Ultimate luxury, magical dishes, and plenty of wagyu, but no guests under 10 and menus starting from 270 euros. The waiting list? Long, and there's even a 6-seat chef's table!
The news
In the universe created by Walt Disney, a star carries a very specific meaning: it represents dreams, hopes, and the magic that can always come true. Now, that star also marks an achievement in culinary excellence. This year, the Michelin Guide Florida has awarded stars to nine new restaurants, bringing the total number of starred establishments in the Sunshine State to 26. But the real news is something else: the Red Guide, typically associated with prestigious names and exclusive cuisine, has for the first time in its history awarded a star to a restaurant located within Disney World.
Victoria and Albert's, the renowned restaurant in Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort, is indeed a highly elegant dining spot, known for its exclusivity and Victorian-inspired menu. Opened in 1988 within the amusement park, it offers a diverse gastronomic experience with dishes ranging from Asian to Scandinavian influences (with a menu featuring plenty of wagyu, king crab, and scampi). Chef Matthew Sowers has managed to impress the Michelin inspectors with his culinary creativity and bold flavor combinations.
But it's not just the cuisine that makes Victoria and Albert's shine; the impeccable service (led by sommelier and maître d'hôtel Israel Pérez, who has also been awarded the Florida Service Award 2024), the extensive wine selection (over 500 choices from 35 countries, including vintages dating back to the early 1900s), and the refined ambiance all contributed to earning the Michelin star. On the beverage front, guests can also order custom cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and even a selection of waters from around the world. As for the prices, there are two tasting menus to choose from, starting at $295 per person (about 270 euros). For the ultimate in luxury, there's also a 6-seat chef's table with a view of the kitchen.
However, children under 10 are not allowed, and the waiting list is quite long. Visitors staying at Disney can make reservations for the entire duration of their stay, but they must book up to 60 days before their arrival. New reservation slots become available every day starting at 6:00 a.m. "Every member of our team has earned this star, from the servers to the pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams," remarked the chef, commenting on the award received.
But Florida's Michelin-starred cuisine doesn't end with Disney World: restaurants like Ebbe and Kosen in Tampa, EntreNos, Ogawa, and Shingo in Miami, and Camille, Natsu, Papa Llama, and Victoria and Albert's in Orlando showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state's culinary scene. Additionally, the Michelin Guide has introduced the Green Star category for the first time, recognizing the commitment of some restaurants to sustainable cuisine. This marks a new era for Florida's gourmet scene, with a growing focus on environmental impact and the ethical responsibility of restaurants.
