Walt Disney World can finally lay claim to a MICHELIN Star. In a ceremony last evening, Victoria & Albert’s secured the first-ever MICHELIN Star for a Walt Disney World-operated restaurant.
Of course, Victoria & Albert’s isn’t the first restaurant on Walt Disney World Resort property to earn a MICHELIN Star, with third-party Capa earning a star previously (and keeping it in 2024). That said, this is a big milestone for the V&A team, and one that many feel is long overdue.
Here’s an announcement by Disney:
For over 20 years, Victoria & Albert’s has been dazzling guests with a multi-course experience, filled with extraordinary flavors and the highest quality of ingredients from across the world. Beyond the culinary creations in the kitchen, the team has curated a world-class wine collection featuring more than 500 different selections. Sommeliers are there to guide you through this precisely selected collection – or recommend options from a zero-proof beverage menu – to create your perfect pairing.
The culinary team upholding this long beloved and revered legacy is led by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, with nearly 20 years spent at Victoria & Albert’s and experience assisting in the creation of acclaimed menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Alongside him handling the sweeter side of the kitchen is Pastry Chef Ally Rogers, who leads the entire pastry team for the resort.
“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.”
In addition to now being the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star, Victoria & Albert’s is the sole location in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond, consecutively since 2000, and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, consecutively since 2018, and one of only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction. It has also been awarded Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional.
Here’s what the MICHELIN Guide said about Victoria & Albert’s:
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.
Beyond the restaurant earning a MICHELIN Star, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez earned the 2024 Florida Service Award!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!