Origins & Subterranean Beginnings
Before becoming Utah’s premier fine dining destination, Monte began as an exclusive underground pop-up series in 2024. Founded by Uruguayan-born Chef Martín Babío, a graduate of Montevideo's Instituto de Alta Cocina, and his wife, Karen Babío, the project aimed to merge modernist culinary techniques with Utah's unique local biodiversity and South American heritage.
In mid-2025, Monte established its permanent home within South Salt Lake's Beehive Distillery. Set against stacked gin barrels and polished concrete floors, the intimate dining room transformed the industrial space into a sanctuary for hyper-seasonal, multi-course tasting menus.
Culinary Philosophy & Local Sourcing
Chef Babío’s cuisine emphasizes regional connection, sourcing roughly 80% of ingredients directly from Utah’s farmers, ranchers, and foragers. The kitchen relies on time-intensive processes—such as koji aging, fermentation, and house-curing—blended seamlessly with French, Italian, and South American culinary influences.
Dishes range from rabbit ravioli in lemongrass sauce to coffee-cured venison paired with truffled potato purée. Tasting menus are accompanied by dramatic tableside touches, including liquid nitrogen palate cleansers and live-ember smoking techniques. Karen Babío directs the front-of-house operations, balancing high-concept gastronomy with attentive hospitality.
Historic Michelin Star Recognition
In August 2026, the Michelin Guide published its inaugural American Southwest selection covering Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Monte made history by earning a Michelin Star, becoming the first restaurant in Utah to receive the prestigious distinction. Michelin inspectors commended Chef Babío for charting an ambitious course in the region, praising the kitchen's refined execution, bold flavor profiles, and deep integration of local ingredients.
The accolade firmly established Monte as a national dining destination and marked a milestone for Salt Lake City's evolving culinary scene.
Check them out during the 6 weeks of Sip & Savor and at the finale festival on October 11th up in historic Log Haven. Learn more at sipandsavormillcreek.com