Excursion: Fine Dining at The Roof

Dine with fellow conference attendees at The Roof, a historic rooftop restaurant that first opened in 1914 atop the storied Hotel Utah, built in 1911. Over the past century, the space has been known by many names—including Starlite Gardens, The Sky Room, The Garden, and The Roof—and has long been celebrated as a romantic, open-air dining destination with unparalleled views and exceptional service. Ranked among the most romantic restaurants in the United States and known for some of the best scenic views in Salt Lake City, The Roof offers breathtaking vistas of Temple Square and Capitol Hill, enhanced by live piano music.

The south side of the restaurant still features a retractable glass ceiling, evoking the elegance of dining under the stars. The gourmet buffet blends international and traditional cuisines under the direction of Chef Pedro Mauricio, whose culinary philosophy treats the kitchen as an art form. The meal concludes with acclaimed desserts—especially the popular crème brûlée—which are a highlight for many guests. Attendees will be responsible for paying at the restaurant.

*Cultural Note on Tipping: In the United States, it is customary to tip restaurant servers about 10–20% of the total meal cost. Tips are an important part of a server’s income, as servers are often paid a lower hourly wage. Tips are not automatically included in the bill, so guests should add the tip to their total when paying. Please be courteous and plan to include this amount in your meal cost.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Prices: approximately $20-$60 USD per person.

Menu:https://theroofslc.com/menu/

See map and walking information here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X5f2iiS7d9PbAVET6

Info: Meet up at the Hospitality Desk at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Walk to the Roof. Arrive by 6:00 pm. Walk time: approximately 9 minutes.

Info: Dine with other participants. The restaurant closes at 9:00 pm.

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Host or Publisher TESOL 2026 Hospitality