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!
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.
(5)
Susan S.
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.
(4)
Matt B.
m.facebook.com/JLAMMdisc… a discount and promotional page for this restaraunt... please use this on your next visit before nov 22...
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.
(5)
S C.
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.
(5)
Tony S.
Top notch all the way. After dinner I asked to see the kitchen and it was spotless. Very reasonably priced too.
(5)
Ann E.
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.
(4)
USAF P.
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.
(5)
LovelyRita J.
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.
(5)
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Address :GRCC,151 Fountain St NE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Amanda L.
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!
(5)Cori L.
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.
(4)Lola A.
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.
(5)Susan S.
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.
(4)Matt B.
m.facebook.com/JLAMMdisc… a discount and promotional page for this restaraunt... please use this on your next visit before nov 22...
(5)Doug M.
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.
(5)Patra G.
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.
(5)S C.
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.
(5)Tony S.
Top notch all the way. After dinner I asked to see the kitchen and it was spotless. Very reasonably priced too.
(5)Ann E.
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.
(4)USAF P.
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.
(5)LovelyRita J.
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.
(5)