South Australia’s 11 restaurants receive Australia’s first Michelin stars

South Australia has received Australia’s first Michelin stars, with 11 restaurants recognised in the guide’s inaugural awards for the country. Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide was the sole two-star recipient; 10 other venues received one star each, the BBC reports. [1]

The state government paid for Michelin’s inspectors to visit, according to Australia’s ABC broadcaster. No restaurants elsewhere in Australia were included. The government has not disclosed the cost. Tourism Minister Emily Bourke defended the spending to ABC News, saying: “It is enabling us to create a tourism destination and put us on the world map.” [1]

The one-star list includes Arkhé, known for open-fire cooking, and Aptos, whose tasting menu focuses on native Australian ingredients. The wider guide also features more than 70 South Australian restaurants, some recognised with a Bib Gourmand for good food at more moderate prices. [1]

Michelin’s guide began in France in 1900, created by brothers André and Édouard Michelin to encourage motorists to travel. Its stars were introduced in 1926. New Zealand became the first destination in Oceania to feature in the guide in July, agreeing to pay NZ$6.3m (£2.7m; $3.5m) over three years for inclusion. [1]