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Close-up of a scallop dish served in Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
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Fine Dining in Cary

Indulge in Fresh Dishes Made with Locally Sourced Ingredients

A passion for locally grown fruits and vegetables and farm-fresh meats and seafood is evident in the exquisite food and beverage offerings throughout The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. Led by four time James Beard Semifinalist and celebrated chef, Steven Greene, these fresh flavors, surprising food combinations and striking presentations are the trademarks of every appetizer, meal or signature cocktail that we offer. Our restaurant proudly uses ingredients locally sourced from over 14 nearby farms, including our very own two-acre culinary plot - One Oak Farm

At The Umstead, a sublime culinary experience isn't limited to within the well-appointed walls of Herons restaurant. Rather, guests can taste spectacular, locally sourced seasonal delights in a cabana by the pool or at a cozy table in The Umstead Bar while savoring Afternoon Tea or simply by ordering room service. 

Drinks at the Bar & Lounge

The Bar & Lounge

The Bar & Lounge at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to begin or end a memorable evening. Our wine cellar is stocked with an extensive collection representing the world's most renowned regions. Furthermore, our signature culinary inspired cocktails offer a truly unique taste that incorporates the season's best flavors. With live entertainment most evenings, you'll find that the fare on our bar menu is impressive and imaginative in the spirit of Herons.

The Bar & Lounge operates under limited availability and is unable to accommodate party sizes larger than 6 in the dining area. Reservations are also available for our In-House Guests. Please contact us for further information.

Culinary Team

Under the direction of Executive Chef Steven Greene, our culinary team masterfully takes food from seed to plate. Working with Culinary Farmer Adam Smith to carefully plan the crops at our One Oak Farm, our chefs envision the creative and tasteful menus of seasons ahead. The Culinary Team takes each harvest and crafts plates that emphasize the nuances of each season with meticulous preparation and presentation. Their imaginations and our native soil create progressive American regional cuisine in an intricate and artful form.

Close-up of crops grown in the garden at The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Culinary Farm

The Umstead is pleased to offer homegrown vegetables and herbs from our nearby dedicated farm.

2025-07-16

New Beginnings: An Artist's Reception for Alice Ballard

Artist's Reception

The Umstead Hotel & Spa is pleased to present a new exhibition featuring ceramic works by acclaimed artist Alice Ballard, displayed beautifully in our second entrance lobby,

Known for her contemplative, hand-built vessels inspired by seed pods, leaves, and other organic forms, Ballard's sculptural pieces reflect a deep reverence for the quiet intricacies of the natural world. Working primarily in white earthenware, she employs pinch, coil, and slab techniques to create meditative forms rich with texture, movement, and soul.

Her permanent sculpture, Pod Triangle, located outside Herons, exemplifies our Art in Nature philosophy, inviting guests to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature's elegance.

We invite you to join us for an intimate artist reception with Alice Ballard, including a lecture and Q&A

2025-07-23

Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting

Journey through Sonoma

Join us for our July Uncorked tastings as we explore the wines of Sonoma, California. Often overshadowed by its eastern neighbor Napa Valley, Sonoma is one of the most diverse wine regions in the country, with a remarkable range of climates, soils, and terrain. Wine Director Hannah Barton will guide you through a tasting that spans from vibrant, full-bodied Chardonnays to graceful, nuanced Pinot Noirs.

2025-07-24

Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting

Journey through Sonoma

Join us for our July Uncorked tastings as we explore the wines of Sonoma, California. Often overshadowed by its eastern neighbor Napa Valley, Sonoma is one of the most diverse wine regions in the country, with a remarkable range of climates, soils, and terrain. Wine Director Hannah Barton will guide you through a tasting that spans from vibrant, full-bodied Chardonnays to graceful, nuanced Pinot Noirs.

2025-07-30

Umstead Unbottled Wine Masterclass

Tour de France

Embark on a journey across France in our Tour de France wine masterclass. Taught by Wine Director Hannah Barton, this class explores six of France's most important wine regions. Discover the diversity, history, and craftsmanship that make France the benchmark of the wine world.

2025-08-06

[ SOLD OUT ] SALTY Executive Chef Dinner: An Exclusive Night at Herons

We are thrilled to announce that Herons will host the next SALTY Magazine dinner with Guest Chefs Richard Lee and Cassidee Dabney. On Wednesday, August 6th, these dynamic chefs will join our very own Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, all brought together by Salty Magazine’s founder, Geeta Bansal.