First time I've visited in 8+ years but still a good experience and doesn't feel tired. Started with the tomato salad, which was good but not incredible (the tomatoes were not as flavourful as I would have liked). What really excelled was the salmon, I'm not a huge salmon fan but this was incredible, probably the best salmon I've ever had. read more

Herons - Salmon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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How could you not give this place five stars? I have eaten at many fine dining restaurants and a couple of Michelin star restaurants. This place is not just a restaurant, but an EXPERIENCE. We had the four course meal. I consider myself to have a pretty experienced palette but these choices blew my mind. Every course has an amuse bouche. And a bread course with its own specific butter. I noticed every different dish was plated uniquely, meaning different plate styles for each course and offering. New silverware for every course. At each presentation of something new to the table, the staff would explain every part of each dish, bread, butter, everything. I was very impressed. I believe the menu offerings change regularly, but I will say my favorite of the evening was maybe one of the most simple - the salmon tartare. The beef filet was very tender and tasty, nothing super unique but nothing to complain about. I did not care for the Foie Gras dish. I do usually love this, and the description sounded so unique and our servo mentioned it was the most artistic dish they had at the time. It was too sweet and not savory. Too much fruity mixed and it was not for me. But the plate was beautiful. I didn't love that I had a conversation with our server about making the decision and the Foie Gras, and he sold me with his words, but failed to mention that it was a $20 up-charge. It was likely in the menu somewhere and my bad for missing that, but also I assumed that the total cost of the meal included 1 choice from each section. I feel that if there is a dish in one of the 4 sections of choices that is not included in the set price - it should be very noticeable. And the server should verify the guest understands it is an extra cost. Our server was really great about it and removed it from the bill. I didn't mind paying the $20, just wish it wasn't a surprise for me, my fault or not. read more

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The atmosphere is good but the food is just an OK nothing special. The service is good, too. It is too expensive and not worth. read more

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Everything was giving class we did the 4 course meal worth every penny. The food tasted good everything. They explained everything as they bring it out customer service is very top notch read more

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Everything was top tier from start to finish! The ambiance is very dim with beautiful art to complement the space! The food was immaculate and would happily go back again! read more

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Grand ambiance and delightful plates , delivered with personable service that made my birthday extra special! I hope to return and experience a different season, otherwise death by decadence becomes me! A table for four, sharing ensued. My favorite dish was the beef carpaccio, absolutely lovely presentation and delicious flavors. All hail the chive scone!! With all the local artwork, I wish the dinnerware was locally sourced... So glad I left my card ;) read more

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After trying out "fine dining" I've decided that fine dining might not be my palette. The food was pretty good but for the price, there are definitely other places around the triangle that are more worth it. Some of the food that we tried was overly salted, although I did like the crab chawanmushi. The experience overall was good. read more

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This restaurant is no short of amazing! I went to enjoy a celebration dinner and was amazed by all of the detailed food they had to offer. I was nervous at first because I couldn't pronounce half of the things and the other half that I knew how to pronounce I've never had. After you pick out each course, little courses come in between; so I'd eat one meal that I chose and then there after little tiny bites of food was brought to the table. I did love that they had someone who could come out to my table and tell me which wine would be paired best for my dish. This experience is something to look forward to for special dinners such as anniversaries and holidays. The best part was watching all of the waiters move around. Megan was such a delight to have serve us. read more

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I went here for a random lunch to treat myself to a good meal. They have a good amount of lunch options. I chose the soup and sandwich which is a mushroom soup and a grilled cheese. The food was very good. The service was the stand out of the experience. It was the best service I've ever had. They ask for your name and greet you and speak to you by name. They cleared every dish right after I finished it. They brought out bread and a smoothie and said it was complements of the chef. That just added an extra allure to the experience. Each item was filled with flavor. I love how beautiful the restaurant is and the big windows where you can see the trees. I'd love to come back for dinner sometime because I can only imagine how elevated the food is. I tried the espresso dessert and it was delicious. I've been here for high tea and that was fun as well. I'm gonna try to convince my husband to put dinner on the books soon! read more

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Where do I begin.... My family had quite a bit of milestones this year but due to pandemic conditions and restrictions, we were unable to celebrate any of them. Mother's Day was slowly approaching and I heard that Herons had re-opened for fine dining, so I thought yes, we can go there for brunch. Unfortunately, we found out the week of Mother's Day that we were all exposed to the Covid virus which then resulted in positive test results......so much for that idea........When we were all healthy again, I decided to do something special to celebrate all of the missed milestone achievements (3 birthdays, 2 graduations - High School and College, and Mother's Day). It was due time for us to have a well-deserved combined celebration and where better to do it than to book a few nights stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa Resort. Dinner at Herons: We made reservations to have dinner at Herons on our second night stay at the resort. We got dressed in our formal wear and went down to the restaurant. We were greeted with a lovely smile and professionalism and escorted to our table immediately. There we met our absolutely fabulous server, Carlos; he was assisted by Mandy I believe. Carlos is an excellent and knowledgeable server with a great balance of charm and professionalism. He understood and shared in our excitement for our various celebrations. He was fully engaged in ensuring we had the type of service and experience expected of a restaurant with such high caliber as Herons. We had a four course meal. Each dish and items that were brought to the table were unique In presentation, the way the dish was culminated, and the flavors. The texture was just right with the perfect balance of moisture and tenderness. Everything was exceptional! We were intrigued and sat anxiously anticipating the next treat to come from the kitchen. The chefs had us fully engaged with our mouths watering for the next dish. We were equally impressed by the synchronization of our meals being served. All dishes arrived at the same time and were presented to us with class. Any questions we had were answered immediately with a smile and appropriate level of detail. We felt comfortable and appreciated. There were five of us dining together and every single person echoed the exact same sentiments. The experience that we received made our long awaited celebrations worth the wait. I have recommended you before but now I am inclined to escalate my level of recommendation for your restaurant and staff. Truly impressive food and dining service! Well done Chefs, Carlos, and the entire Herons staff! We had extremely high expectations and you met them effortlessly! read more

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The food was so artistic and something that we've never had. Definitely enjoyed the experience and food. The flavors were phenomenally delicious. The service was truly top notch and everyone was on top of their game. Nothing sat too long on the table without someone picking up our empty plates. The ambience was so inviting which helped complete the 5-star experience. Great job to the Chef, staff and everyone involved!!!! read more

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This is an amazing and immersive experience for sure! The service was so attentive and each course was almost better than the last. My husband and I also enjoyed the wine flight with dinner and it was well-worth it! read more

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What an experience. I highly recommend coming here at least once to understand what everyone is talking about when they say this is a fantastic restaurant. The ambiance, the service and the food created an unforgettable adventure. Our meal ended up taking 3 hours, so come prepared to make a night of this experience. Another thing to keep in mind; if you go to the restroom, they will not bring out a course until everyone is seated again, and sometimes will have to re-do a course if it is ready and any guests are not at the table. My husband and I had reservations on a Friday night at 7pm. The restaurant was already full, and though we got in luckily on a recent cancellation, I know you usually have to reserve at Herons well in advance, especially on weekend evenings. We were seated promptly and our waiter was ready to give us an introduction to the restaurant, offer drink recommendations and answer any questions we had about the menu (and we had a few). Don't be shy! The servers are so knowledgeable about the entire menu, and it showed with our waiter. They come around with a breadbasket and offer a selection of bread for you to choose from. We each got all the different kinds, but our favorite was the mini corn bread. The butter with the salt on top was delicious. They also bring you little tasting plates throughout your meal, so even if it may take some time in between courses, they keep you satiated. First Course: Me: Hamachi - cucumber, kohlrabi, sea beans, smoked roe, butter dashi Him: Oyster - poached, charleston gold rice stew, champagne sabayon Second Course: Me: Egg - 62° egg, one oak grits, mushroom, iberico ham, shrimp (shaved truffles $20 addition, which was worth it) Him: Foie Gras - crispy milk, fermented cocoa, carolina peach, corn cake Third Course: Me: Special Him: Beef - potato squash casserole, black truffle, house made steak sauce Fourth Course: Me: Chocolate - jivara, sweet corn cream, crème fraîche, meringue, cocoa veil Him: Kakigori - cachaça, lime, honeydew melon, green shiso, coconut custard All of our courses we really enjoyed and were able to share with each other. We expected smaller portions but left feeling full and content. We will definitely be back, possibly to try their Fall menu! read more

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Only go if you are truly a foodie. We went for our anniversary and loved our food and the service. The presentations were works of art. This is the best restaurant in the area. We had gone once before for brunch, but the dinner is over the top amazing. I have gone to many Michelin star restaurants and this is about as close as you can get to one in NC.The prices are high but if you want the quality of service, presentation, and food, it is what you need to pay. I have never had elk before, and honestly this dish is better than beef. Coco rub, roasted pear, chestnut polenta, and white port. Though you have either 3 or 4 courses to choose from, there are so many extras that you get, so it is a huge, multi course delight. read more

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Best of the best all around! Food quality, presentation, atmosphere, and service all incredible. Such a special experience! read more

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Amazing service, beautiful ambiance and the food was amazing. Absolutely would eat here again and highly recommend. read more

Herons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

If you want to be treated like royalty go here ! The absolute best dining experience we've ever had and we are foodies! Unlike most restaurants that have paced courses, these portions were generous with lots of surprises and treats between each course. The food was absolutely stunning with unmatched flavors you can't get anywhere else. The service was choreographed perfectly. I recommend going with the wine pairings as well - these were great wines with an extremely knowledgeable sommelier. Atomosphere was amazing as well and although busy the volume of the restaurant was not too loud at all. Well worth the price tag we will be back. read more

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My husband and I did the Art Tour tasting menu. It's $$$$ ($150 per person for 8 courses + multiple amuses) but was an incredible experience. Brilliant food that looks too pretty to eat, all presented with impeccable service - worth it if you can swing it for a special occasion! Almost every dish on the art tour is inspired by a piece of art in the Umstead - I say almost because one dish inspired the artful wooden bowls needed to contain it. The wait staff sets up a little easel that holds a postcard version of each piece of art. When your gorgeously-plated food comes out, they explain how the chef was inspired by the art to create the food. My husband and I had fun guessing what type of food each piece of art would bring. Sometimes the dish looked like the art; other times it was more about capturing the depth or texture or feel of the artwork in the food. I was proud that I correctly guessed that the painting of a misty forest lake would lead to root vegetables and game (the dish was elk with parsnip). My favorite dishes were the crab starter (the most naturally sweet and succulent crab I've ever eaten!), the duck main, and the sweet potato dessert - all of which you can currently order as part of a smaller 3- or 4-course tasting, and what I would order if I came here again. Dinner here is definitely a splurge, but I am already thinking about what could be the next ultra-special occasion to celebrate here. I believe they change up the tasting menu every year or so, and I can't wait to see what else the chef comes up with! read more

Herons - Some dishes from the fall 2019 art tour tasting menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

From the service to the ever-evolving menu, everything was well-executed, super fresh, delicious, fun and whimsical--Herons is truly in a league of its own as a dining experience. read more

The food was once fantastic but has fallen WAY WAY WAY down. A $27 "Umstead Burger" served on a cold bun, a few onions and 2 tiny pickles on the side? When the server brought it over I thought it was a joke. A glass of Bordeaux with a serving amount the approximate size of a tasting sample? Hard pass on this place. Do better Umstead!!! read more

Best Dinner experience of my life! My sister and I had our Birthday Dinner @ Heron's in Cary, North Carolina while staying at the Umstead Spa and Resort. We had the world tour dinner. The menu was so good that I couldn't make up my mind. I ask the Chef to decide. Smart move! We were blown away by the 4+ courses he selected for us. This is a once in a lifetime experience. They have acres of farm land so each dish is not just farm to table, it's an original piece of artwork. My compliments to the Chef. Well Done Heron read more

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We went there for a birthday lunch. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, the service excellent while not at all pretentious, and the food was delicious. Our favorites -Crudo with red snapper (ceviche), butternut squash soup, and the miso Salmon. All were divine. They also brought two very special dinner rolls, which I cannot name,but each was very flavorful and unusual. Plus a fantastic amuse bouche. I wished I could have ordered a platter of the amuse bouche. The desserts were slightly disappointing. I thought they might bring a piece of cake for the birthday, but they provide chocolate chip cookies and a piece of chocolate. Thoughtful, but a bit of an odd choice. I also was not so delighted with the spice cake with cinnamon ice cream. While the ice cream was good, it tasted like vanilla and I could not make out any cinnamon. The cake was a very tiny bundt cake, while I would have preferred a slice of cake. But these are very minor suggestions. The huge pot of french press coffee was so delicious. Very hot and so flavorful. One more huge highlight was our server, KAREN, who was friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the menu and an excellent server all the way around. We were lucky to have her and she made our afternoon so special. We learned about all of the special training of the staff at Herons such that they have tasted every dish and know every ingredient., It is very impressive and the training is noticeable. Flawless service. On our way out, we made a reservation for a future brunch, because we had such a great experience. read more

Fantastic service staff, attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Sommelier was excellent in wine recommendations, 5 stars! But we came here for the food.... most of it was very good however some of it was awful. The salmon was perfectly prepared, tasting menu was inventive and tasty even though there were some weird combinations. However the Foie Gras appetizer was RAW. Nicely crisped on top but never seared on bottom side. Raw on bottom and in middle. How unfortunate that the $40 appetizer was a total failure at the start of the meal. Advice to restaurant, prepare items you know how to do well and remove esoteric items from your menu. Advice to patrons, strange to say for 5 star restaurant but order more common food items and specify how you want them prepared. Perhaps The chef was not in the kitchen that evening? read more

This hidden gem of a restaurant is inside of the Umstead Hotel and Spa. It is 10 minutes from my home, but feels like stepping into a world unto itself. I've been here quite a few times, and with each visit, I conclude that I would like to live here! Service is at the highest level with amazing food to match. I usually have the lobster roll (my favorite!) but decided to order the fried chicken sandwich and mushroom soup. My friend had the kale salad with the addition of grilled salmon. Both of us enjoyed every bite of our meal! read more

Herons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

I came here for Sunday brunch to celebrate my sister's birthday and the food did not disappoint! Service was amazing and our server Cameron was always ready to answer any questions we had about the menu. He also included some complimentary fresh juice shots which was a mix of cantaloupe and some other fruits but overall it was really refreshing. For the entree, I ordered the steak and eggs which were super tender and tasty, and the eggs cooked to perfection. For desert, we ordered the richest and lightest thing on the menu which was the sundae and the melon sorbet. They also offered complimentary cookies to celebrate my sister's birthday and these cookies were amazing and the perfect size! Everything was equally delicious and satisfying. The restaurant wasn't too busy during our visit and the interior was beautiful. Overall, it was a very pleasant brunch experience. Can't wait to try to the lunch and dinner menu next! read more

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Wow wow and wow. I celebrated my 39th birthday with dinner at Herons and all I can say is WOW. I was a little saddened by the rain today and had to switch my outfit, but the rain let up and I was still able to wear heels. I arrived early to check out the property and snap a few photos. What a lovely property. The atmosphere is out of this world, the closest sanctuary I have ever experienced. The service was equally amazing. I'm accustomed to a knowledgeable server, however; there was a rotation of equally pleasant and knowledgeable servers to present my 4 course dinner and multiple house made breads/butters and other additions added to my meal as a birthday token. Oh.... The warm lightly scented hand towel to cleanse my hands prior to my meal was indeed up as well. I was so delighted with this experience. I was u able to book the spa massage as they are booked out until July, but I am really happy. I look forward to returning in July for my massage. Unika B. & Co. read more

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First time at Herons. Words really can't describe the experience. The food was good, for sure, but the presentation is just AMAZING. Each dish is a work of art. Service was impeccable. My pictures don't do it justice but they help. read more

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One of the best meals and service experiences I've ever had. This is artistic fine dining. Carlos was a fantastic knowledgeable server who helped us navigate all the courses. The explained each course as well as special in between bites and breads. So inventive. So flavorful. So perfect to celebrate birthdays! I loved the lamb entree. The crab salad first course was pretty and delicious. My strawberry dessert was light refreshing and flavorful. This was truly an experience because every staff member was kind and attentive, every plate or dish was chosen for function and beauty, the wines were excellent and affordable. I wish I could eat there all the time! read more

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This is the highest end restaurant and bar in Wake County. Bring family, friends and business associates to impress and enjoy. My wife and I look forward to every experience here and they have never disappointed. read more

Had Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas brunch here, and it was amazing. I had the best steak I've ever had in my entire life and the service was so professional every time i got up they would pull the chair out for me and everything was amazing i guess cause its super expensive they want to make sure you feel like you get your moneys worth read more

Herons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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This is one of our go-to spots for a fancy, celebratory dinner. Most recently we had dinner here for my birthday. The presentation of the food is incredible. They offer a 4-course meal and there are various items you can choose per course. I always ask the waiter for their interpretation of the course as the descriptions don't necessarily translate to what is ultimately on the plate. I especially love their creativity around desserts. It's definitely a pricey dinner but great option if you're looking to splurge. They provide complementary little bites of food after each course and they also gave us complementary cookies to bring home. read more

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My wife and I had a great experience here. This was our first time and we plan on coming back. Every staff member was great, especially Mike, our main server. They all greeted upon arrival. Mike provided us with recommendations for each of the courses. He was very friendly and had a conversation with us. We had the 4 course meal for dinner but I am not sure if there is any other alternative. The portions weee just the right size and we were definitely full when we left. All the food tasted great and seasoned properly. I would definitely recommend and will be back. I would love to try each of their seasonal dishes as their menu changes seasonally. read more

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I have nothing to say other than "ご馳走様でした". Food was amazing and fun . I don't think I need to elaborate on their service . It's perfect :) along with the ambiance. We had a corse meal with wine pairing . read more

Herons is currently undergoing renovations, but service in the bar, piano area, and outside patio are open. The menu is limited but we all definitely found something to enjoy. The food is truly way above average and definitely worth a visit or two. We make it an annual December tradition and never disappoints. I will say the service is average so be patient with the staff. I can't figured it out as it appears that they have plenty of staff. The staff are friendly and professional from the valet, front desk, and restaurant. read more

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I recently came here with my mom for Sunday tea and it was an absolute delight. They even have a harpist playing in the background! Our server Jeannine was very welcoming and attentive. She gave us an overview of how it worked (three courses, starting with a pot of tea) and then let us enjoy the afternoon! My favorite course was the sandwich one, with lovely chicken salad and salmon ones I loved. Also, they use La Farm bread! No wonder they're so good. If you're a vegetarian, make sure to give them a heads up so they can adjust accordingly. Also tea is about 2 hours-give yourself time to enjoy it! read more

Herons - Tea dessert - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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Herons is one of those "special occasion" restaurants, located in the Umstead Hotel. In the mood for a brunch, we decided to check it out. The room is sleek, all in polished mahogany. Despite being tough to get a reservation, only about a quarter of the tables were full. Tables are set formally with white linen and stemware. At the rear is a wide, etched glass window offering a view of the kitchen. It's upscale, if somewhat dated. The wait staff is formally dressed and operates as a well oiled machine. The effect of all of the entrees being served simultaneously by the team surrounding the table never fails to impress. Not a buffet style brunch, we ordered from the menu. Amy had chicken and waffles and I had crab benedict. After ordering we were treated to chilled shot glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice laced with honey. Extra sweet but ice cold and very refreshing. The chicken was dredged in lightly seasoned flour and deep fried to a crispy golden brown. The chicken was moist, juicy and flawlessly cooked, served atop a freshly prepared sweet potato waffle. A sweet mustard and a unique syrup accompanied. Being in Raleigh, we've had a lot of chicken and waffles. But this preparation was outstanding - best we've had. The benedict was equally well executed. Perfectly poached eggs (yolks thickened but still runny) atop full size pan seared lump crab cakes with a thin slice of Canadian bacon on a toasted English muffin. A nice dollop of creamy and tangy hollandaise sauce over the top. The presentation was beautiful and every bite was scrumptious. We finished with a trio of muffin-sized crumb cake. These were still hot from the oven, topped with the classic brown sugar crumbles and served with delicious strawberry jam. And washed down with a mimosa! (beware, you can only get a mimosa after 10 am on Sunday) The tab, with 2 mimosas, was $85. It's too expensive to be a frequent stop, but is definitely the place to go for an impressive meal and outstanding service. read more

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We had a great brunch today at Heron's. We both got the omelette of the day. G. Got the potatoes on the side, which were very flavorful, and I got the yummy grits on the side. Before our omelettes came out, we shared a plate of fruit, a nice variety that included strawberries, melon, berries and peach slices. With our meal, we also ordered a side of cornbread, also scrumptious! The service was also excellent! Very helpful and friendly service, from the front door to the dining room. After our meal, we walked around outside for a bit, and caught a glimpse of the herb garden, which the chefs take advantage of. read more

If I am ever faced with making the decision as to what will be my final meal, I hope Herons is an option. I doubt the type of people who arrange final meals are offering Herons, but it is MY final meal we're talking about, right? There are times in life when you experience something that of such high quality that it makes an indelible impression. Think in terms of the first time you drove a really well made euro-sedan, or the first time you played an exceptional instrument. If you have ever used an exceptionally engineered and produced tool after struggling with junk, that is the sort of feeling experienced at Herons. It resets your standards. You remember individual bites of food! It's like a first kiss with someone out of your league. My wife (yes, she's out of my league) and I dined at Herons during a recent stay at The Umstead. We were there to see The Eagles, which was all you'd expect, but Herons was the highlight of the trip. Herons does an amazing thing. They send out little complimentary tastes from the chef in between courses. These aren't some afterthought, or something they are trying to promote. Each one is a beautiful taste experience! I could go on and on about the food, but what really makes Herons exceptional are the people working there. They make perfect service seem so natural! This is the sort of thing that comes from serious education and a commitment to doing things correctly. I've been to premium restaurants before, and it's apparent when someone there is serious about their craft versus begrudgingly earning a living. The sense I got at Herons was a group of people who were excited to show off their exceptional food and wine experience. Carlos, Nathan, Troy, Tim, even Michelle the trainee were absolutely superior and seemed to be genuinely proud of the job they do. With good reason. read more

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A. Rare five star review but this place epitomes what a five-star experience should be From the moment you arrive in our greeted by professional and pleasant valets it sets the tone for what your experience will be once you go inside the main hotel This review will focus on herons but it wouldn't be hard not to complement the hotel itself which I'll do in a different review We had a reservation for 830 for a party of three and while we arrived a few minutes early they seated us at precisely 830 setting us up for a evening of Precision We each selected the three-course with wine pairings which with tip will be around $150 per person and found it to be a great value Wow three courses were the feature the chef compliments between courses were really special as well which amounted to about a seven or eight course total experience It's hard to explain the mastery of color texture and taste and while you may not select A pheasant corn dog on your own or a foi gras truffle it was incredible I would highly recommend this for the most special of occasions knowing it will be one of the highest priced meals of her as well as the highest value meal and experience read more

Herons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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What a magical experience at the Umstead Hotel. The Herons restaurant really went above my expectations for our anniversary dinner. The Five Star Restaurant was superb. The ambiance, the service and the food that was created into a master pieces were just mind blowing. Our meal took about 3 hours for our pre-fixed menu. The servers (we had 4) are so knowledgeable , friendly and kind. The menu is overwhelming , and can be tricky just ask the questions if you have no idea what something is on the menu. :) read more