I've always said that The Heritage is one of GR's best hidden gems. This restaurant is run by students at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Arts and offers a fine dining experience at a fraction of the cost. There are a few tips you'll need to pay attention to if you'd like to check it out. First, sign up for their email list so you get notified when their reservations open. They have extremely limited hours and dates that they're open (usually only two months throughout the year for a few days each week). The second thing to know is that your meal may take a bit longer than if you were to go out to a restaurant. Since it's a teaching environment, you may overhear instructors telling students how to properly clear tables, giving them tips, etc. and your food may take a bit longer to come out. All that said, if you can get a reservation for lunch or dinner at The Heritage, I highly recommend it. For dinner they usually offer a pre-fixe menu although it has changed over the years. I've dined at The Heritage several times now, for both lunch and dinner. If you have the time for a longer lunch, it's really fun. Nate and I went on their very first day of service during the winter 2024 session and it was great! You could definitely see some nerves, but we were enthusiastic and encouraging. We ordered a bunch of items from the menu: hand pulled mozzarella, chopped salad, shrimp bisque, pork curry, haute style beef, and two desserts. They start you with bread service, and they kept asking if we wanted more throughout the meal. The first few courses were spaced out appropriately and presented nicely. I LOVED the hand pulled mozzarella - it was flavorful and the baguette was perfectly toasted and not too crispy. I'd order that again. The salad was a huge portion and so beautifully plated, but it was a little lacking in flavor. I added some salt which helped. (In general, I have found most of the food to be a tad under seasoned for my taste, but they had salt and pepper shakers on the table). Our entrees took a bit longer to come out, but they were delicious. I preferred the haute beef, which was a perfectly cooked (medium rare) filet on some potato croquettes with delicious sauce. I did think it was interesting they didn't ask me how I wanted the steak cooked, but it was great. They also didn't offer a steak knife, but it wasn't necessary. The pork in the curry was super tender and cooked really nicely. Dessert is displayed on a cart that they bring around which is really fun. We went with the mocha latte torte and the raspberry passionfruit torte. I loved the mocha latte torte as it reminded me of tiramisu. In lieu of tips, an 18% service charge is added to each check and this money is put into scholarships that go back to the students. They also provide a comment card that you can give feedback on at the end of the meal. If you are a patient and kind foodie with a bit of time on your hands, definitely try to make it to The Heritage for a meal! read more

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Solid offering from GRCC's culinary program. The menu was set up prix fixe where you needed to get an app, main, and dessert. As others have mentioned, the drink list is pretty tight, especially wine by the glass. But considering how narrow the hours are here, any larger and they'd be pouring so much wine down the drain. There were 4 of us and we kind of made a point to order different things so we could explore the menu. I got the duck confit cotton candy and it was surprising in 2 ways. The cotton candy was much larger than I anticipated. There was also caramel hiding in the cone of the cotton candy. The duck itself was so good. All the fat was so rendered down. He got the Hamachi Kama. Our friends got the mushroom parcel and the quail egg cloud. I tried the quail egg cloud and the texture was really interesting. The quail egg was hiding under the meringue and it made for a fun bite. Good marks all around. My scallops were cooked to perfection and the curry sauce was killer. I wish the fennel was softened a little bit more but that's more a personal preference. The demi on his steak was amazing too. I was jealous of my friend's pork chop though. I will say that if you are in a rush to be somewhere after dinner, I don't know that this is the place for you. They are learning and that is the mindset that you need to be there to support. So please, don't be that person that gets upset about the wait or asks for something off-menu. I have had the privilege of eating at another culinary program's restaurant and the speed of service was dead similar to this. It's normal. The dessert was good but we had to take it to go because they had a show to get to. The napoleons we got held up really well even after a few hours. I would go back in a heartbeat. I also think that if you want to practice fine dining at an accessible price point, this is a great place to do it. It's a low-stakes, high payoff situation. read more

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I have always wanted to try Heritage Restaurant and provide a better learning experience for up and coming culinary students! We made reservations by calling (which the team was super friendly in finding a time that worked for our schedules a couple weeks in advance) and the food was excellent for the cost! We got a little lost in where we should go since I think they were actually in a temporary space when we went, but the prix fixe menu was wonderful and many options for all food lovers with their app, main and dessert. I think the students are doing a fantastic job and honestly it was a wonderful meal in town for a unique experience! I'd recommend going and trying the seasonal menus that they have to offer. read more

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I had no idea this place existed! My boss took some of us out for a lunch on the town, and we had a great time. This restaurant serves as a classroom for culinary students, and the front and back of house are run by students learning their trade. Go with the expectation that it is a learning environment and you'll enjoy your meal. We enjoyed watching the training take place as the teacher was kind and patient. The food they're putting out is pretty impressive, and the aire of professional excellence is palpable. There was some lack of salt, but everything looked and tasted pretty wonderful. Also, the view of the city is beautiful. read more

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Another delightful experience in this hidden gem in GR. The unique presentation of their dishes is skillfully matched by the rare selection of teas & desserts arriving on the mobile cart. If you're lucky to get a reservation, prepare to be amazed!!! read more

This place is first class in both ambiance and flavor! The service is leisurely, as befits the pace of excellence in dining. We enjoyed our meal so much. read more

The Heritage ⁣ ⁣ The Heritage Restaurant is a fine-dining experience by Grand Rapids Community College. Culinary student staff learn and show off their skills in this restaurant, supervised by Chef and Table Service Professors.⁣ ⁣ If you've ever eaten at The Heritage or know of those who have, you have no doubt heard phenomenal reviews! Just another reason to love the Heritage Hill neighborhood! ⁣ ⁣ They are open for Lunch and Dinner during specific times (Tu-Th), so be sure to check out their website for more info! ⁣ read more

The Heritage Restaurant - New American Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Have been here several times. The food here is five star rated and 3 star prices. They have a brewery in house too! The whole gig is run by the culinary students at GRCC. I love supporting the class. Don't miss this place read more

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How did I JUST discover this secret place after 3 years of visiting/living in Grand Rapids??? It is fantastic, fine dining at fine prices! Nice simple clean decor, excellent service and ooh such deliciousness. The staff are all culinary students as far as I know and are very diverse, professional and friendly. If you are vegetarian there may not be a veggie entree available, I don't eat meat, just fish and the other choices were beef, chicken and scallop. They have some very tasty veggie options for the small plates and salads, so maybe get one of each of those. We shared a small plate and had an entree each and I was full for the rest of the day! I didn't see wine or alcoholic beverages which I didn't mind at all about. The juices and coffee are made fresh right in front of you on a cart which is fun to watch. Our waiter asked us, but forgot to show us the desserts, I had a cappuccino and was too full by then anyways :) Nice to sit by the window and have a nice view. Make reservations as it will get busy. read more

The Heritage Restaurant - Fancy student dinner! - New American Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

We are fortunate to have such a great restaurant in southwest Michigan. Attached to the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education on GRCC's campus, The Heritage restaurant offers patrons the opportunity to support a top culinary school in the country by indulging in the impeccably executed creations of its students. Here, one will be treated to the rare luxury of servers who are passionate about what they're serving because they, too, take their turns in the kitchen some nights and can prepare any of the dishes on the menu, with special accommodations if requested. They know every ingredient that goes into every dish, gladly explain how every dish is prepared, and revel in your enjoyment of their work. Such pride and ownership are virtually nonexistent in chain restaurants. As other reviewers have noted, the mock eel is a must for mushroom lovers. Also worthy of note are the Greek soufflé, foie gras creme brûlée, caramelized Brussels sprouts, striped bass, and butter poached lobster. There is literally something for everyone, and with warm, engaging, knowledgable servers like Rawan and Mike, (the king of quenelles) it is difficult to imagine anyone leaving The Heritage without a sense that he or she has been well-fed, educated, and inspired to return at the next possible opportunity. Treat someone special to lunch or dinner at The Heritage and support these young chefs of tomorrow. read more

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There really is no better deal for great Food in GR! From tasting menus to lunch specials they cover a huge range of dining experiences and do it all with finesse. The community college-based student run restaurant with in-house brewery (also student run) really travels leaps and bounds above some of the nicer places in town. Their creativity and inspiration in food and beer are a force to be reckoned with. You HAVE to order dessert and be sure to try some of the table-side prep dishes they offer! Limited days and hours as they are only open during the school semester so make sure to check the yelp and website, but this is a great place to celebrate anything from birthdays and anniversaries to the weekend! read more

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My friends and I "discovered" this place way back (too many years ago) when we were students at Grand Rapids Community College. I still love going there and we make it a point to try to go at least once every semester. The food is fabulous! The desserts are fantastic. The steaks are so tender, and I try whatever they are offering. Last semester it was the Zulu Tenderloin and it was delicious. They usually offer at least one beef, one chicken, one fish and a couple other entrees. The soups (love that shrimp bisque) and appetizers are perfect. My only problem is that I wish this place was open year round, however as this is a "lab" for the culinary arts students, they are only open during the school year for a short amount of time. Reservations are strongly recommended! Even during Covid, we managed to get in and their safety protocols were top notch. It's worth following them on social media or via emails to get their hours. It's definitely a hidden gem. They offer lunch and dinner. Lunch is usually only Tuesday through Thursday. The prices are very reasonable, and casual clothing is fine, although you will feel as if it's fine dining. Save room for dessert as there are multiple selections on the cart and it's so hard to choose just one! read more

The Heritage prompts an onset of Induced synesthesia, with the flavors, views, and waitstaff courtesy all dancing together in a Cabaret of dreams. My hands grow beaten from ovation after ovation with each course served, my cheeks sore from excess delight. The cuisine is a perfect storm of ingredients, preparation, and innovation. The beer, from student run Fountain Hill Brewing, is on par or exceeding the other acclaimed breweries. The staff is showcasing an anti-capitalist performance by showing that the grade, not the dollar, can generate supreme results. Each student is top notch, giving hope that customer service will one day arise from the dead at other institutions. The Heritage is the hidden crown jewel of Grand Rapids dining, known only to those in the inner circle. I write to the masses so that all can experience fine dining, if only once, here at The Heritage. read more

Foodies, if you make it to the entrance, you will have found the hidden holy grail of Grand Rapids cuisine! My husband gets props for setting up our reservation for a date night. The reservation was three weeks out- this place is popular! And for good reason: the food is high end, creative, and most important, delicious! It's the 2015 Open Table dinner award winner and their Mock Eel was voted best Vegan Dish by Grand Rapids Magazine. I ordered the Ishi Yaki Buri Bop and the Mock Eel. My husband ordered The Foie Gras Crème Brulee and the Lobster Newburg. The presentation was fabulous with my Buri Bop was served in a hot stone bowl of grilled tofu, sticky rice, mushrooms, veggies, seaweed salad with a mango egg yolk on top. The Lobster Newburg was an indulgent half lobster poached atop of a pastry tart filled with roasted scallop mousse. The sweet ginger and garlic coy sauce on the Mock Eel was a sticky sweet delight. The Foie Gras was served with a side of Michigan cherry chutney. Amazing! Between our appetizers and meal we enjoyed the apple Cider sorbet and a bottle of red wine (sorry, don't 'remember the name). A few things to note about The Heritage Restaurant: Yes, it's fancy, and yes it's phenomenal food, but it is a school first and foremost. The students of GRCC's Secchia culinary education program all rotate in the different restaurant roles and the manager/teacher is always on hand in the dining room. They take reservations because it's that popular but also so ensure that the students aren't slammed with tables, and they have the time to serve you and learn within a professional atmosphere. All the students I encountered were helpful, polite, knowledgeable and ready to serve - it's hard to find that in a "normal" place! There were a few hinky things that happened during out meal but nothing bad, and certainly, I've experienced way worse from other places; nothing that made me want to not come back. The only thing that was a buzz kill was the location; I commented to the host that it was like a speakeasy, trying to find the restaurant. It's located inside on of GRCC's buildings on Fountain Street (sort of kiddy corner to Fountain Street Church). You have to go inside the building, walk through the hallway to where it opens up (you'll see a huge read stairwell) and then turn left. The restaurant has a big red sign over the doors. Don't let the unassuming entrance and decor detour you. It's a gem right here in GR! read more

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Heritage Restaurant has become a restaurant 'tradition' for me. I discovered this place over 15 years ago. It is actually a training center for the Culinary Program of the Grand Rapids Junior College. This could create a nightmare due to the constant change in wait staff who are students, but the management and teaching staff in this facility are so professional that you feel well served. Over the years, we usually try to visit the Heritage at least once a semester and have also participated in their special Valentine's Day dinner. The restaurant location allows for a commanding view of the downtown area with many floor to ceiling windows. The atmosphere is a little more formal and reservations are suggested as this spot becomes increasingly popular. Parking can sometimes be a challenge but we usually manage to find a spot in the underground parking lot underneath the restaurant. The food selection changes every semester. Not only do we enjoy the food and artful presentation, it is often fun to talk with the students who are serving and to find out more about what they are studying or hope to do upon graduation. You must save room for dessert when you come here. I have enjoyed some of the most interesting desserts while dining at the Heritage. As a baker myself, I appreciate a freshly prepared meal and a recently prepared dessert which is made on site. The Training Chefs here are truly exceptional and will sometimes make their way onto the dining floor to talk with patrons. The Heritage, as it's name implies is truly a Grand Rapids gem. Highly recommended. read more

Top notch all the way. After dinner I asked to see the kitchen and it was spotless. Very reasonably priced too. read more

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Some of the most delicious, interesting, and beautiful food in Michigan. Much of the food is locally grown. Service is excellent. The Heritage is the fine dining restaurant associated with the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education--one of the top five culinary schools in the country. Truly fine dining--in a comfortable atmosphere and at reasonable prices. read more

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Disappointed that this was our first time here! We've missed out but will be back. Fantastic for GR and major props to the students that run this awesome restaurant! Great locale, atmosphere, service and perfect menu. (Need to go back multiple times to eat the entire menu...it does change...but.) GREAT value as well. Excellent wine and beer selection. Chris was The Man...thanks to awesome service. Everyone we met always had a smile. Ok... Mock Eel-Get it...twice! Polenta Pizza-Tasty. We had the Filet...grilled to perfection and the crab-stuffed Striped Bass arguably the best fish I have had...in the world. After dinner treats??? You will not be disappointed. Counting down to the next visit. Thank you!!! read more

Delightful dining experience...My friend and I weren't quite sure what to expect since there seemed to be some confusion as to how late the restaurant was open e.g. we called a few times and received a few different responses. So, we showed up on Friday night at 7 and were seated promptly. We noticed other parties seated until about 7:30. Most tables were filled. The service was fine, perhaps a bit casual given the intent of the menu and venue. However, I'd rather see a relaxed staff enjoying their work versus a snooty group. Presentation of dishes was great---attractive, appetizing, and appropriately sized. Enjoyed the farmhouse salad and REALLY loved the Halibut special----sensational, particularly given the midwest locale. Companion enjoyed the lamb immensely as well. I had absolutely no room left for dessert, but my friend enjoyed a strawberry pastry treat. She's a Grand Rapids resident and plans to take her family to The Heritage next time they visit. Constructive criticism for The Heritage---the bread service was a little over the top. I'd rather just receive a selection of a few of the offerings than chose from a cart alongside the table. Silverware issue---we had to ask for replacement knives and forks between courses which wasn't a big hairy deal, but definitely an area to tighten up. If I make it back to GR, I'd make time for another meal at The Heritage. read more

My wife and I attended their annual Lobster Boil on November 24th. This restaurant is a hidden jewel in the Grand Rapids area. The restaurant is part of the GRCC Culinary Arts School and is completely staffed by students and their instructors. As such, sometimes you can get nervous waiters, but the food was A+. Our waiter was not nervous and was quick and efficient serving our party of 11 people. The meal started out with a bowl of clam chowder and corn bread, then moved on to a bowl of steamed clams & mussels. The final course was a 1-3/4 pound whole main lobster served with corn on the cob & potatoes. We finished the night with a slice of pumpkin cheese cake and apple tart with a scoop of ice cream. All I can say about the food is WOW!! Their advertising slogan of "5 star food at 3 star prices" is definitely right on. This was my second time eating at The Heritage and once again I was completely satisfied and impressed. As this is part of the college, be sure to check the website for their hours. read more

This was our second visit to the Heritage Restaurant since we were introduced to it. What a gem!! It's great to be treated like you're in a high-end fancy restaurant but at reasonable prices. $34 for a complete 5 course meal is outstanding, and if you go on a specials night it's even better! The food is top-notch and the presentation is always beautfully done. Portion size is filling without being too much or too little. The fresh bread is wonderful, and every entree makes you envious when you see someone else getting it! It's also nice knowing that the staff are students who are learning in a very real-world atmosphere, and all the challenges and rewards that go with running a kitchen and a restaurant. They do an amazing job and I am proud to give them my highest rating. Check it out, you'll thank me later. read more

Went the Heritage for the first time last week, and it was fantastic! I expected good food, and the quality was even better than I expected. All of the food was well done and beautifully displayed on the plate, and the salad and dessert they made in front of our table so we got to watch as they prepared it, which was also cool. We didn't have to wait long for any of the food either. Additionally, the students were all very courteous, professional, and helpful. For our server we had Matt Dodgen, who was very knowledgeable and willing to explain what some of the different menu items were or included, and when we asked what he recommended he asked us a question or two in return, such as did we feel like something more sweet or salty, before then making informed suggestions to help us choose what we would most enjoy. read more

Oh, what a treat. After stumbling upon the Groupon for the Heritage Restaurant, and having a Groupon code for an additional 20% off, I'd say I got a great deal on wonderful, fine dining that I otherwise wouldn't be able to afford. My girlfriend and I greatly enjoyed the ambiance of the space, warm tones, a little plain perhaps, but comfortable. The mock eel was voted the best vegan dish in Grand Rapids, and I can see why. Nice and crispy shitake mushrooms in a wonderfully rich, sticky, slightly sweet Asian inspired sauce. I loved that they provided chopsticks with the appetizer as well! My lady had the pumpkin soufflé that came with an apple brandy sauce, and she said it was fantastic. By way of entrees, I spent days staring at the menu, drooling over the thought of the filet, which turned out beautifully. The pork was also very good, said the picky pallet of my girlfriend. The service was great, and I loved supporting the students of this local institution. read more

I wasted an hour of my life waiting for this restaurant to open At last a student had pity on me and told me it was closed for the semester. Same student told me this happens all the time! Please place a sign on your door & a notice on yelp informing people of the time you are closed. read more

My husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary and they really pulled out all of the stops. We were treated to complementary desserts to celebrate our special occasion and were given first pick of the dessert cart in order to insure that our choices were available. The service was a bit slow probably because we arrived early for our reservation and seemed to throw our waiter off of his timing. Remember, these are students in the learning process. I loved that the other staffed pitched in and helped out when they noticed we needed some attention. An appetizer, soup or salad comes with each entree so we had the chance to try both the lobster souffle and the mock eel. The mock eel was not eel at all but fried shitake mushroom strips tossed with a sweet ginger sauce. It was the star of the evening. My main course of lamb chops was good but one of the three chops was too rare. I took it home for leftovers. It should survive reheating nicely. I will say that I did not care for the bulgur porridge that was served as the starch component of the dish. Yuck, oatmealish paste for dinner. They need to rethink that one. We loved talking to the culinary students and hearing their plans for after school. It just makes you feel good to support a program that is training students for the real world in a very practical and delicious manner. read more

The heritage was an excellent dining experience. The hosts/hostesses greated us with a smile at the door. Our waiter Anthony was awesome and explained any questions we may have had in great detail. The teacher and head chef came out to our to our table and greated us and made sure we were enjoying out visit. Can't wait to go back again soon for the mock eel! read more

This charming little place is attached to the college where they teach everything about food and food service different things are taught continuously so they are different foods in the restaurant reasonably priced. Reasonably priced too read more

Food was good. Server, Matt Dodgen, was very professional. I will probably be dining here again. P.S. The meat on a rock is excellent. read more

We had gone on November 12, but our daughter had an emergency and so we were not quite able to start the experience. The staff, especially Holly, were incredibly understanding and caring. We came back on December 2nd and we were treated top shelf. Excellent service and plates! we enjoyed a true culinary experience - and even though these are chefs in the making, they seemed well-seasoned experts! Knowing our daughters allergy experience (which was new even to us) Chef Dunn took extra care to make sure of the ingredients that our daughters dishes had to ensure a pleasant experience. He, Holly, our server/ Chef Shelby and the entire team were wonderful. Given a tour of the kitchen afterwards really opened our eyes to the in-outs of kitchen service and training. We are incredibly impressed with The Heritage and we will be making a quarterly appearance yearly. Thank you Heritage. Best wishes and success to your students in the future. read more

Amazing. Everything was awesome. The mock eel earned its title as best vegan dish in Grand Rapids. Our service was great from start to finish. I can't wait to go back. The food here is truly an art. read more

Amazing! This is a hidden gem. My husband and I dined there for lunch yesterday (required reservation) and we ordered off the fall menu. Because it is a "teaching" restaurant, the prices are very low for the high quality dining. The students were very attentive and professional, each dish came out with excellent plate presentation, nice atmosphere. The decor could stand to be updated. Even though it is not open year round with varied hours, and not well publicized, it is well worth a little effort to get a reservation. read more

This Grand Rapids Culinary Arts school is a GEM. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner experience. The food was fresh, hot, tasty and beautifully presented. Michael, our waiter, chef-in-training did an excellent job. 5 stars easily earned! We cannot say enough about this wonderful restaurant. Many windows provide a nice view, the restaurant is roomy, neat and sparkling clean. Don't hesitate - - - - enjoy! read more

Awesome! Food was good service was great! Had mike Nyguen, Annie Silasa, and Rawan Shatara were our serving staff and were all extremely knowledgable about everything! Highly recommended!! read more

I could not believe this was run by students! The 5 course dinner was superb and the student staff, though small worked well together. You could tell everyone was enjoying themselves. They work to space out your meal so you can enjoy each course and give the food the respect it deserves. I had a crispy duck and morel mushroom appetizer with filet mignon. After a delicious chocolate tart, I couldn't believe it was only $34 for the meal! This is the best kept secret in Grand Rapids. read more