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.
Herons
Begin your day with breakfast or lunch at Herons, where we serve refined, casual fare in a relaxed setting. Reservations are encouraged, though we are pleased to welcome walk-ins when space allows.
In the evening, Herons transforms into a signature dining experience, one of only 79 Forbes Five-Star Restaurants and Michelin Recommended. We invite you to savor our tasting menu, the truest reflection of our culinary philosophy using ingredients from our One Oak Farm. An à la carte menu is also available for guests who prefer a personalized selection. Dinner service is offered by reservation only.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is served in the Lounge, situated amongst the art adorned walls and enhanced by the hotel's Dale Chihuly glass sculpture and a live harpist. This Umstead tradition is a welcoming and elegant way to spend an afternoon socializing.
Advance reservations are required. Kindly speak with our reservations team at 919-447-4050 to arrange for your table. To provide quality of service, please inform our reservations team of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking. Any changes requested the day of are subject to availability. Same day reservations are not available.
For parties of seven or more, please contact our catering department to make alternative arrangements in our event space.
In-Room Dining
Enjoy the flavors of Herons from the comfort of your guest room. Our in-room dining features beautifully plated dishes, seasonal specialties, and personalized amenities—all delivered with the elegance and ease of a Five-Star experience.
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.
Culinary Farm
The Umstead is pleased to offer homegrown vegetables and herbs from our nearby dedicated farm.