Michelin restaurants in Disney World? What to expect at Victoria & Albert

Think of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Places like The French Laundry in California’s Napa Valley or Jean-Georges in New York may spring to mind, but don’t forget Walt Disney World.

According to The Walt Disney Co., Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa became the first U.S. theme park-owned and operated restaurant to be awarded a coveted Michelin star this spring.

“People often think of Mickey Mouse ice cream bars that I would eat as a little boy with my grandparents when I came here, or turkey legs, which are fun and amazing, but there is this great gastronomic opportunity that we as chefs strive for here at Walt Disney World,” said Chef Matthew Sowers, executive chef at Victoria & Albert’s.

This is what guests can expect in the renowned restaurant:

Does Victoria and Albert’s have a Michelin star?

Yes. The same goes for Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, which is also part of Disney World but is neither owned nor operated by Disney.

“The Michelin inspectors place great importance on highlighting worthwhile dining experiences, regardless of location and setting,” said the Michelin Guide’s chief inspector for North America in a statement, who asked not to be identified in the reviews. “‘Star’ restaurants are always visited multiple times by different inspectors to ensure consistent quality and compliance with our five criteria,” all of which relate to cooking.

Stars are awarded exclusively for food, but Victoria & Albert’s longtime Maître d’Hôtel, Israel Pérez, was also honored with the 2024 Service Award from the Michelin Guide Florida.

“The inspection team found the service to be excellent, with friendly and attentive waiters who were very articulate and well-informed about the menu,” Michelin said. “They felt that the service experience was well orchestrated without seeming stiff or rehearsed.”

Perez, who started as a busboy at the Grand Floridian 36 years ago, called the honor a dream come true.

“It’s just something you’ve been working on your whole life without knowing you’re working on it,” he said, crediting the entire team.

What makes Victoria & Albert so special?

Since there is only one seating available each evening, every guest is special and every meal is an event.

“We get guests’ names before they come in,” Perez said, noting that about 80% of restaurant guests are first-timers and 20% are repeat customers. “We have a way to simply ask questions before you come in to make sure your experience isn’t just business, that we know who you are, that we’re welcoming you and that we’re making sure you’re comfortable.”

He said the restaurant has the highest waiter-to-guest ratio on the property, with one waiter for every four guests in the dining room.

“There’s a list of about 200 little rules that we follow that you’ll probably never notice unless you ask us,” he added. “We always talk about not being pushy, but the waiters really can tell so many stories about food and wine. They know every single ingredient.”

Sowers is happy when new ingredients are in season, such as wild garlic in spring and white truffles in winter.

“We always try to incorporate the ingredients into the menu,” said the chef, who changes the menu about every three months. “They are a moment that you capture and present to guests who may never have had the opportunity to enjoy it.”

How to try new foods

Knowing that some flavors may be unfamiliar, Sowers says the restaurant tries to be approachable, especially at the beginning of a meal.

“Once we have gained their trust, they will be more receptive to some of the more exotic ingredients that we might draw inspiration from later,” he said. Michelin described Sowers’ cuisine as contemporary with “influences ranging from Asia to the Nordic countries.”

Sharing stories also helps guests connect.

Introducing a mocktail called La Vie en Rose, head chef Gabriella Syvaniemi, who prepares the restaurant’s non-alcoholic beverages, said: “La Vie on Rose means seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses and living life positively. My grandmother used to grow rhubarb and she loved roses, so that’s how this kind of came about.” The pink drink’s ingredients include cold-pressed rhubarb juice and rose water.

The restaurant takes guests on culinary adventures while respecting their dietary wishes and needs.

“Whether it’s a vegan menu or someone just wants seafood or nobody, we are able to create a multi-course dining experience that we can customize to each guest’s specific needs,” Sowers said.

How much does dinner cost at Victoria and Albert’s?

Victoria & Albert’s is open for dinner only, and prices vary depending on the restaurant and experience. The restaurant consists of three areas, each serving a fixed price menu with several tasting courses.

The prix fixe menu starts at $295 per guest in the main dining room, $375 in the more intimate Queen Victoria Room and $425 at the exclusive Chef’s Table, where guests spend the evening chatting with the chefs next to the bustling kitchen.

“Sometimes they’re really engaged and want to know every little thing. We have to guide them through the experience,” said Sowers. Only one group of up to six guests is allowed to attend the Chef’s Table each evening.

Wine pairings and non-alcoholic wine pairings cost extra. Guests can also combine their courses with various waters from around the world from the restaurant’s water menu.

Is there a dress code at Victoria and Albert’s?

Yes. The website states: “An exquisite and intimate fine dining experience, Victoria & Albert’s is the culinary crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are expected to dress appropriately in a semi-formal/formal manner, in keeping with the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.”

What is the minimum age for Victoria and Albert?

The restaurant welcomes guests aged 10 and over.

In which park is Victoria and Albert’s?

Victoria & Albert’s is not located in a theme park, but in the Victorian-inspired Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The restaurant is named after Britain’s Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.

The restaurant and resort are just a short monorail or ferry ride from the Magic Kingdom. Valet parking is also available and is complimentary with dining reservations at Victoria & Albert’s.

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How far in advance can you book Victoria and Albert’s?

Reservations are available 60 days in advance. Guests staying at Disney’s resort hotels can book reservations for their entire vacation period (up to 10 days) starting 60 days prior to their arrival.

Guests should note that the Chef’s Table can only be booked by calling Victoria & Albert’s directly at (407) 939-3862. The Dining Room and Queen Victoria Room can be booked through the My Disney Experiences app.

In addition, guests with food allergies are asked to inform the restaurant at least 24 hours in advance so that the chefs can adjust the menu accordingly.

“If you have a seemingly simple allergy to onions, there may be onions in almost every sauce,” Perez said.

How long does a meal take at Victoria and Albert’s?

Guests should expect to spend approximately three hours for the tasting menu at Victoria and Albert’s, but are welcome to stay longer.

“A few days ago, for example, at the Chef’s Table, they were with us for seven hours,” said Perez. The occasion was somewhat unusual, as one of the restaurant’s regulars was celebrating a milestone anniversary. “We will always stick to your timing.”

What’s next for Victoria & Albert?

The restaurant is not resting on its laurels.

“It’s personal. It’s our job. We really strive to bring craftsmanship to what we do and we put our heart and soul into it,” Sowers said. “Day after day, we try to improve by 1% and make sure that leads to guests coming back year after year and being able to watch us evolve, get better and grow.”

Victoria & Albert’s has been consistently recognized with AAA Five Diamond Award restaurants and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star restaurants.

“For us, every single guest is equal,” said Perez. “For us, every single guest is Michelin or Forbes or AAA.”

The reporter for this story was granted access to Victoria & Albert’s by Walt Disney World. USA TODAY retains editorial control over content.