South Australia’s culinary “secret” is a secret no more: The Michelin Guide is coming to South Australia!
The inaugural Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 selection will be revealed in October 2026, marking Michelin’s first entry into Australia. As the country’s capital of premium pours and produce, South Australia is finally getting the global spotlight it deserves.
From pristine seafood plucked from rugged coastlines to the vine-drenched hills of the Barossa, South Australia is a playground for epicurean discovery. Getting there is now a breeze, too, with United Airlines’ direct flights between San Francisco and Adelaide, North American travelers are just one flight away from a seat at the table.
Here are a few newcomers, icons, and frontrunners ready to claim their stars:
- The Heavy Hitters
- NEW Restaurant Aptos: Chef Justin James’ new trio of fine dining concepts opened this month in the Adelaide Hills as a celebration of Australia in taste and design. It is anticipated to join the ranks of the powerhouse Restaurant Botanic and the open-flame theater of Arkhé.
- Watervale Hotel: Don’t let the “pub” exterior fool you…this is the crown jewel of the Clare Valley. Its hyperlocal culinary philosophy is so literal you can see the gardens from your table.
- Parwana Afghan Kitchen: An Adelaide institution that proves soul and spice are just as worthy of acclaim as fine dining. This family-run gem serves up vibrant Afghan flavors and incredible hospitality that has made it a national favorite.
- Ondeen: A design-forward tasting room and garden set among the vines, pairing small-batch, minimal-intervention wines with a seasonal, produce-driven food offering. It’s one of the more thoughtfully designed and quietly distinctive cellar door experiences in the Adelaide Hills, with a strong focus on local ingredients.
The Bold & The Coastal
- Africola: Opened by chef Duncan Welgemoed, Africola is widely considered one of Adelaide’s most influential and energetic restaurants, known for its wood-fired cooking and bold, African-inspired flavors. The atmosphere is loud, communal, and consistently packed.
- Shobosho: A Japanese-inspired restaurant from Duncan Welgemoed that centers on yakitori, ramen, and a wood-fired grill. It remains one of the city’s most consistently popular dining rooms, blending precise technique on authentic yakitori grills with a lively, open-kitchen setting.
- Skillogalee: Another Clare Valley icon, offering a quintessential South Australian experience. Expect world-class Riesling paired with seasonal, estate-grown fare overlooking some of the most picturesque vines in the country.
- Baird Bay Experience: Chef Calvin Von Niebel is taking “ocean-to-plate” to a whole new level with bespoke dining experiences offered up on the beach. Beyond swimming with sea lions, their incredible restaurant showcases the Eyre Peninsula’s wild bounty. Think: succulent oysters and kingfish served with a side of coastal flair.
