Disney’s Fanciest Restaurant Just Got a Michelin Star – The First Ever For Any US Theme Park Restaurant!

During the 2024 Michelin Guide Ceremony in Tampa, it was announced that one of the most highly regarded Disney restaurants has been awarded a Michelin Star. According to the Michelin Guide, “one MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavours are prepared to a consistently high standard.”

Victoria & Albert's, located at the elegant Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa at Disney World, is known for the incredible fine dining experience it offers guests and has received several accolades, including the AAA Five Diamond Award (consecutively since 2000), the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star (consecutively since 2018), the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional.

The Michelin Guide first came to Florida only recently in 2022. Not only is receiving a Michelin Star a first for Disney World, but Victoria & Albert's is the first (and currently the only) restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold this honor! Keep reading for more details.

Victoria & Albert's Awarded Michelin Star

Victoria & Albert's, one of the best Disney World restaurants, has been offering an incredible dining experience for years with an upscale atmosphere and a menu crafted with quality ingredients from around the world. In addition to the restaurant's highly-regarded food, it also features an award-winning wine list with over 500 selections.

Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, who leads the culinary team at the restaurant, said, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by MICHELIN for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” said Chef Matthew. “Everybody on our team earned this Star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.”

Here's the full Michelin guide description which you can find on their website here:

“Nestled within Disney's crown jewel, the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is by no means an easy reservation, but the reward is a kind of magic rarely seen these days. The setting is intimate, and the pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz orchestrated by a gracious brigade of veteran servers.

Chef Matthew Sowers cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics. Think delicate tarts set with New Zealand langoustine, striking “sandwiches” made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise. Other details like water lists, an ornate coffee and tea service, and a serious wine program further impress.”

Friend of Mickey Visit and acclaimed Disney author, Marcy Carriker Smothers, shared in her book 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences From Around the World (which we recommend), “Victoria & Albert’s, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is considered the premier restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort. Dining at the Chef’s Table is like the seat behind home plate at the World Series or orchestra center for the hottest Broadway show—only with haute cuisine and exquisite wines.” When she heard this news, she shared, “And now they have a well-deserved and long overdue Michelin Star!”

The Chef's Table that Smothers refers to is a highly coveted 3-hour dining experience featuring a tasting menu crafted by the restaurant's chef de cuisine, tailored to your party's preferences.

Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez was also honored with the 2024 Florida Service Award. As maître d’hôtel, he ensures that every diner enjoys an unparalleled experience throughout the evening. “Just like a dance, there are many tiny steps that come naturally after years of dedication. Everything is done with purpose, and it is beautiful when the tempo is perfect,” said Israel.

This is an incredible and distinctive accomplishment for Victoria & Albert's to be awarded with a Michelin Star! You can read more about Victoria & Albert's and the other top Disney World table-service dining locations in our guide.

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