Herons at the Umstead Hotel and Spa

Herons is the restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa on Woodland Pond in Cary, and it is the hotel’s signature dining room. In the evening it is one of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world, and it is Michelin recommended.

Earlier in the day it is a different place. Breakfast and lunch are refined but casual, served in a relaxed setting, and there is a brunch menu as well. There is a wine list drawn up for the hotel. Reservations are encouraged, though the restaurant is pleased to welcome walk-ins when space allows.

What to know

• The dining room seats 98 guests.
• Chef Steven Devereaux Greene leads the kitchen.
• A four-course fall dinner draws on the season at One Oak Farm.
• The Umstead Uncorked series holds relaxed wine tastings focused on discovery.
• Tea with Santa runs as an annual winter event at the hotel.