“I suppose I ought to eat or drink something or other, but the great question is, what?"
– Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
The Fleurieu’s first MICHELIN-recognised tables, a short walk or drive from your front door when you stay at MESA del mar.
In October 2026, the MICHELIN Guide arrived in Australia for the first time, with South Australia it's first stop.
Eight Fleurieu restaurants were recognised in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027, from two one-star kitchens in McLaren Vale and Kangarilla, to a Bib Gourmand restaurant and five MICHELIN Selected tables.
Two of those tables are right on the doorstep of MESA del mar, with Pearl Aldinga only a 5-minute walk and Star of Greece an easy 5 minute drive along the Esplanade.
Stay at MESA del mar and plan a long lunch, a sunset dinner with ocean views or a whole weekend to enjoy an epicurean escape around the Fleurieu’s best tables.
MICHELIN Guide Restaurants near MESA del mar
MICHELIN-Starred Restaurants
Maxwell Restaurant, McLaren Vale
One MICHELIN Star 2027
Distance from MESA del mar | 25-minute drive
Set above the vineyard, Maxwell Restaurant serves a multi-course tasting menu built around South Australian produce and the family’s wines.
Credit | SATC
Anvers Restaurant, Kangarilla
One MICHELIN Star 2027
Distance from MESA del mar | 50-minute drive
Lunch at Anvers Restaurant comes with panoramic hills views. Modern Autralian cooking is paired with wines from the winery next door.
Credit | SATC
Bib Gourmand Restaurant
The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale
Bib Gourmand Restaurant - Excellent Value for Money
Distance from MESA del mar | 15-minute drive
The Fleurieu’s only Bib Gourmand restaurant, with outdoor dining and a bar, The Salopian Inn offers seasonal dining and generous hospitality.
Credit | SATC
MICHELIN Selected Restaurants near MESA del mar
Pearl Restaurant, Aldinga Beach
MICHELIN Selected
Distance from MESA del mar | 5-minute walk
A short stroll from MESA del mar for sunset dining. Enjoy future-friendly seafood, fresh produce and ocean views.
Credit | SATC + Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism
Star of Greece, Port Willunga
MICHELIN Selected
Distance from MESA del mar | 5-minute drive
The iconic Esplanade restaurant at Port Willunga, known for modern cuisine, local wines and ocean views.
Credit | SATC + Josie Withers
Coriole Vineyards Restaurant, McLaren Vale
MICHELIN Selected
Distance from MESA del mar | 20-minute drive
Ideal for a long lunch. Coriole Restaurant serves innovative food created from ingredients that speak to the provenance of McLaren Vale.
Credit | Gather at Coriole by Coriole Vineyards
D’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, McLaren Vale
MICHELIN Selected
Distance from MESA del mar | 45-minute drive
Housed in a restored 19th-century homestead with spectacular views of the rolling hills and vineyards. Enjoy long leisurely lunches with a menu showcasing the finest produce from the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Credit | Duy Dash
Little Wolf Osteria, McLaren Vale
MICHELIN Selected
Distance from MESA del mar | 15-minute drive
Embracing tradition and much loved flavours of the Italian kitchen, cooked over fire and made by hand.
Credit | Hey Gents
More local favourites close to MESA del mar
Not every great meal needs to be a MICHELIN listing. These are a few more of our favourites, from pubs, distilleries, breweries to cellar doors. The region is yours to explore when you stay at MESA del mar.
The Little Rickshaw (7min drive)
Credit | Duy Dash
Kick Back Brewing (7min drive)
Credit | SATC
Victory Hotel (10min drive)
Credit | Josh Geelen
Down the Rabbit Hole (30min drive)
Credit | Elise Cook
The Currant Shed (25min drive)
Credit | HEY GENTS
Yonder Aldinga (7min drive)
Credit | Yonder Aldinga
Disclaimer | Awards shown are from the MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027, announced 14 October 2026. MESA del mar is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MICHELIN Guide or the restaurants listed.
Main image credit | Pearl Aldinga Restaurant by Andy Nowell.