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Umstead Golden Smoothie
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About
Herons
Welcome to Herons, an exquisite dining destination located within the opulent confines of The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. This elegant restaurant presents a harmonious blend of culinary artistry and a serene atmosphere, where each meal becomes a unique experience rather than just a plate of food. Here, nature and cuisine beautifully intersect, offering diners a chance to indulge in creatively curated dishes while being enveloped by stunning views of lush gardens.
As you enter Herons, you are greeted by an inviting ambiance defined by soft lighting and tasteful decor. The attention to detail is apparent from the outset, promising a culinary journey filled with flavor and sophistication. Whether you're seated indoors or at one of the comforting outdoor tables, the atmosphere sets a perfect tone for your dining adventure.
One of the many highlights at Herons is the array of innovative dishes, like their famed Umstead Golden Smoothie and Pistachio Passionfruit Smoothie, which provide a refreshing start to any meal. The restaurant’s pressed juices, such as Turmeric Pineapple and Carrot Ginger, are packed with nutrients, delivering both wellness and flavor. For those who appreciate a more savory bite, the toasts are a must-try; indulge in the creamy richness of almond butter with banana, honey, and bee pollen, or savor the sophisticated flavors of smoked salmon atop a classic everything bagel.
From the raving customer reviews, it’s clear that Herons is a beloved spot for special occasions. Guests like Sal Panettieri have celebrated memorable anniversaries here, praising the exceptional service and delightful food, deeming it worth every penny. Meanwhile, Richard Yu marvels at the possibility of a Michelin star, highlighting how approachable Herons remains despite its culinary excellence.
Dining at Herons transcends the conventional; Cristina Camacho’s experience of art-inspired tasting menus exemplifies the restaurant’s devotion to creativity. Each course tells a story, deeply connected to a corresponding piece of art from the hotel’s collection. Her enthusiasm for the seared diver scallops and rich duck dish perfectly encapsulates the artistry behind every plate served—a philosophy that extends to dessert as well, where the dark chocolate ganache with passionfruit promises a sweet finale to any feast.
For those looking for a refined yet relaxing dining atmosphere, Herons stands as a beacon of quality and innovation. With its impeccable service and commitment to culinary artistry, it earns its place among the finest dining experiences in the Triangle. Whether you're a local or visiting Cary, NC, make it a point to discover the magic that is Herons—you won’t regret it.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ For our 32nd wedding anniversary my wife and I made reservations for a table, with a preference for an outdoor table. Gabby seated us away from other tables in a covered outdoor table (it was a Sunny warm afternoon) The server, Karen was great! We had a wonderful lunch, food was exceptional (a little pricey but worth it) and we were given 2 free desserts to celebrate our anniversary. We walked the grounds down by the pond after lunch. Great experience!! ”
“ Impeccable service, classy vibes, culinary excellence observed and the pricing is relatively approachable for what they offer. The only sad thing is that this restaurant will be getting a Michelin star (or two) at the end of this year, if the rumor of Michelin inspectors’ presence in the Triangle region is correct. If that happens, this restaurant will no longer be approachable, so enjoy when and if you can. I had the nicest breakfast in years and can’t wait to come back for their signature dinner. ”
“ we shared a wonderful evening listening to Robert starling, and having sushi prepared by chef Kim. the quality of the preparation of the enhanced rice and Otoro was exemplary. I would say the only thing that would be even more appealing would be a highlighting of the work and the quality of chef Kim so that people could enjoy his expertise similarly to the fishbowl kitchen in the main dining area. the evening was enchanting. the wine selection with superb. this is a wonderful restaurant in our area. we're so lucky to have it. ”
“ Dining at Herons was nothing short of magical The restaurant itself is elegant and calming, with large windows overlooking the gardens, soft lighting, and beautiful artwork lining the walls. It felt like I had walked into a serene, hidden world designed just for the experience of food. I chose the Tour tasting menu, which was one of the most unique and thoughtful dining experiences I’ve ever had. Each course was inspired by a piece of art from the hotel’s collection — and they even brought out a miniature easel with a print of the painting that inspired the dish. It was creative and deeply intentional, like each plate told its own story. The standout dish for me was the seared diver scallops — perfectly cooked and paired with these delicate seaweed and wheatberry elements that brought in such an earthy, oceanic balance. There was also a dry-aged duck dish that had this rich, umami-packed hoisin jus, and a sweet potato puree that was so silky it felt like dessert. Speaking of dessert — the dark chocolate ganache with passionfruit was an absolute dream. Rich, bright, and beautifully plated. The service was impeccable — warm and attentive without being overbearing. My server knew the dishes inside and out Herons doesn’t just serve food — it creates an experience. It felt like every detail, from the silverware to the plating, was chosen with care. I left feeling full, inspired, and already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply creative, Herons is it! ”
“ Herons is an absolute gem nestled on the first floor of a luxury hotel. From the moment you step in, the atmosphere is elegant and inviting, setting the perfect tone for an exceptional dining experience. We visited during lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the brunch menu, which offered a fantastic selection of creative and beautifully presented dishes—all at a reasonable price, with most courses around 30. Every dish was not only visually stunning but also packed with incredible flavors, showcasing both innovation and culinary expertise. Beyond the food, the service was truly top-notch. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout our meal. Herons is a must-visit for anyone looking for an upscale yet approachable dining experience. Highly recommended! ”
“ My fiance and I had dinner here to celebrate my birthday and it was amazing all around. The restaurant is gorgeous, the food is amazing, the service is impeccable. Every dish we had was better than the last and was truly worth every penny for a fancy occasion. Our entrees, especially were delicious! I had the beef tenderloin and my fiance had the dry aged duck. We also really enjoyed the sea scallop and foie gras appetizers. The panna cotta and the chocolate desserts were almost too beautiful to eat (but they, too, were devoured). Our server, Jonathan, was very knowledgeable and helpful when we were deciding what to order. Special shout out to our new friend, Diane, as well. She had us laughing so much and we really enjoyed chatting with her throughout the night. We’ll definitely be back at some point to try out different dishes since they change between seasons. Thank you all for a lovely night! ”
“ Wow. This place was the best. Service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was so beautiful and surprisingly quiet. The food was excellent. We had brunch, so we got to try a little bit of everything. It was great. I can't wait to go back. ”
“ It was raining outside but the stars were shining inside Herons! We had an awesome dining experience. The service was fantastic from the moment we were greeted by the hosts until we said good night to our server. The restaurant and bar area were impressive and inviting. The bartenders were attentive, and proved to be very good at cocktails! The biggest star for us was Kacy and the other servers inside the restaurant. The food was melt in your mouth delicious. The presentation was award winning. Kacy proved to be a great resource as we navigated the menu. She, and team, made it a special birthday dinner for us! They managed the courses well. They ensured we were cared for from beginning to end! Thanks to the Sifford Cup crew for a wonderful treat! ”