The Michelin window: why it's wise to book South Australia's best tables now

The South Australian culinary scene is about to go global, leaving food lovers with just a few short months of insider access.

The state made history this week as the first to welcome Michelin inspectors ahead of a dedicated South Australian guide launching in 2027.

Given the popularity of culinary tourism led by Michelin Stars, the clock is ticking for travellers to experience South Australia's world-class restaurants before the rest of the world finds out.

The state's minister for tourism Emily Bourke said "the guide has a proven track record as a powerful driver of gastronomic, tourism and economic development in the regions it covers".

South Australia's debut comes on the heels of New Zealand's 2025 Michelin deal, a partnership backed by more than $6 million in tourism funding.

Tourism New Zealand regional director Andrew Waddel said "two of the world's smaller destinations" were forming a new luxury travel corridor in the South Pacific for international jet-setters.

"Australians have a long and proud tradition of adopting New Zealand's greatest treasures," he said.

"We've watched on with great fondness each time. But we want South Australia to know this is one thing we are genuinely, willingly happy to share."

If the Michelin Guide inspectors see eye-to-eye with Australia's restaurant reviewers, it's likely that a handful of well-regarded restaurants will make a splash.

Considered one of the most "Michelin-ready" restaurants in South Australia, Restaurant Botanic in Adelaide's city centre has been "striving for" a star, long before the announcement was made.

Restaurant Botanic executive chef Jamie Musgrave said "having firsthand worked and experienced Michelin level restaurants, it is a standard that we try and hold ourselves to, day in and day out".

Knowing that an inspector, potentially using a pseudonym, could be secretly reviewing the restaurant at any time, Mr Musgrave said his team "thrives on pressure and turns it into a challenge".

"We want to win ... We treat every table as if they were an inspector," he said.

The executive chef said that foodies won't be the only ones flocking to South Australia, elite culinary talent is set to follow as well.

"We are fortune to have lots of international talent on our team and many cooks and servers from a Michelin background already, this is a big step forward and will attract more highly skilled staff to South Australia," he said.

While the Michelin Guide is expected to trigger a tourism boom for South Australia, the nation's traditional culinary capitals are feeling the chill.

By bypassing Sydney and Melbourne for its Australian debut, the guide has left the eastern states wondering when their turn will come.

Speaking to Explore, Destination NSW said it was "always open to considering proposals that will support our visitor economy and showcase our incredible culinary talent".

"We continue to engage with industry partners on opportunities that promote NSW as a leading global food and travel destination and will assess any future proposals on their merits to ensure the best outcomes for the state."

Visit Victoria was contacted for comment but did not respond.