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Herons is the Michelin-recommended, Forbes Five-Star signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. Led by Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, Herons offers an immersive fine dining experience rooted in seasonality and artistry. Guests may enjoy a thoughtfully curated tasting menu or à la carte selections inspired by ingredients grown at The Umstead’s organic farm and sourced from local purveyors. The restaurant also features an award-winning wine program, culinary cocktails, and seasonal sushi led by Chef Hyunwoo Kim. Recognized by Forbes Travel Guide, AAA Five Diamond, and national culinary publications, Herons is a destination for refined dining and exceptional hospitality.
Set menus & tasting menus of locally sourced, seasonal American fare in an upscale hotel setting.
Address and Contact Information
Address: The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513
Phone: (919) 447-4200
Website: http://www.theumstead.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Herons in Cary, NC – Restaurant of The Umstead Resort & Spa
Herons, one of 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world, is the signature restaurant at our hotel. Learn about the features at our 98-seat dining room.
Herons | Cary NC – Facebook
Herons, Cary. 2862 likes · 23 talking about this · 5874 were here. Herons is the signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina.
Herons Restaurant – Cary, NC | OpenTable
Herons serves multiple meals: breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–10:00 AM, brunch Sat–Sun 7:00 AM–1:00 PM, lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, and dinner Tue …
Reviews
Anthony Montano
A Serendipitous Birthday Discovery – Exceptional Service and Drinks
Typically, my wife and I visit a specific Michelin-starred destination for her birthday, but a busy schedule led us here this year—and it turned out to be a fantastic pivot. This restaurant has officially earned its spot as our second-favorite birthday tradition, trailing only The Modern in NYC.
The “Martini Test”
We arrived early for pre-dinner cocktails, which is where I put the bar to the test. I always order a cucumber martini as a benchmark for the bartender’s skill; in three years of searching, only three places have truly nailed it. This bar is now the fourth. Shawn is a master of his craft—the drink was balanced and refreshing.
Service & Atmosphere
The transition to the dining room was seamless. The staff greeted us with genuine warmth, making us feel immediately at home. What impressed me most was the seamless teamwork. If our server, Jonathan, was busy, the rest of the team stepped in without hesitation to clear plates or attend to our needs. That level of ego-free collaboration is rare and wonderful to witness. Only adjustment I would be to shorten the time between courses.
The Verdict
The atmosphere was refined yet comfortable, with a perfect noise level that allowed for easy conversation.
• Food: 8.5/10 (See my individual dish ratings in the photos)
• Service: 10/10 (Jonathan was stellar)
• Ambiance: 10/10
We will definitely be returning. If you value attentive service and a world-class bar program, this is the place to be.
… moreTypically, my wife and I visit a specific Michelin-starred destination for her birthday, but a busy schedule led us here this year—and it turned out to be a fantastic pivot. This restaurant has officially earned its spot as our second-favorite birthday tradition, trailing only The Modern in NYC.
The “Martini Test”
We arrived early for pre-dinner cocktails, which is where I put the bar to the test. I always order a cucumber martini as a benchmark for the bartender’s skill; in three years of searching, only three places have truly nailed it. This bar is now the fourth. Shawn is a master of his craft—the drink was balanced and refreshing.
Service & Atmosphere
The transition to the dining room was seamless. The staff greeted us with genuine warmth, making us feel immediately at home. What impressed me most was the seamless teamwork. If our server, Jonathan, was busy, the rest of the team stepped in without hesitation to clear plates or attend to our needs. That level of ego-free collaboration is rare and wonderful to witness. Only adjustment I would be to shorten the time between courses.
The Verdict
The atmosphere was refined yet comfortable, with a perfect noise level that allowed for easy conversation.
• Food: 8.5/10 (See my individual dish ratings in the photos)
• Service: 10/10 (Jonathan was stellar)
• Ambiance: 10/10
We will definitely be returning. If you value attentive service and a world-class bar program, this is the place to be.
Gerald Richardson
We had an incredible experience at Herons for our 5 year Anniversary dinner. From the moment we sat down, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome and taken care of. We chose the chef’s five-course tasting menu, and every single course was a work of art—beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and full of creativity.
Each dish felt thoughtful and intentional, and the pacing of the meal was spot-on. The service was attentive but never rushed, and every staff member seemed to take real pride in what they do. The calm, elegant setting made it even more enjoyable—it felt like an escape.
Herons is easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had in North Carolina. A perfect place for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to something unforgettable.
… moreEach dish felt thoughtful and intentional, and the pacing of the meal was spot-on. The service was attentive but never rushed, and every staff member seemed to take real pride in what they do. The calm, elegant setting made it even more enjoyable—it felt like an escape.
Herons is easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had in North Carolina. A perfect place for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to something unforgettable.
Lauren Repmann
My husband and I went to Herons to celebrate our elopement, and it was the most incredible food experience that we’ve ever had. We did the chef’s tasting menu, so each of the courses was a complete surprise. I don’t eat seafood, but the chef was able to modify my courses to be seafood-free. Everything was fresh and very delicious. Highly recommend!
… moreDeepak Reddy
Excellent place for lunch . The dishes were quite amazing specially the ramen bowl. The dessert at the end was delicious and unique. The seasonal drinks are spectacular.
… moreMila Corrao
This restaurant is just Zen. Ask to sit outside if you like sitting outside on the terrace. Especially for breakfast. The early morning sun and air, the trees, the greenery. I am jealous. I would want a terrace like this at home.
The service could be improved, we were seated promptly but it took a while for someone to take our order. We were dying for a cup of coffee. Once we got the attention the service was great. Breakfast was huge, the toast was some display. I was expecting just a piece of toast with toppings. It was a surprise. I am looking forward to visit again, stay at the Umstead and have dinner at Herons.
… moreThe service could be improved, we were seated promptly but it took a while for someone to take our order. We were dying for a cup of coffee. Once we got the attention the service was great. Breakfast was huge, the toast was some display. I was expecting just a piece of toast with toppings. It was a surprise. I am looking forward to visit again, stay at the Umstead and have dinner at Herons.
Gabby Sarah
Stayed at the Umstead for our Honeymoon. The food was delicious. Fantastic service for both breakfast and dinner. Very small portions but it’s just perfect amount truly. It’s an experience worth the price tag.
… moreCasey Lee
The seating, artwork, and lighting created an intimate cozy ambience that brought a nature theme to the meal. Even the utensils with the wood on the handles created that feel.
The servers were friendly and knowledgable about each dish. I even had some fun conversations about with two other servers with the same name that I have, which is rare.
The plating and presentation was beautiful and creative for the tasting menu. There was a fresh summer theme interwove throughout the meal with the brightness of the colors and the refreshing feeling of each dish. The flavors were balanced nicely and created depths of flavor.
We’ve been to Michelin one star restaurants and this restaurant’s food and presentation fits right in with the rest of them. I would be surprised if this restaurant doesn’t get a Michelin star later this year as it surely deserves it. Highly recommend this restaurant and it definitely is one of the, if not, the best restaurant in the Carolinas!
… moreThe servers were friendly and knowledgable about each dish. I even had some fun conversations about with two other servers with the same name that I have, which is rare.
The plating and presentation was beautiful and creative for the tasting menu. There was a fresh summer theme interwove throughout the meal with the brightness of the colors and the refreshing feeling of each dish. The flavors were balanced nicely and created depths of flavor.
We’ve been to Michelin one star restaurants and this restaurant’s food and presentation fits right in with the rest of them. I would be surprised if this restaurant doesn’t get a Michelin star later this year as it surely deserves it. Highly recommend this restaurant and it definitely is one of the, if not, the best restaurant in the Carolinas!
Michael W
We had dinner on Christmas Eve and brunch this morning and it was absolutely wonderful and every aspect of the word service food atmosphere amazing. This is coming from someone who’s lived and worked for Disney in Florida and also lived in Manhattan New York working in high-end clubs hotels and resorts. We can’t wait to go back as this was our first time there. It has definitely earned the five-stars.
… moreMichaela Rae
I had the opportunity to eat here twice today for the first time. First, breakfast/brunch where I met up with a friend I haven’t seen in 26 years. All the restaurant staff were so polite and friendly – Adam our server was a DELIGHT – and my friend couldn’t get over the “to go” bag he gave her for the part of her breakfast she couldn’t finish. It as in a lovely bag you might get from a boutique, plated beautifully and he even added some lovely small jars of condiments. The breakfast was delicious! Then I came for dinner tonight. My server told me that the menu was a mix of nature and art and he was NOT kidding. Everything was almost too beautiful to eat – ALMOST. I’m still stuffed 5 hours later! I was checked on repeatedly by various members of the restaurant team who were all so friendly and kind. The environment of the restaurant is quiet, luxurious. I’ll have to make sure I treat myself to this wonderful culinary treat more often!!
… moreGray Stone
We had an exceptional meal at Herons! I’ve gotta say, everything hit the mark at this place. Each dish was thoughtfully curated, beautifully presented, and extremely creative. The service was friendly and perfectly attentive without ever feeling overbearing. The atmosphere was elegant yet inviting, making the entire experience feel really special. This place is a true gem and a classic go-to for a romantic date night, an anniversary dinner, or any celebration where you want everything to be just right. My only critique is that the chairs and carpet feel a bit outdated, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. This place is still a standout and well worth a visit.
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