When you think of Michelin-starred dining, iconic places like The French Laundry in Napa Valley or Jean-Georges in New York often come to mind. However, don’t overlook Walt Disney World.

This spring, Victoria & Albert’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, made history by becoming the first restaurant in a U.S. theme park to earn a prestigious Michelin star, as noted by The Walt Disney Company.

Chef Matthew Sowers, the chef de cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s, said, “People often think of straightforward snacks, like Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and turkey legs, which are fantastic, but there’s also an incredible culinary experience that we, as chefs at Walt Disney World, are eager to create.”

Here’s what patrons can look forward to at this acclaimed restaurant:

Is Victoria and Albert’s Michelin-starred? 

Indeed, it is. Additionally, Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, also situated in Disney World, holds the same distinction, though it is not run by Disney.

Michelin’s North American chief inspector stated, “Our inspectors are dedicated to showcasing exceptional dining experiences regardless of where they are located. ‘Starred’ establishments are inspected multiple times by different inspectors to ensure consistent quality and adhere to our five cooking-related criteria.”

While stars are awarded based on food quality, Victoria & Albert’s maître d’hôtel Israel Pérez also received the esteemed 2024 Michelin Guide Florida Service Award.

According to Michelin, “The inspection team noted that the service was exceptional, with friendly, attentive servers who were well-informed about the menu. The service experience felt seamless and natural, without being overly formal.”

Pérez, who began his journey at the Grand Floridian as a busboy 36 years ago, called this recognition a lifelong dream come true.

“It’s something that has been in progress throughout my life without even realizing it,” he stated, giving credit to the entire team.

What Makes Victoria & Albert’s Unique?

Victoria & Albert’s provides a unique dining experience with only one seating per night, making each guest feel special and each meal a memorable occasion.

“We try to remember names before guests arrive,” Pérez shared, mentioning that around 80% of diners are first-time visitors, while 20% are returning guests. “We ensure to engage with our guests before their arrival so that their experience feels personal, rather than just transactional, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.”

The restaurant boasts an impressive staff-to-guest ratio of one server for every four guests in the dining area.

“We follow about 200 detailed guidelines that you probably won’t notice unless you inquire about them,” he continued. “We aim to be unobtrusive, yet our servers are knowledgeable about the ingredients, food, and wine, and can share numerous stories.”

Sowers expresses enthusiasm when seasonal ingredients arrive, such as ramps in the spring and white truffles in winter.

“We aim to let the seasonal ingredients dictate the menu,” he noted, mentioning that the menu undergoes changes approximately every three months. “These dishes represent a fleeting moment which we strive to present to guests who might not have encountered these flavors before.”

How to Experience New Flavors

Understanding that some menu items might feature unfamiliar flavors, Sowers emphasizes that the restaurant strives to be welcoming, especially at the beginning of the meal.

“Once we’ve established trust with the diners, they tend to be more open to trying the more unique ingredients we might feature later on,” he remarked. The Michelin guide praised Sowers, The dining experience at this restaurant is modern, featuring a variety of influences from regions such as Asia and the Nordics.

Sharing personal stories creates a deeper connection among diners.

Chef Gabriella Syvaniemi, who specializes in developing the restaurant’s non-alcoholic beverages, introduced a mocktail named La Vie en Rose. She explained, “La Vie en Rose represents viewing the world with optimism. My grandmother loved roses and used to grow rhubarb, inspiring this drink.” It includes cold-pressed rhubarb juice and rose water as key components.

The restaurant offers a journey through food while being mindful of various dietary preferences.

“We can create a multi-course dining experience for everyone, whether they’re looking for a vegan meal, seafood, or other choices,” said Sowers.

What does it cost to dine at Victoria and Albert’s?

Victoria & Albert’s operates solely for dinner, offering different dining experiences at three distinct venues within the restaurant, each featuring a unique prix-fixe menu.

The main Dining Room’s prix-fixe starts at $295 per person, while the more intimate Queen Victoria Room is $375, and the exclusive Chef’s Table, where guests can interact with chefs, is $425 per person.

“Some guests are highly curious, keen to know all the details. We guide them through the process,” Sowers mentioned. Only one group of up to six people can reserve the Chef’s Table each evening.

Additional costs apply for wine pairings and non-alcoholic selections. Guests can also choose from an extensive water menu featuring options from around the globe.

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

Indeed, they maintain a dress code. The restaurant’s website notes: “Victoria & Albert’s embodies an upscale and refined dining experience at Walt Disney World Resort, with expectations of semi-formal or formal attire to align with its elegant atmosphere.”

What is the minimum age to dine at Victoria and Albert’s?

This restaurant is open to guests aged 10 and above.

Which park is Victoria and Albert’s located in?

Victoria & Albert’s is situated within the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a Victorian-themed property, and is not part of any theme park. The restaurant is named in honor of Queen Victoria of Britain and her consort, Prince Albert.

Getting to the restaurant and resort is easy, thanks to a brief monorail or ferry ride from Magic Kingdom. Valet parking is complimentary for guests with dining reservations.

How far in advance can you reserve a table at Victoria and Albert’s?

Reservations for dining open 60 days in advance. Guests staying at Disney resorts can make reservations for their entire vacation, up to ten days, starting from 60 days prior to their arrival.

It’s important to note that the Chef’s Table can only be booked via phone by directly calling Victoria & Albert’s at (407) 939-3862. The main Dining Room and Queen Victoria Room can be reserved through the My Disney Experience app.

Guests are encouraged to inform the restaurant of any food allergies at least 24 hours in advance so that chefs can adjust menus as needed.

“Even a common allergy, like to onions, might be tricky because they are included in many sauces,” Perez explained.

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

Diners can expect to spend approximately three hours enjoying the tasting menu at Victoria and Albert’s, but they are free to linger longer if they wish.

“For instance, a few days ago, the group at the Chef’s Table stayed with us for seven hours,” Perez shared. This particular occasion was an exception, as a regular guest was celebrating a special anniversary. “Our timing aligns with yours; we will always accommodate.”

What’s next for Victoria & Albert’s?

The restaurant is not complacent.

“It’s personal for us. It represents our efforts. We genuinely aim for craftsmanship in everything we do, pouring ourselves into our work,” Sowers shared. “We strive to improve by 1% every day, ensuring that our guests return year after year to see how we evolve, enhance and grow.”

Victoria & Albert’s is a restaurant that has consistently received recognition as a AAA Five Diamond Award establishment as well as a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star restaurant.

“Every guest is equally important to us,” Perez commented. “To us, každý guest deserves the same treatment as Michelin or Forbes or AAA patrons.”