Across most of the world, the Michelin guide to fine food and gastronomy is the holy book for those seeking the most exclusive, the most luxurious and most sense-tingling culinary experiences available. Those awarded with the sought-after three Michelin star rating are widely considered the best restaurants in the world, and do amazing things with the very best ingredients found anywhere on earth – whether this involves the molecular gastronomic wizardry of places like The Fat Duck in the UK (listed as the best restaurant in the world for three years running), the earthy, back-to-nature approach of Noma in Denmark, or the robust and spectacular spin of San Sebastian’s Mugaritz.

However, the Michelin guide does not feature Australia. For some reason, the judges who award the stars so coveted by the world’s best chefs have not yet ventured down under, for what reason I am not too sure. That’s not to say that Australia is lacking when it comes to fine dining and technical wizardry in the kitchen – as anyone who has undertaken a gastronomic tour of this beautiful country would surely understand. We have some of the finest raw materials for cooking to be found anywhere, as well as some serious home grown talent.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in indulgence, and want to take your taste buds into uncharted territories, you’ve got plenty to choose from in Australia. But if the Michelin judges did decide to travel here, where would they go? Which of our dining places deserve those three stars, and where can you go to get an idea of the sort of quality and flair Michelin looks for in a restaurant experience? Remember, this isn’t just about the food – Michelin is equally interested in levels of service, atmosphere, the wine list and the ‘travel-worthiness’ of a restaurant: the idea behind the third star is whether or not a restaurant would justify a trip to a country or city in itself. Here are the three Australian restaurants we’d like to see added to that prestigious Michelin three-starred list, and ones which you cannot miss.

 

Attica

This Melbourne restaurant has developed something of a cult following over the past few years, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Their eight course tasting menu with accompanying wine is a dream – wild and native Australian ingredients are handled with expert precision, and it offers you a genuine taste of Australian in a truly beautiful setting. The aim of chef Ben Shewry is to achieve complete purity of flavour, and this takes him to the coast with his wild crab sorrel dish, to the forests with his wallaby and scorched berry creation, and to the edges of the bizarre with his signature brewed vinegar ice creams. An unforgettable restaurant at the very pinnacle of taste, class and style.

 

Quay

If there was ever a quintessential Sydney luxury restaurant, then Quay would surely be it. With spectacular views of Sydney Opera House, this is a place to unwind and take in some breathtaking urban scenery, while treating your palate to the very best the city has to offer. Taking the finest wild ingredients, and constructing genuine works of art on the plate, Quay’s chefs are a credit to the city.

Images-Quay Restaurant

Restaurant Amuse

Perth’s culinary scene has come a long way in recent years, and Restaurant Amuse’s nine course degustation menu is the very zenith of this upward momentum. The sizeable, dimly lit dining room simply bursts with atmosphere and romance, and the precision of the plating here is second to none. Indeed, each dish comes out of the kitchen looking like an abstract masterpiece, with wild flower petals adorning delicate constructions of the very finest ingredients. Amuse is worth visiting for the wine list too, as they have put together the definitive collection of modern Australian and traditional French wines for your delight, served by knowledgeable sommeliers who will guarantee the best choice for your dinner.

Images-Amuse