Is chasing a Michelin star really worth it?

For the first time ever, South Australian restaurateurs are about to find out if they've landed a spot on the world-renowned Michelin Guide.

Anonymous inspectors have been dining in secret to hand-pick locations, sampling sauces and quietly judging each plate.

But who decides which restaurants are worthy of a gold star, and how far do restaurants have to go to earn the privilege?

While it's unclear how much money the South Australian government has put behind the bid, New Zealand reportedly paid $6.3 million in a deal to bring the Michelin Guide to its shores.

So is it really worth it?