Australia gets its first Michelin Guide stars, all in South Australia; outlets differ on whether it is 10 or 11 restaurants
The BBC reported that Australia’s first-ever Michelin stars went to 11 restaurants in one state. The Guardian reported that ten South Australian restaurants won a Michelin star, with one double winner. The Herald group said South Australia joined the Michelin Guide in an Australian first, and the ABC had reported earlier on Wednesday that the country was on the verge of its first Michelin star and that it would not be in Sydney or Melbourne. If the Guardian’s ten includes one restaurant with two stars, that would make 11 stars across ten restaurants, which would reconcile the figures; we have not confirmed this.
A Michelin listing is a marketing event as well as a ranking: it tends to bring visitors, higher prices and more staff to restaurants and the region. That the first awards went outside Sydney and Melbourne is notable for South Australia’s food and wine tourism.
If you are planning a trip, book early for any restaurant on the list, as demand usually jumps after an award.
Stars put regional Australian cooking on a global stage and help tourism.
Michelin’s inspectors are outsiders, and a star system can push restaurants towards a narrow style of fine dining.
The counting discrepancy is a good reminder to wait for the guide’s own list. We will update when two outlets agree on the number.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 11 · Morning · THU., OCT. 15, 2026