Utah officially has its first Michelin-starred restaurant.
Monte, the chef-driven restaurant in South Salt Lake, was awarded one Michelin star Wednesday night during the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Southwest ceremony in Las Vegas. The recognition makes Monte the first restaurant in Utah to earn the prestigious distinction.
For Utah’s culinary scene, it is a significant milestone — and one that puts Salt Lake County on the map alongside some of the country’s most recognized dining destinations.
Monte Makes Utah History
Located at 2245 S. West Temple in South Salt Lake, Monte is led by chef Martin Babio. The restaurant opened in 2025 and describes its approach as an intimate, chef-driven experience shaped by the seasons, local foraging and modern culinary techniques.
Michelin’s one-star distinction recognizes restaurants the guide considers to have high-quality cooking that is worth a stop.
According to Michelin, its inspectors evaluate restaurants based on factors including the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, balance of flavors, the personality and creativity of the cuisine, and consistency over time.
For Babio, the recognition represents the fulfillment of a goal he says he had been working toward for years.
At Wednesday night’s ceremony, Babio celebrated the achievement alongside other chefs from across the Southwest.
Chef Martin Babio – SLCPIX Archive
Utah’s First Michelin Guide Recognition
The new Michelin Guide Southwest covers Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, giving Michelin inspectors a new opportunity to evaluate restaurants throughout the region.
While Monte was the only Utah restaurant to receive a Michelin star, several other Utah restaurants also received recognition from the guide.
Five Utah restaurants received Michelin recommendations:
- Handle — Park City
- Koyote — Salt Lake City
- Matilda — Park City
- Nelson Cottage by High West — Park City
- Star of India — Salt Lake City
Three Utah restaurants also received Bib Gourmand recognition, which highlights restaurants Michelin considers to offer good food at a good value:
- Feldman’s Deli — Salt Lake City
- One More Noodle House — South Salt Lake
- Pho 777 — West Valley City
That makes Monte’s star part of a much larger moment for Utah’s restaurant industry.
A New Chapter for Utah Dining
Utah has long been known for its mountains, outdoor recreation and growing tourism industry. Now, the state’s culinary scene has another distinction to add to the list.
Michelin’s arrival gives Utah restaurants a new level of international exposure, while Monte’s historic star gives the state its first official entry into one of the world’s most recognizable restaurant guides.
And for Salt Lake’s dining scene, the timing feels fitting.
What was once a market often overlooked by national food media is increasingly becoming a destination for chefs, restaurants and food experiences worth paying attention to.
Utah has officially entered the Michelin-star conversation.
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