Three Park City restaurants earn spots in inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest

Park City’s culinary scene has earned national recognition, with three local restaurants included in the inaugural 2026 MICHELIN Guide American Southwest.

Handle, Matilda, and The Nelson Cottage by High West were each awarded MICHELIN Recommended recognition, placing them among just nine Utah restaurants selected for the 2026 guide. The inaugural American Southwest edition, unveiled August 26, features standout restaurants across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

MICHELIN Recommended restaurants—officially designated as “Selected Restaurants”—are recognized by MICHELIN inspectors for their quality cooking and noteworthy dining experiences. While distinct from a MICHELIN Star or Bib Gourmand designation, inclusion in the guide is a significant achievement and recognition of culinary excellence.

Handle

A longtime favorite in Park City’s dining scene, Handle opened in 2014 and is led by chef and co-owner Briar Handly. The restaurant serves seasonal American cuisine with an emphasis on local and regional ingredients.

MICHELIN describes Handle as a lively restaurant offering an “elevated comfort food menu” shaped by the seasons. Its recognition reflects more than a decade of creativity, consistency, and commitment to Park City’s culinary community.

Matilda

Owned by Ian Pope, who comes from the team behind Park City favorite Five5eeds, Matilda centers its menu around pizza alongside a selection of creative dishes and drinks. MICHELIN classifies the restaurant’s cuisine as Pizza and Italian, recognizing it as one of the standout dining experiences in the region.

The Nelson Cottage by High West

Located on Park Avenue near High West Saloon, The Nelson Cottage by High West offers an intimate, tasting-menu-only dining experience led by Chef de Cuisine Julia Sorroche.