What Is the Michelin Star Equivalent in Australia?

When it comes to the world of fine dining, few awards carry as much weight and prestige as the Michelin Star. Originating in France, Michelin Stars are awarded by a panel of anonymous judges and signify the highest possible standard in cuisine. But what is the Michelin Star equivalent in Australia?

In Australia, there is no official Michelin Star system. The selection process for these awards is highly exclusive, and there is no Australian representation on the judging panel. However, this does not mean that Australians are without their own prestigious awards for quality cuisine.

The Age Good Food Guide has become one of Australia’s most prominent culinary awards. It has been published annually since 1980, and each edition includes reviews of restaurants across the country. Each restaurant is then rated from one to three hats – one hat being good, two hats being very good, and three hats representing excellence in dining.

The Gault & Millau Guide also offers Australian diners a way to identify great restaurants. This guide has been published since 1979 and also uses a rating system of hats – but with five instead of three. The Gault & Millau Guide also features reviews from professional food critics who specialize in French cuisine, making it especially well-suited to Australian diners interested in French gastronomy.

Conclusion:

Although there is no official Michelin Star equivalent in Australia, there are still several ways for diners to identify quality cuisine. The Age Good Food Guide and Gault & Millau Guide both offer reliable ratings systems that have become trusted indicators of excellent dining experiences across the country.