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  4. Raleigh
  5. Cary

Herons

4.9
4.9
2705 Reviews
$50 and over
American
One of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world, Herons is the signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa and annually acclaimed among the best restaurants in and around Raleigh, North Carolina. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the intimate, 98-seat dining room features a full-view kitchen, a meticulously curated private art collection and floor-to-ceiling window views of the surrounding gardens and grounds.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    American

  • Hours of operation

    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 Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (919) 447-4200

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Steven Devereaux Greene

  • Catering

    Please contact Terri Nier of The Umstead Hotel at 919.447.4131 or at terri.nier@theumstead.com for catering in the Hotel Event Space.

  • Private party contact

    Tammie Burdick: (888) 778-7425

  • Neighborhood

    Cary

  • Cross street

    Harrison Avenue

  • Parking details

    Complimentary valet parking for Herons; self-parking available as well.

  • Entertainment

    Our sumptuous surroundings are enhanced by live music every day of the week at The Bar and Lounge of The Umstead Hotel and Spa.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu

    Multiple dates available
    One of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world, Herons is the signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa and annually acclaimed among the best restaurants in and around Raleigh, North Carolina. Features a full-view kitchen, a meticulously curated private art collection and floor-to-ceiling window views of the surrounding gardens and grounds.
  • Chef's Multi-Course Art Tour

    $320.63 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    The Herons culinary team masterfully redefines American cooking by infusing classic concepts translated with local, seasonal ingredients and precise technique, brightening each ingredient's flavor and purpose. Chef Greene's multi-course Art Tour Tasting menu showcases The Umstead's culinary farm and draws inspiration from the art and nature theme of the property. The Art Tour features 8-15 courses and cannot be adjusted to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies in order for our guests to experience the culinary vision in its entirety. Please contact reservations if you have any questions.

Popular dishes

What 2,705 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 5Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Overall

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Food

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Service

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Ambiance

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Romantic

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for scenic views

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Good for special occasions

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    American

  • Raleigh

    Best Overall

  • Raleigh

    Best Food

  • Raleigh

    Best Service

  • Raleigh

    Best Ambiance

  • Raleigh

    Great for fine wines

  • Raleigh

    Romantic

  • Raleigh

    Great for scenic views

  • Raleigh

    Good for special occasions

  • Raleigh

    American

Sort by

  1. AnaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience!! Wonderful food and service what outstanding. :)

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  2. DonD

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb, as always, in every regard. Staff was outstanding.

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  3. mistyh

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful! Best steak I have had in a long time!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Heron’s never disappoints. From the moment you arrive you are treated like royalty. We went for brunch and the menu was outstanding. They offered a complimentary smoothie sample that was very delicious. When they learned we were finally celebrating mother’s day they gave us cookies and a stamped chocolate plaque!! My youngest wanted some hot chocolate and they specifically made it to order for him so it wasn’t too hot. They brought a full pot! The food was top notch. Everything was wonderful and we’ll be back again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bill

    Raleigh

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent. Above and beyond expectations. Deserves Michelin starts.

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  6. NYFoodie

    Raleigh

    117 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    117 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely lunch at Herons celebrating 2 special birthdays. They entire team at the Umstead/Herons is very welcoming and they always go out of their way to make you feel valued. Our server, Priya was attentive and caring and really extended herself to make it a special celebration. The food as always was scrumptious, plentiful and the presentation was very nice. Our selections varied from a hamburger, chicken to soup and crab sandwich - everyone was extremely pleased. The chef’s tastings before our meal are always very special. The atmosphere is relaxing, lovely and very comfortable. We are never disappointed!

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  7. WillWorkForFood

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal that was truly an outstanding experience. Seriously one of a kind.

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  8. GregK

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding experience for our 1 yr anniversary. The service was on point and nothing like we have ever experienced.

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  9. DonM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hats off to Team Herons...thanks for making our wedding anniversary incredibly special and personalized! From the moment we checked in for breakfast, your staff welcomed us and addressed us by name. Your food quality, services, and attention to detail were impeccable. Between the tag-team service and serving of the Ladies (i.e., Pri#### and ZaZe####), we never had to ask or want for anything. The overall service and environment were very memorable. Thanks for the parting anniversary gift of monogramed chocolate bar and cookies. They were extremely tasty to close out a wonderful day of celebration with our nightly tea and coffee!! See you next year, Lord Willing.

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  10. Bruce

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic meal. First class service, creative take from the chef(s) on the various courses, great wine pairings. Will visit again soon.

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  11. flacucho

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dining experience in North Carolina. The food was creative, flavorful, beautiful... in one word: outstanding. The service was top notch while not being pretentious nor overbearing. I had not been since the pandemic and was happy to see that they have not changed. Amazing experience!

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  12. CarolynG

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect in all ways! The service was exceptional as was the food! A wonderful experience in a beautiful, peaceful setting.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience was lovely—a window view of the patio and the trees. Pam, Cameron, and the host were excellent. Birthday breakfast was chic and delicious.

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  14. Lauren

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The definition of fine dining. Our server was professional, attentive, and enthusiastic. The food was beautifully presented. Every detail was thought through, from the serving dishes to the temperature of the food, to the paper used for the menu. A one-of-a-kind experience.

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  15. NeillL

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Where is your Michelin ⭐️? Our evening of edible art tops my 5 star dinning experience. Casey, our wonderful server kept us on our toes with intrigue at the arrival of each Ben Owen plated delicacy! Keep her serving at the front, she clearly loves what she is doing! The FOOD! My oh My! Creativity + palate explosion! The 3 of us ordered everything different and round Robin so we were able to broaden the culinary experience. The staff, excellent! They love serving the creations out of Chef’s kitchen and enjoy giving the details behind each selection as they arrive at our table. The wooden bowl backstory behind the signature 62 degree egg dish has to be a fav, the pickled quail eggs, unique and superb, the top dog of the night though, taste, creativity and presentation winner were the duck confit corn dogs w truffle ketchup! Not you grandma’s state fair fare! Keep cooking keep creating, as Julia Childs once said “find something you’re passionate about and kkeep tremendously interested in it.” Chef and team at Heron’s certainly has!

    Is this helpful?

  16. UnikaB

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow wow and wow. I celebrated my 39th birthday with dinner at Herons and all I can say is WOW. I was a little saddened by the rain today and had to switch my outfit, but the rain let up and I was still able to wear heels. I arrived early to check out the property and snap a few photos. What a lovely property. The atmosphere is out of this world, the closest sanctuary I have ever experienced. The service was equally amazing. I’m accustomed to a knowledgeable server, however; there was a rotation of equally pleasant and knowledgeable servers to present my 4 course dinner and multiple house made breads/butters and other additions added to my meal as a birthday token. Oh…. The warm lightly scented hand towel to cleanse my hands prior to my meal was indeed pleasant as well. I was so delighted with this experience. I was unable to book the spa massage as they are booked out until July, but I am really happy. I look forward to returning in July for my massage. Unika B. & Co.

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  17. KaitlynT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first dining experience at Herons. We selected from the 4-course dinner menu, and it was incredible. The food and service are impeccable. I appreciated the attention to detail. The servers are knowledgeable and personable. We are already dreaming of our next meal here.

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  18. BarbieS

    Wilmington

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lunch at Herons for our 43rd wedding anniversary was a perfect choice. My favorite was the butter lettuce salad accompanied by a gluten free scone. The Umstead burger was my husband's favorite. Cameron provided an exceptional service experience.

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  19. BarbaraO

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Lovely place for a casual lunch. It’s pricey but the food is great. We were a bit disappointed in the lack of variety in selections as well as in the attention to detail. Who brings soup without any spoons? But it’s great for a splurge lunch.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As always, the chefs at Herons are masters with blending exquisite taste and appealing presentation even for lunch!

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  21. SM1908

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and food were phenomenal! Our brunch was simply delicious and our server was amazing! Thank you!

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  22. MichaelP

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always everything was impeccable from the service, food and atmosphere. A wonderful place for an eloquent meal and for any special occasion. Absolutely one of the best venues for special events. The staff is always great and the food taste and quality is fantastic. Well done to all!

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  23. RituM

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time celebrating our anniversary. Our server came with beautiful anniversary card 😊 we can’t forget how incredible experience we both had.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful 40th birthday dinner. Could not have had a better experience.

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  25. Vince

    Charlotte

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You need to eat here and order the Art Tour tasting menu. This restaurant is on par with Alinea, Per Se, etc. I was so happy and impressed to have such a dinner in NC. The food is incredibly creative and fresh. Wine is first rate. Service is impeccable. Go, go, go!!!

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  26. Bruce

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just a fabulous restaurant. Terrific service, great food, elegant décor and just an overall special experience.

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  27. SerialDiner3G

    Raleigh

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible birthday dinner! The four course menu was perfect.

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  28. Debi

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was one of our best dining experiences ever. We were cared for & yet allowed to enjoy our food & converse. The attention to detail was impeccable. We chose to pair wines with our courses & they were perfect. We will din here again, when in the area.

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  29. readytodine

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Heron’s did not disappoint. The dinner experience showcased the best of spring flavors. It was artistic, thoughtful, and above all delicious.

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  30. ToddW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Casey tomorrow wonderful care of us. The meal was exceptional. Thank you!

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  31. JS53

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience5
    The food is very inventive and unique, but not always great. Creativity can sometimes miss the mark and sometimes bomb. Portions are numerous and small. The beef filet entre was small and dry, even at medium rare. Service is first-class and very attentive. Staff knowledge of the food and wine is excellent. The food presentations are fancy and done with a flair. Wine cellar is extensive but high priced and the selected wine pairing is very overpriced ($100 for four half glasses) and disappointing. The atmosphere is casual elegance and not too noisy, even with a full house. Overall, it is a unique menu trying hard to be five-star and missing the mark and therefore overpriced for the quality but it is a good choice for someone willing to pay extra for an unusual experience without regard to value. Plan to spend $200-$400 per person - depending on beverages and tip.

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  32. Julio

    New York Area

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had a great experience here. This was our first time and we plan on coming back. Every staff member was great, especially Mike, our main server. They all greeted upon arrival. Mike provided us with recommendations for each of the courses. He was very friendly and had a conversation with us. We had the 4 course meal for dinner but I am not sure if there is any other alternative. The portions weee just the right size and we were definitely full when we left. All the food tasted great and seasoned properly. I would definitely recommend and will be back. I would love to try each of their seasonal dishes as their menu changes seasonally.

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  33. DavidP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Herons is our 'go-to' restaurant for anniversary celebrations. It's been 3 year in a row, and it's absolutely phenomenal. Service is out of this world, food is amazing, and the ambience is fantastic. You will not regret coming here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (We have tried it all!)

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  34. BobK

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Heron’s has some truly outstanding entrees, but not all, overall very creative and flavorful. The pastry chef is truly amazing.

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  35. MitraK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience5
    Me and my daughter loved it very much. Of course your hotel is gorgeous! Service was good, coffee was cold and I like the coffee to be hot and I let it cool down while at my table, but when server brought the coffee it was ready to drink. Also I am not too too fan of the brunch menu. Omlet was super simple, spinach was raw in it and no sauce it had. I was looking for some exciting brunch but it unfortunately I didn’t like the menu. Pancake for my daughter was Okay and she liked it, it was too much though and if it was smaller would be better so less wasting. overall experience was nice thanks so much for having us. 😊

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  36. Timb

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had the brunch and both had delicious entrées.

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  37. Happy

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent. We really enjoyed dinner.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food and great service at Herons. The scenery is beautiful as well.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Krystal was amazing we enjoyed my hubby’s birthday brunch celebration!

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  40. SeanC

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Presentation was terrific but taste was not good. We had the four course meal and only enjoyed 1 of 8 served between the two of us. It’s a shame, because everything is prepared beautifully and the staff are fantastic but the taste was well below expectation.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Herons is rated 4.9 stars by 2705 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Herons

100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC 27513

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Harrison Avenue

  • Neighborhood

    Cary

  • Hours of operation

    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 Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    American

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Complimentary valet parking for Herons; self-parking available as well.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Steven Devereaux Greene

  • Entertainment

    Our sumptuous surroundings are enhanced by live music every day of the week at The Bar and Lounge of The Umstead Hotel and Spa.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (919) 447-4200

  • Catering

    Please contact Terri Nier of The Umstead Hotel at 919.447.4131 or at terri.nier@theumstead.com for catering in the Hotel Event Space.

  • Private party contact

    Tammie Burdick: (888) 778-7425

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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