Inside Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Nestled in the magical world of Walt Disney World, where dreams come true and magic is around every corner, there existed a restaurant that had gained a distinction all its own not only from its theme park peers but also the wider world of culinary delights. Victoria & Albert’s, inside of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, made history by becoming the first restaurant inside of a theme park ever to receive a prestigious Michelin star in history and catapult itself onto the list containing the best restaurants in the world.
A Milestone for Disney Dining
In 2023, Victoria & Albert’s did what no other theme park restaurant has done: It earned a Michelin star, joining the ranks of 26 other Michelin-starred restaurants in Florida. Michelin—an entity known to be quite critical, judging more than 30,000 restaurants around the world—praised Victoria & Albert’s for its “rare magic that transubstantiates itself into the culinary world.” Since its opening in 1988, this fine dining restaurant has been notable for its service, luxurious atmosphere, and attention to detail. Yet, earning a Michelin star is one thing—it’s also a first for Victoria & Albert’s—but quite another for any restaurant inside a U.S. theme park in the long history of Disney innovating food.
The Dining Experience: A Symphony of Flavors
Victoria & Albert’s is so much more than just a restaurant; it is an experience. For those seeking only the finest, guests begin with prix-fixe menus starting at $295 per person for a multi-course gastronomic delight, with ingredients hand-picked from around the world. Every bite is a cause for celebration of flavors as the culinary team makes sure each course is a treat to not only taste but even to only look at.
According to Michelin, “the reward is a sort of magic rarely seen these days,” that is one proper way to describe such an unforgettable experience awaiting the guest.
The culinary artistry is under the helm of Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, whose nearly two-decade tenure at Victoria & Albert’s has honed his skill for creating innovative dishes deeply rooted in tradition. Having contributed to acclaimed menus aboard Disney’s luxury cruise liners like Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Sowers brings a lot of experience and imagination to the table. He works alongside Pastry Chef Ally Rogers, who concocts delectable desserts that are also a treat to look at, adding even more to the already acclaimed status this restaurant enjoys.
World-Class Service and Hospitality
The Michelin star isn’t the only accolade Victoria & Albert’s has received of late. The restaurant also took home the 2024 Florida Service Award—a prestigious recognition for outstanding service—awarded to Maître d’Hôtel and Sommelier Israel Perez. Over the course of more than two decades, Perez has dedicated his career to perfecting service so that every guest encounter is nothing less than memorable.”It’s like a dance, so many little steps across that just feel natural after years and years. Nothing is superfluous; everything has reason. And it is a beautiful thing when the tempo is right,” Perez waxes poetic on the precision and attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience at Victoria & Albert’s.
His leadership, with a team of experts behind him, ensures that not a second is out of place in this restaurant—from the warm welcome to the thoughtful wine pairing. Victoria & Albert’s has an impressive wine selection—one may say a wine list—of over 500 selections, while specially trained sommeliers will help guests navigate an expertly assembled wine list to find just the perfect pairing for each course.
Excellence Handed Down
Victoria & Albert’s has been the crown jewel in all of Walt Disney World when it comes to fine dining for more than two decades. But this star is only the latest among an accumulated pile of accolades for this singular restaurant.
It is the only restaurant in Florida to have earned the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000 and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award since 2018. This rare combination cements Victoria & Albert’s in an elite group of only 26 dining venues nationwide to have achieved this lofty status.
It has also been inducted into the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame, a recipient of the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and proves that it is genuinely committed to providing fine dining and a truly sumptuous and memorable experience.
Behind the Plate: The Magic—the Culinary Team
Success reflects the teamwork in this talented cast of culinary characters. Opposite Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers and Pastry Chef Ally Rogers, the restaurant benefits from the mentorship of Executive Chef Kevin Chong, master of the culinary operations of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which includes 13 different locations. Culinary Director Scott Hunnel is another important figure in the storied history of Victoria & Albert’s. He has led this restaurant for several years through its current acclaim and still unfolds his expertise, guidance, and mentorship to the culinary teams at Disney. This powerhouse team melds innovation with excellence that keeps on course, even down to every single presentation that goes out of this restaurant.
Victoria & Albert’s: Where Disney Meets Michelin
For an unforgettable evening, for those visitors who have a more epicurean intention than the standard theme park fare, Victoria & Albert’s provides a sophisticated evening. From the minute one steps into the restaurant nestled within the sumptuous confines of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, one is escorted into a world of refinement and luxury. Elegant decor in a Victorian style, attentive service, and exquisite dining come together in as intimate a way as it is grand. Whether it be for a special occasion or one desiring an evening of fine dining with the best Walt Disney World has to offer, dining at Victoria & Albert’s should be kept in mind. This Michelin star is not just a nod to world-class food but a testament to magic put into reality night after night in this restaurant.
This Michelin star merely crowned decades of sheer hard work, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. As the first and only Michelin-starred restaurant within a theme park, it simply outclasses not just dining at Disney but a whole world of themed park restaurants. With its richly historic feel, extraordinary flavors, and impeccable service, Victoria & Albert’s truly serves up a dining experience unlike any other.
