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Herons

One of only 79 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 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.

Reservations: 919-447-4200
Ornament

Hours

  • Breakfast

    • Monday - Friday | 7:00am - 10:00am
  • Brunch

    • Saturday - Sunday | 7:00am - 1:00pm 
  • Lunch

    • Monday - Friday | 11:30am - 2:00pm
  • Dinner

    • Tuesday - Thursday | 5:00pm - 8:30pm
    • Friday - Saturday | 5:00pm - 9:00pm
    • Sunday - Monday | Closed

Details

  • DRESS CODE

    Herons offers a luxury dining experience to all our guests; we request that you dress appropriately for the dining room at dinner time. Jackets are requested, but not required. Ripped clothing, shorts, casual sandals, and athletic wear are not permitted.

  • PARKING

    Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Chocolate Dessert at Herons

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. Select between an a la carte or chef's tasting menu, showcasing The Umstead's culinary farm and drawing inspiration from the art and nature theme of the property. 

Herons has been recognized by Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, and Southern Living, in addition to receiving numerous accolades and awards, including five stars from Forbes Travel Guide and Five Diamonds from AAA.

 

Reservations
To make a reservation at Herons, visit us on open table

or call 919-447-4200

2025-11-12

Umstead Annual White Truffle Dinner

Tis the season gourmands across the country wait for, White Truffle season! This rare treat is only available from Autumn through December, and merits a special White Truffle Tasting Menu during the month of December when the truffles are at their peak. Available only in Herons starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the menu showcases the “white diamond of Italy”, balancing the flavors of this most delicate and rare truffle in the world with seven courses of carefully selected ingredients, providing a sensory experience unlike any other.

2025-12-25

2025 Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner

Christmas dinner at The Umstead combines our signature warm hospitality & festive decor with the magic of the holiday season for a truly unforgettable culinary celebration. Herons Executive Chef and four-time James Beard Semifinalist Steven Greene and his culinary team will showcase their talent and the best seasonal produce from our organic farm with a four-course dinner with choices and tasting menu. 

Featuring holiday classics and a few surprises, all with artful and elegant presentations, this event is guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes and palate.

2025-11-13

SOLD OUT | Herons × DRC

Domaine de la Romanee Dinner

Iconic. Elusive. Unparalleled. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti exists in a realm beyond ordinary wine, where history, craftsmanship, and mystique converge. From the hallowed slopes of the Côte d'Or come bottles of breathtaking elegance and depth: wines that speak in whispers, linger in memory, and represent the very pinnacle of Burgundy.

On Thursday, November 13, Herons will host an extraordinary evening honoring this legendary domaine. The night will begin with a Champagne welcome, inviting guests to settle into the Private Dining Room before embarking on a rare tasting journey.

2025-11-29

SOLD OUT | Tea with Santa

Join us this winter for our annual Tea with Santa events. Let your children ages 10 and under delight in this magical event as they enjoy a special visit with Santa and let him know what is on their wish list this holiday season. Santa will share photos of his favorite memories as he tells stories of his helpful elves and reindeer. Tea with Santa includes photography, a small gift, and hot chocolate service with savory and sweet morsels.

2025-10-18

Artist's Retreat and Workshop with Alice Ballard

Join celebrated ceramic artist Alice Ballard for a two-day immersive experience exploring mindfulness through art and nature. This intimate workshop begins on Saturday, October 18th with a creative session at The Umstead’s One Oak Farm, where participants will hand-sculpt their own meditation bowls out of clay surrounded by the beauty of fall. This exclusive experience is limited to ten guests to ensure a personal and immersive creative journey.

The evening following the workshop, our guests will enjoy a four-course, farm-inspired dinner with the artist in Herons’ Private Dining Room, featuring a special dessert by Pastry Chef Lia Benedetto inspired by Alice’s sculptural work.

The experience includes a one-night stay in our serene guest rooms before returning Sunday morning for a final session on the Salon Terrace. With nature as a backdrop, participants will complete their meditation bowls with finishing touches and glazing under Alice’s guidance.

This retreat invites guests to reconnect with the earth, awaken their creativity, and savor the harmony between art, nature, and cuisine.

2025-10-29

Umstead Unbottled Wine Masterclass

Around The World In 6 Glasses

Embark on a global wine adventure with our “Around the World in 6 Glasses” masterclass. Led by Sommelier Hannah Seligson, this immersive experience will take you on a journey through six distinct wine regions, each represented by a carefully selected wine. Along the way, you’ll uncover the unique flavors, traditions, and stories that make each region—and its wines—truly special.