Utah has its first Michelin-starred restaurant.
Monte, chef Martin Babio’s fine-dining experience in South Salt Lake, was awarded the Michelin Guide’s prestigious star distinction on Wednesday.
Michelin released its first Southwest Guide, at last vetting restaurants in Utah, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. Monte, located in the Beehive Distilling space at 2245 S. West Temple, was one of only five restaurants in those states to be awarded a star.
“Thank you, Utah, because I promised this five years ago,” Babio said on stage during a ceremony in Las Vegas. “I promised I’d bring a star for Utah. And tonight, I [kept] my promise. The dream is coming true.”
The restaurant opened in 2025, featuring chef-driven tasting menus — a short menu currently listed at $120 per person and a long menu listed at $180 — that change depending on the seasons and the ingredients of the day.
(Carlos Arevalo | Monte) Monte, in South Salt Lake, is the first Utah restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.
Southwest Michelin star recipients
• Restaurant de Joël Robuchon, Las Vegas (Two stars).
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• Monte, South Salt Lake.
• é by José Andrés, Las Vegas.
• Restaurant Guy Savoy, Las Vegas.
• L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Las Vegas.
Bib Gourmand
A trio of Utah restaurants received the distinction that recognizes eateries “for great food at a great value.”
• Feldman’s Deli, Salt Lake City.
• Pho 777, West Valley City.
• One More Noodle House, South Salt Lake.
Recommended
And five other Utah restaurants will make it into the Michelin Guide, though they did not receive awards.
• Handle, Park City.
• Koyote, Salt Lake City.
• Matilda, Park City.
• Nelson Cottage, Park City.
• Star Of India, Salt Lake City.
Utah reacts
John Feldman, owner of Feldman’s Deli, said via email on the way home from the Michelin ceremony in Las Vegas that his team was “shocked” at the news that the Jewish deli was recognized with the Bib Gourmand.
“When we heard that Michelin was coming to Salt Lake City, we immediately started joking about being a deli with a star,” Feldman said. “… We are thrilled beyond comprehension with this news.”
“If you asked us 14 years ago if we would be in the Michelin Guide, we would have laughed,” Feldman continued. “Even now, it’s hard to believe.”
He added that Feldman’s Deli had been busier Thursday than last Thursday, and that “we are expecting and preparing for the best possible outcome of this distinction.”
Chef Felipe Oliveira, co-owner of Koyote and Junah along with chef Hiro Tagai, spoke to The Salt Lake Tribune as he caught a flight from Las Vegas, where he also attended the Michelin ceremony.
Oliveira said they were “speechless” that their Japanese restaurant Koyote made it into the guide.
“We hope to keep doing what we do, serving the community with affordable food, good ambiance, good service, and I just feel that we’re not stopping here,” he said.
Oliveira added that the nod was especially gratifying since it’s the first time the Michelin Guide has recognized the Southwest region. He said Koyote was “making a road for others to come, and I hope others come, too.”
Koyote is opening a second location in Park City in October, Oliveira said.
High West chef de cuisine Julia Sorroche, who leads The Nelson Cottage in Park City, said it was an “incredible” honor to be recognized by the Michelin Guide.
“Our team is so passionate about our region’s unique flavors, culture, and heritage, and we are proud to celebrate them in every course, dish, cocktail, and guest encounter we share each night at The Nelson Cottage,” Sorroche said.
During its monthly meeting on Thursday, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) recognized Monte as one of its licensees for receiving a Michelin star.
“This is a huge milestone for the restaurant itself, and congratulations to the chef and the owners there,” said DABS commissioner Tara Thue. “But this is also a huge recognition for Utah and for our food scene.”
”I can’t wait to get a reservation, but I’m probably going to have to wait a few months now,” Thue continued, laughing.
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