Herons

Dinner at Herons isn't just a meal — it's a well-rehearsed symphony where every note lands perfectly. Our conductor for the evening was Kacy, who managed to be both effortlessly charming and frighteningly knowledgeable. She didn't just serve dinner — she curated an experience. Each course arrived like a tiny work of art — delicate, confident, and somehow better than the last. Kacy guided us through every dish with just the right mix of insight and humor, like a tour guide in a museum of deliciousness. The pacing, presentation, and polish were flawless. By dessert, I was convinced Kacy could sell me on anything — even celery ice cream — and I'd thank her for it. By the end, I wasn't sure if I'd had dinner or been gently adopted by the staff. Either way, I left full, happy, and slightly more sophisticated than when I arrived. P.S. the brownies need their own feature to display their simple yet heavenly ability to increase your level of dopamine.

The food quality and presentation was top level. The wine pairings were phenomenal. The service was friendly, timely and helpful. Truly enjoyed our anniversary dinner.

Service was above and beyond exceptional. Staff and severs call you by your last name. Servers very attentive.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and opted for the chefs tasing per my wife's recommendation, as well as the wait staffs. I'm so glad I did. Every dish was excellent and I left the meal feeling as if I understood the story chef Steven was trying to tell through his food. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

Our dinner experience was fantastic and the food was delicious. We will absolutely be returning again soon.

Adam our was amazing , very attentive . I say all the staff.bur especially our server Adam! Britney Lewis. Very very respectful 10 stars!!!

The flavors of everything from our cocktails to desserts were layered, complex, delicious. The is a truly culinary experience!

The table had the Chefs menu and it exceeded our expectations in every way! We will definitely return.

It was a great celebration for my daughter who is vegetarian. The assistant manager suggested vegetarian modifications before we arrived and had vetted those options with the chef. Our waitress knew of the modifications that had been suggested and was very helpful to my daughter. It was all very impressive and tastefully executed. A great place for lunch.

The food was beautifully prepared and well-executed, but unfortunately, the experience fell far short of what a restaurant at this level should provide. At the prices they are charging, the service should match the caliber of the cuisine—and it simply didn't. The menu leaned heavily into seafood, which limited my husband's choices (he doesn't eat seafood), but that's not why I'm leaving a 2-star review. My disappointment lies in the hospitality. For all the precision in the kitchen and on the plate, the service was mechanical, impersonal, and scripted. Only one team member introduced themselves by name. No one asked if we were celebrating (we were—our 26th wedding anniversary), if it was our first time dining there, or engaged with us beyond the rehearsed lines. When the table next to us was seated, we watched each server repeat—word for word—the same phrases and the same “joke” we had just heard. It felt like watching robots at work, not professionals who cared about making guests feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Every single person on that floor should be required to read Unreasonable Hospitality. If they had, they would understand that elevated dining is not just about food and presentation—it's about creating color, warmth, and connection. Instead, our dinner felt black-and-white, lacking the joy and sense of occasion that true hospitality provides. It was so underwhelming that we skipped dessert and drove to The Angus Barn for a slice of Chocolate Chess Pie—where, in the Wild Turkey Lounge, we experienced more genuine warmth and welcome in 30 minutes than we did in 90 minutes at Herons. Great food isn't enough. At this level, it should never just be about the food. Herons needs to do better.

Every part of dinner was exceptional! Thank you Chef for an outstanding experience. Can't wait to return!

We always go to Herons for special celebrations and will continue to do so. We hope that Heron's maintains their high standard for a special dining experience.

We’ve chosen Umstead Hotel and Spa for a pampering celebration of our anniversary. It was a great experience! Beautiful clean rooms and hotel ambiance, relaxing SPA with all possible amenities, amazing couple massage session and delicious dinner. Hotel stuff made our celebration special with the complementary treats and a champagne in our room. We definitely will be looking forward to come back!

Elite fine dining on par with anything in much bigger cities

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Herons is a real treat and special food experience. The food is amazing and its presentation top notch. The staff is amazing and you are wined and dined like royalty. Cannot say enough about this great experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5