Monte’s Chef Martín and his wife, Karen (pictured right), earned their first Michelin star. | Image: Salt Lake Magazine
Monte just became Utah’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, receiving a one-star rating in the inaugural American Southwest Guide. The honor was bestowed at the launch of the “Michelin Guide Southwest” in Las Vegas.
Chef Martín Babío leads the restaurant, which is located in the Beehive Distillery in South Salt Lake. Monte features seasonal and foraged ingredients, chef-driven experiences, no fixed menu, and is designed to be an intimate dining experience. Three Park City restaurants also received Michelin’s “recommended” designation: Handle, High West Distillery, and Matilda Park City.
Monte opened last July 2025 and has already received a Michelin star. Chef Martín’s inspiration comes from French, Italian, and South American Cuisines. The restaurant focuses on a majority of local producers to create a refined menu with offerings inspired by each season. The tasting menu is chef-driven with its roots in Martín’s home country of Uruguay. Martín’s wife, Karen, oversees the restaurant’s service team and is 50% of the team, and Monte would not be possible without her, according to chef Martín. “We’re so happy, so proud, because this is not just for Monte; it’s for the whole community in Utah, and for the city, for everybody at work behind the scenes,” chef Martín said in an interview with local Utah station ABC4.
At Monte, guests can choose between a short or long menu, which takes them through a progression of courses, each incredibly intentional. The menu is constantly evolving with the season, using ingredients from local farmers, foragers, and producers. Every dish is meticulously crafted, and the experience is intimate and creative.
Sweet bread is Chef Martín’s favorite dish and is currently not on the menu, but look for it on the upcoming seasonal menu. “I will do it again and typically try it because it’s a fusion between French cuisine and Chinese cuisine,” Chef Martín said. “So, it’s amazing. You need to try it.”
The significance of Monte receiving a Michelin star is important because it validates Utah as a world-class culinary destination that also features world-class skiing. Powder destinations like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City, and Deer Valley are all within 30 to 60 minutes away. If the Wasatch Mountains and Park City Resorts weren’t already on an international luxury tourism map, they should be now. Skiers and snowboarders already had a great selection of fine-dining options at these Utah ski destinations, but adding a Michelin-starred restaurant takes it to another level completely.
PHOTOS
A5 Wagyu with truffle. | Image: Monte
Green banana cake with miso caramel dessert. | Image: Monte
Mascarpone Rhubarb. | Image: Monte
Dining and Cooking