Monte culinary experience highlights South American roots and Utah’s biodiversity

SALT LAKE CITY — It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of global fine dining, but tucked inside South Salt Lake, a new restaurant is proving otherwise. It’s called Monte — a chef-driven tasting menu experience with roots that stretch to Uruguay.

It’s only been open about two months — but Monte is already turning heads. It’s more than a restaurant. It’s a chef-driven space built on tasting menus that challenge expectations, blending South American roots with ingredients rooted in Utah’s soil and seasons.

“I started cooking 20 years ago,” said Chef Martin Babio. “I remember my childhood when my grandma, great-grandma teach me. Trying different flavor, different kinds of food, they teach me everything I know.”

Those early lessons became the backbone of Babio’s philosophy: respect the ingredient, respect the craft. His journey took him across continents — but nine years ago, Utah called.

“I believe that Utah has a lot of potential in the gastronomy, so this is why I’m still here right now,” Babio said.

Monte’s menu is a fixed-course experience — five, seven, or even twelve plates, depending on the night. While Babio’s techniques are rooted in South America, about 80% of his ingredients come from Utah.

Here, flavor unfolds like a storybook. Ravioli arrives in a lemongrass sauce — velvety, citrus-kissed, layered with koji-aged chicken and confit butter. Each bite builds in waves: savory, aromatic, bright.

Monte is more than a restaurant. It’s a dream.

That dream belongs to Martin and his wife Carla — partners in life and in this venture. Together, they’ve created more than a dining room. They’ve created a stage for culture, creativity, and connection.

“My wife, yeah, for sure, she is 50% of this,” said Babio. “Without her, Monte doesn’t exist. We want to introduce the people to different concepts, different techniques, we want to share with the people our passion.”

Each course tells its own story while building toward an unforgettable finale.

Find Monte online at monteunderground.com.