For at least the last 12 months , the Michelin Guide has been undercover in South Australia reviewing the state’s restaurants – from fine diners to casual eateries. Tonight, the inaugural selection was revealed at a ceremony at Adelaide Convention Centre, where the Australian hospitality and media industries gathered to celebrate the recipients of the country’s first Michelin stars.
77 venues were recognised as part of Michelin’s various awards groupings, with Magill Estate Restaurant earning one of the guide’s highest honours – a coveted two star rating. 10 venues were awarded one Michelin star.
While the guide is sometimes divisive globally among chefs and diners, its arrival represents one of the biggest shifts in the local dining landscape since the pandemic. Its international director has expressed his intention to expand the guide’s footprint in Australia.
Several chefs and restaurateurs were visibly emotional during their acceptance speeches this evening. Almost all of the winners thanked mentors, their teams and the tight-knit South Australian hospitality community at large.
“Thanks to the team that work day in and day out, relentlessly, for the last 13 years,” said Scott Huggins, executive chef at Magill Estate Restaurant, the first Australian restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars.
The degustation menu at Magill changes almost daily, depending on what suppliers have in stock or which wines are prime for the drinking.
“It takes a whole army,” said chef-patron Justin James in his acceptance speech. James was awarded one Michelin star for his Adelaide Hills fine diner Aptos, widely considered the state’s most ambitious since it opened in May. At each service, 14 diners are taken through a succession of dining rooms in an experience that stretches for more than three hours.
“I came to South Australia for a quiet life, but it turns out it’s not going to be anymore,” joked Hentley Farm’s Kyle Johns. The Barossa Valley fine diner was awarded one Michelin star.
“I feel very grateful for being accepted into this community,” said Alanna Sapwell, whose venue Esmay was awarded one Michelin star. Esmay began as a pop-up several years ago, touring the country before landing in Adelaide’s historic Hackney Hotel.
“I’m pretty flabbergasted to be honest. It’s a true honour and a privilege,” said Arkhe’s Jake Kellie, whose restaurant was awarded one Michelin star. Kellie is the former head chef of Michelin-starred modern Australian barbeque restaurant Burnt Ends in Singapore.
None of the restaurants featured in the guide have paid to be included. Rather, the South Australian state government has paid Michelin an undisclosed sum to host the guide and its inspectors, who are trained to Michelin’s house standards and review venues anonymously.
Alongside the recognised venues, several awards dedicated to individuals were handed out. Michelin Guide Young Chef Award: Shakaan Abillion, head chef Shobosho, won an award for best young chef; Melissa Pisanelli of Allegra Dining Room won the award for service; and Maxime Martin of Hardy’s Verandah won the best sommelier award.
Two Michelin stars
Magill Estate Restaurant, Rosslyn Park
One Michelin star
Anvers Restaurant, Kangarilla
Maxwell Restaurant, McLaren Vale
Botanic, Adelaide
Arkhe, Norwood
Esmay, Hackney
Aurora at ILA, Adelaide
Hentley Farm, Seppeltsfield
LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand, Woodside
Aptos, Stirling
Skillogalee Barrel House, Sevenhill
Special Awards
Michelin Guide Young Chef Award: Shakaan Abillion, head chef Shobosho
Michelin Guide Service Award: Melissa Pisanelli, Allegra Dining Room
Michelin Guide Sommelier Award: Maxime Martin, Hardy’s Verandah
Bib Gourmand
Africola
Antidote Kitchen
Bar Torino
Bistro Francais
Fino Seppeltsfield
Golden Boy
Gondola Gondola
La Popular Taqueria
Noi Vietnamese Eatery
Pantry on Prospect
Part Time Lover
Parwana Afghan Kitchen
Stamps
Sunny’s Pizza
Selected Restaurants
Agapi
Allegra Dining Room
Anchovy Bandit
Chianti
Clover and Stone
Coriole Vineyards
D’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant
Elementary by Kirby Shearing
FermentAsian
Fino Vino
Fugazzi
Herringbone
Huami
Kiin
Latteria
Leigh Street Wine Room
Little Wolf Osteria
Low & Slow American BBQ
Luma
Magill Estate Kitchen
Mayura Wagyu Steakhouse
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
Ode Bistro
Ong Vietnamese Kitchen
Orleana
Orso
Osteria Oggi
Pastel Wine Bar
Patch Kitchen and Garden
Pearl
Press Food and Wine
Penobscot
Pike & Joyce
Press Food and Wine
Shobosho
Slate Restaurant
Soi 38
St Hugo
Star of Greece
Station Road
Sunset Food and Wine
Tarantino’s
Thai Room
The Crafers Hotel Bistro
The Fresh Fish Place
The Kitchen
The Lane Vineyard
Thelma
Woolshed Restaurant
Yakisan
For a full breakdown of how the guide works, why it’s launched in Australia and why it skipped the other states, Broadsheet’s in-depth explainer has you covered.
For Broadsheet’s list of the best dining in Adelaide, check out our guide to Adelaide’s Best Restaurants.