What to Expect When Visiting RH's DeHaan Estate

The Dining Room at RH’s DeHaan Estate is a must-see experience for locals looking to experience luxury in the heart of Indianapolis. Declared one of the most magical properties in North America by RH’s Chairman and CEO Gary Friedman, this sprawling 42,000 square foot estate sits nestled on a private lake surrounded by 151 acres of gardens, grand art installations and sculptures right behind IMA 100 Acres and Newfields. 

To be sure, to most of us here in Indy, dining in such a lavish, palatial estate is not the norm. But entering through the front doors of this stunning restaurant, simply called The Dining Room, invites guests to explore the property further. 

RH’s luxury home furnishing brand is gaining a reputation for blurring the lines between home and hospitality with restaurants inside curated showrooms like this across the country, Canada, and England. Nearly everything on site, excluding some art pieces that came with the estate, is for sale.  

According to Friedman, “Furniture is only one aspect of the RH ecosystem we are building. We believe in creating spaces that activate all the senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound.” Integrating the hospitality experience moves the brand beyond creating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces. 

A Menu to Inspire

From caviar-laden appetizers like the Mini Lobster Rolls and the Grilled Avocado to classical French-style entrees like the Petite Filet with Bearnaise and the Salmon with Brown Butter, one thing is certain: with RH, luxury takes center stage. Pricing is fair though, ranging between $18 and $58, so you can spend as little or as much as you want. 

Friedman has his favorites. He says, “The RH Burger was called the best burger in New York by the Financial Times and the Shaved Ribeye on Charred Garlic Bread just might be the best sandwich on the planet, so generally flip a coin.”

As for me, the Gem Salad is absolutely essential. Little Gem lettuce, a cross between butterhead and romaine lettuces, crispy yet tender, tossed in just enough buttermilk herb dressing and combined with thinly sliced radish, avocado, and feta. It’s light and refreshing and leaves room for more. 

You’ll find that RH is big on wood-fired charring, which adds an extra dimension of smoky notes and caramelization to several of the dishes.   The Di Stefano Burrata, for example, with charred peppers, aged balsamic, fresh basil, and charred ciabatta hits all the senses; aromatic, sweet, creamy, crispy, and earthy. Very satisfying. 

But the showstopper is definitely the dessert. That Butterscotch Crème Brûlée is diabolical!  It is creamy, rich, salty, crunchy, caramelly perfection. A great way to end an evening, or begin one. 

Know Before You Go…

This is an experience, not a dining destination. That being said, make your reservation and plan on being there for at least 3 hours. You’ll need one hour or more for dining and the rest to stroll leisurely through the intricate maze of lavishly decorated rooms and grounds that make up the DeHaan Estate. 

Although the property boasts an impressive 151 acres and 60 rooms, including a ballroom, event coordinators and brides-to-be will be disappointed to learn that RH does not rent space or provide catering for private parties. 

The meticulously landscaped Lakeside Terrace and gardens that wrap around the back will call to you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but don’t expect to dine out there, not even for dessert. No food or drink is allowed in this area unless it’s wine from The Wine Bar. 

While the DeHaan Estate is indeed a realm of unbridled luxury; it still welcomes people from all walks of life. I saw people enjoying the property in a spectrum of attire; from black party dresses and evening gowns to shorts and track outfits. Be you and have fun with it. 

The Dining Room is open  11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.