Blue Heron Restaurant

"Didn't live up the to hype. My wife and I went here for a birthday dinner and really wanted to give 5 stars, but they couldn't muster the execution. Food was not too snuff. I got a steak that was essentially dry salt and garlic (was digesting that for a day), no really flavor otherwise. It was paired with salty bacon hash, just no respite or ability to clear from the salt. She had the other special. A decent fish, but the sides were cold:(. Apps, Oysters and Dessert may have saved some of this review. But you can't get a strong rating if your entree is poor - especially at $40+ each (ie 4-5 star prices). The 25 minute wait between the app being taken away and the entree was a killer. We agreed we might try Blue Heron again (this was our first time since new ownership), but we also agreed, this place just didn't live up to the potential. Trust me, gave us no pleasure to give review less than 4 stars but that is the deal."

"Fabulous experience! We had fresh Opah and the fish was prepared exquisitely to perfection. Our appetizer and dessert were also top quality. Service was superb. We went to celebrate my wife's birthday and we will be back again and again."

"Went here for a friend’s birthday and it was really an amazing experience. We started the meal with ricotta bread and ended with ricotta donuts. We were able to ask for a replacement of powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar on the donuts, and they accommodated us wonderfully. They get an extra point because that also means they make the dessert on the spot!"

"On the whole this is a lovely restaurant set in the old town hall. However, there are aspects of the cuisine that need improvement in order assign a five star rating in my view. The reception with Nick (owner) and service from Megan were first rate. The owner came outside and took our photo as we were entering- welcoming and supportive especially for customers with limited mobility. For potential ADA customers in wheelchairs access would be difficult at best with a combination of curbs, stairs and low light levels. The menu offers bites, starter plates, main dishes and desserts centred around the restaurant’s relationships with local suppliers. This concept has great potential with discerning customers. I especially enjoyed the summer fruits dessert (highly recommended) with stand out blackberries and other fresh local fruit served atop a corn waffle with fruit reduction and delicate use of whipped cream. However, the food we ate was over salted especially the fish dishes, starter olives and Brussel sprouts. I had a lovely ahi tuna; very nicely done (not overcooked) but the kitchen would do well to reduce the use of salt across the board. Ambiance including internal decorating, artwork and lighting are superb and work very well in the large main dining room. My wine was a made with a blend of California grapes - I understand it was Raymond Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a single glass which I drank slowly during the meal. Nicely balanced and brilliantly fruity. I mentioned that I was more familiar with French wines than Californians but I didn’t understand the server’s description at first. At these prices your customers deserve better responses to reasonable non-expert questions, if not a sommelier. All in all I recommend Blue Heron for diners who take the time to enjoy the social experience of a well prepared meal served in a relaxing time frame."

"Expensive but oh my so worth it! Perfect for a date or if you want A grade food experience in & around Amherst. Worth every buck - the honey garlic shrimp was the bestest appetizer I’ve had in a while! Honestly any and every dish you order is cooked with care and effort and tastes just like it."