Fancy going all-out and exploring the country's world-famous dining destinations? Although there currently isn't a Michelin Guide down under, there are plenty of eateries that are worthy of a spot. Whether it's dinner with breathtaking views and innovative eight-course menus or botanical retreats touting foraged masterpieces, we have rounded up the best Michelin star-quality restaurants in Australia.
🍽️🍽️🍽️
Perth: Wildflower
Located in Perth's COMO The Treasury, Wildflower is a restaurant that showcases elevated food, all with a backdrop of the Swan River. Home to a seasonal menu dedicated to the indigenous Noongar calendar, each and every plate flows with the changes in Western Australia’s environment. Step inside for a real celebration of flavours and local produce, from miso and wattleseed Carnarvon bananas to dry-aged wagin duck.
Look no further for Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Perth.
Sydney: AALIA
With a great deal of awards under its belt, including two hats within the first week of opening, AALIA is truly one of Sydney's finest. Situated in the heart of CBD, this elegant dining destination flaunts chic architecture, leather booths and an outdoor terrace for alfresco eats. It's not just the interiors that make this a stand-out spot, as executive chef Paul Farag has created a unique and flavoursome Arabian-inspired menu.
For fine dining in Australia, tick this off your bucket list.
Melbourne: Vue de monde
Boasting an exclusively Australian cheese trolly, stunning architecture and sky-high scenes, it's no wonder why Vue de monde is up on our list of Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Melbourne. The Australian Good Food Guide has awarded this fine dining hub three hats for its epic selection of elevated plates. Make your way up to the 55th floor, where you'll be able to delve into cuisine meets art-inspired meals from celebrity chef Shannon Bennet.
The dishes are almost too pretty to eat.
Sydney: Oncore by Clare Smyth
If you're on the hunt for Michelin star-quality restaurants in Sydney, Oncore by Clare Smyth is bound to knock your socks off. From the first and only British female chef to hold three stars in the UK, this picture-perfect CBD eatery is a true celebration of Smyth's farming childhood in Northern Ireland. Dig into sophisticated plates from the three or seven-course menu, such as coral trout with rock oysters and caviar or a wild garlic asparagus tart.
Dinner with a view? Erm, yes please.
Stanmore: Sixpenny
Stanmore's Sixpenny touts a fabulous range of innovative, yet traditional dishes, making it a great fine dining restaurant in Australia. Inspired by sixpence restaurants from the late 1800s and housed within a historic building, this eatery is paying homage to its Australian heritage. As for the food? Head chefs Daniel Puskas and Anthony Schifilliti aim to celebrate the best produce from local suppliers and growers.
Delve into flavours of the sea here.
Sydney: Otto
Celebrating simple, yet delicious Italian cuisine in the heart of Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Otto earns its place on our Sydney favourites list. Chef Richard Ptacnik has designed a menu that truly showcases some of the best plates, which are elevated by local produce. Whether you're after zucchini flowers filled with mascarpone on the gorgeous water-facing alfresco terrace or want to throw a birthday bash, this venue has the perfect space for all occasions.
For all the linguine lovers.
Canberra: Raku
Craving some expertly made sushi? Raku is the place to go. A real Canberra gem, this award-winning Bunda Street hotspot oozes energy, as it cleverly combines Japanese techniques and culture with modern Australian dining. Whether you're popping in for an express lunch or a tasting menu, this venue has got you covered. Enjoy maki rolls, including a truffle hiramasa made with kingfish and yuzu soy, or opt for soft-shell spider crab drizzled in kimchi mayonnaise.
Expect everything to be presented beautifully.
Adelaide: Restaurant Botanic
Housed slap bang in the middle of Adelaide's iconic gardens, Restaurant Botanic really takes advantage of its stunning location. Not only does this retreat flaunt leafy views of the surrounding greenery, but the kitchen also forages ingredients from close by. Now, that's impressive. With influences from nature, foodies can expect unique plates. Our pick? The shiitake mushroom fudge, which is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.
Fine dining in South Australia doesn't get better than this.
Sydney: Tetsuya
Tetsuya's founder and head chef, Wakuda, has made quite a name for himself in the industry. From being the first overseas Sake Samurai ambassador to his contribution to Australian society, his reputation stretches further than just expertly crafted food. Get ready for a first-class dining experience within this heritage-listed site on Kent Street, where you'll be able to dig into an eight-course degustation. Think Bangalow sweet pork or scallops covered in a seaweed crumble.
You can also try lip-smacking cocktails here.
Melbourne: Attica
Combining rare and unique local ingredients in a laidback setting since 1911, Attica is an Australian gem for a reason. This Melbourne haunt aims to break all the norms of fine dining and encourages you to eat food with your hands, making it a really enjoyable experience. So, what's on the menu here? Expect BBQ saltwater croc ribs, emu liver toast and hand-churned ice cream topped with rainforest cherries. Yum.
You'll certainly get quirky food here.
Brisbane: Elska
Inspired by Nordic cooking techniques, Elska adds something a little different to Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Brisbane. Offering a fifteen-seated degustation, this restaurant runs on a bookings-only policy, making it an ultra-exclusive experience. Once you're inside, you'll be treated to innovative food, from a kelp tart filled with slow-braised octopus, house siracha and fermented okra to an Awassi sheep's milk mousse. Better yet? The menu changes continuously for that one-of-a-kind meal.
Shell-yeah.
Sydney: Nobu
Fronting a pretty immersive lunch and dinner menu, Nobu has a wide range of eats for vegetarians or carnivores alike. Thanks to dining destinations worldwide, this epic restaurant has mastered the art of Japanese fare and modern interiors. This Sydney spot is no different, as it's adorned with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, rounded tables and large hanging lights. As for the grub, there's plenty to choose between, such as lobster tempura with tamari honey and a yuzu coconut ice cake.
This is the ideal location for date night.
Melbourne: Brae
Sourcing organic ingredients from its very own farm, Brae is a top spot for fine dining in Melbourne, Australia. Venture to Birregurra to immerse yourself in the countryside on stunning walking paths, where you'll be able to find out exactly where the produce on your plate came from. And if you want to upgrade your night out? There are also guest suites on-site that are made with recycled materials, as well as using solar energy and harvested rainwater.
This restaurant offers an experience like no other.
If that's got you hungry for more, take a peek at our guide to Australia's best restaurants or sign up for our future newsletter.
