You've probably wondered why Australia doesn't have any Michelin star restaurants. Or at least, it's a question I've heard more than a few foodie friends ponder over the last decade or two. We have so many incredible food destinations worthy of the title, and yet, our continent is unusually free of any mention in the infamous food guide... until now.
Yes, we've heard word this week that the Michelin guide is officially headed to Australia – with its first pit stop in South Australia. The news comes after it was announced that New Zealand would be welcomed into the Michelin fold later this year. If you – like many – are wondering what the hell that even means, we've got all your burning questions answered, below.
When is the Michelin guide launching in Australia?
The guide is officially launching in South Australia in 2027, with the inaugural restaurant selection revealed in October 2026.
Michelin restaurants are typically announced annually through high-profile live ceremonies or dedicated press conferences hosted by the Michelin Guide. It's likely South Australia will host an event or press conference to reveal new Star recipients, Bib Gourmands, and special awards to the public, followed immediately by updates to the official website and mobile app.
What restaurants in South Australia will have a Michelin star?
This is the question. Given that the inaugural restaurant selection will be revealed in only six months' time, the heat is on for South Australian restaurants to start churning out their very best cuisine and service. Local venues will be under the scrutiny of the same anonymous inspectors who award stars in Italy, France and Japan – which leads us to wonder exactly who will make the cut. (We've already compiled a list of our favourite Adelaide restaurants that we think could be up to par.)
Why does Australia not already have Michelin star restaurants?
Australia doesn’t have Michelin star restaurants because the Michelin Guide has never officially launched here. Michelin only operates in certain countries and cities where it believes there’s enough tourism demand and commercial value to support the cost of running the guide.
Australia has a world-class food scene, but local awards systems like the Good Food Guide (you may have heard of 'hatted restaurants') have traditionally filled that role instead. Many chefs and restaurants in cities like Sydney and Melbourne are considered Michelin-star quality, even without the official stars.
Why is the Michelin guide a big deal and how do you earn a star?
The Michelin Guide is a big deal because it can completely change a restaurant’s business overnight. Restaurants that earn a Michelin star often see huge jumps in bookings, international attention, and menu prices – some studies estimate revenue can increase by 20% after receiving a star, while three-star restaurants can sometimes double business.
Michelin now covers restaurants in 69 countries and its website attracts more than 70 million visitors a year, making it one of the most recognised food-rating systems in the world.
What makes it unique is that inspectors visit anonymously and judge restaurants on consistency, technique, ingredient quality, and creativity rather than popularity or social media hype. Because of that reputation for independence, a Michelin star is often seen as the "Olympics" of fine dining.
The stars also have real economic impact beyond restaurants themselves. Cities with Michelin guides often use them to boost tourism, luxury travel, and hospitality spending, which is why many tourism boards financially support Michelin’s expansion into new regions.
