: our state sits atop the nation’s foodie must-visit list. With its mix of culture, food, wine, and natural beauty, South Australia offers a vibrant calendar of food festivals and wine events, celebrating culinary excellence, from city dining experiences to regional gourmet celebrations, and we look forward to sharing this with MICHELIN Guide readers around the world’.
Key ratings
One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
