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
Hours
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Breakfast
- Monday - Friday | 7:00am - 10:00am
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Brunch
- Saturday - Sunday | 7:00am - 1:00pm
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Lunch
- Monday - Friday | 11:30am - 2:00pm
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Dinner
- Tuesday - Thursday | 5:00pm - 8:30pm
- Friday - Saturday | 5:00pm - 9:00pm
- Sunday - Monday | Closed
Details
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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.
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PARKING
Complimentary Valet Parking 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. 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
2025-11-13
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.
2025-10-14
Krug × Carrot
We’re proud to share that The Umstead Hotel and Spa is now an official Krug Ambassade, a distinction held by only a select group of top culinary destinations around the world. This long-awaited honor reflects Chef Steven Devereaux Greene’s deep appreciation and love for Krug Champagne. As a Krug Ambassador, The Umstead joins an exclusive global network recognized for exceptional hospitality and a shared philosophy of excellence. We look forward to bringing this partnership to life through unforgettable hotel and dining experiences for years to come, beginning with our Krug x Carrot Wine Dinner in Herons this fall.
Each year, the Legendary Champagne house of Krug challenges Chefs around the world to create dishes highlighting one single, humble ingredient. This year, we celebrate the carrot. Using a variety of stunning carrots coming from our own One Oak Farm this fall, Chef Greene will be creating an incredible four-course meal, with each course being paired with a different edition of Krug Champagne. This unforgettable experience will be available in Herons from October 14th - October 18th.
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.
2025-10-24
Umstead Wine Dinner
Join us in Herons’ private dining room for an intimate evening with Randy Snowden of Snowden Vineyards. The Snowden family has been rooted in Napa Valley since the 1950s, farming their hillside vineyards with a commitment to quality and authenticity. Today, their wines are shaped by Diana Snowden Seysses of Burgundy’s famed Domaine Dujac, blending Napa’s power with Burgundian elegance. Guests will enjoy a four-course menu created by Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, each course paired with selections from Snowden’s portfolio.
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.
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.
Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, a multi-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Southeast nominee, will present a five-course menu, each course paired with a two-ounce pour of these extraordinary wines:
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2022 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
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2020 Vosne-Romanée “Cuvée Duvault Blochet” 1er Cru
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2020 Corton Grand Cru
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2012 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru
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2019 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru
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2012 La Tâche Grand Cru
Chef Greene is known for his refined approach to Southern cuisine, meticulous ingredient sourcing, and artistic presentation. For this occasion, his menu is crafted to not only complement but elevate the nuance and character of each pour, creating a once-in-a-lifetime harmony between food and wine.
This intimate evening will be hosted by Kim Wood, Advanced Sommelier and Vice President of Wilson-Daniels, the exclusive importer of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Limited in size and unparalleled in scope, it offers a singular opportunity to experience Burgundy at its most transcendent.
Please note we are fully committed for this event.
2025-10-14
Krug × Carrot
We’re proud to share that The Umstead Hotel and Spa is now an official Krug Ambassade, a distinction held by only a select group of top culinary destinations around the world. This long-awaited honor reflects Chef Steven Devereaux Greene’s deep appreciation and love for Krug Champagne. As a Krug Ambassador, The Umstead joins an exclusive global network recognized for exceptional hospitality and a shared philosophy of excellence. We look forward to bringing this partnership to life through unforgettable hotel and dining experiences for years to come, beginning with our Krug x Carrot Wine Dinner in Herons this fall.
Each year, the Legendary Champagne house of Krug challenges Chefs around the world to create dishes highlighting one single, humble ingredient. This year, we celebrate the carrot. Using a variety of stunning carrots coming from our own One Oak Farm this fall, Chef Greene will be creating an incredible four-course meal, with each course being paired with a different edition of Krug Champagne. This unforgettable experience will be available in Herons from October 14th - October 18th.
Please call if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Reservations are non-refundable.
To enjoy this experience call 919 447 4050 or click here to reserve online.
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.
Reservations open on Wednesday, September 3th at 8am. Please call 919 447-4050 to reserve your space. Tickets are $115 per person plus tax and service fee, and include white glove holiday food service and hot chocolate in addition to time with Santa and storytelling. There is a maximum of eight guests per booking, and all reservations must be paid in full using one method of payment at the time of booking. As this is one of our most popular events, we ask for your patience as hold times should be expected; hanging up will result in the loss of your place in the queue.
Tea will be offered at 10:30am and 3pm:
Saturday, November 29th / Sunday November 30th / Sunday, December 14th / Sunday, December 21st
Tea will be offered at 10:30am only:
Sunday, December 7th / Saturday, December 13th / Saturday, December 20th
Please Note: we are fully committed for this series of events in 2025.
2025-10-24
Umstead Wine Dinner
Join us in Herons’ private dining room for an intimate evening with Randy Snowden of Snowden Vineyards. The Snowden family has been rooted in Napa Valley since the 1950s, farming their hillside vineyards with a commitment to quality and authenticity. Today, their wines are shaped by Diana Snowden Seysses of Burgundy’s famed Domaine Dujac, blending Napa’s power with Burgundian elegance. Guests will enjoy a four-course menu created by Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, each course paired with selections from Snowden’s portfolio.
The dinner will be held on Friday, October 24th and will begin at 5:30pm. Please call if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Tickets are $220 plus tax and service charge and are non-refundable.
To enjoy this experience call 919 447 4050 or click here to reserve online.
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. Gourmet boxed lunches and beverages will be served at the farm. 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.
Pricing:
Single Occupancy – $1495 | Shared Occupancy (Per Person) – $1250
Reserve this experience by phone at 919 447 4050
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.
The masterclass will be held on Wednesday, October 29th in the Sycamore Room and begin at 6:30pm. A charcuterie display will be presented with the wines. Please call if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Tickets are $100 plus tax and service charge and are non-refundable.
To enjoy this experience call 919 447 4050 or click here to reserve online.