Victoria & Albert’s has been awarded with a Michelin star. The restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is known for its luxurious dining experiences. It is a favorite dining location for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort who are looking for a high-end dining experience.
Michelin said about Victoria & Albert’s the following: “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 ‘sandwiche’ 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.”
The culinary team at Victoria & Albert’s is led by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, who has 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.”
The Michelin Star wasn’t the only honor connected with Victoria & Albert’s. The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Service Award Winner was also given to Israel Perez of Victoria & Albert’s.
About Israel Perez, Michelin said, To many people, ‘really good service’ might mean picking up a fork the second it falls or making sure silverware is spotless. For Perez, however, really good service means knowledge, warmth, and hospitality. Through consistency and preparation, the team at Victoria & Albert’s is able to create a warm and gracious environment that is attentive and personable.”
For over 20 years, Sommelier Israel Perez, now the recipient of the 2024 Florida Service Award, has been dedicated to creating memorable experiences at signature restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort. As the maître d’hotel, Israel and his team ensure that each person who walks through the doors of Victoria & Albert’s has a perfect evening through each step of service.
“Just like a dance, there are many tiny steps that come naturally after years of dedication. Everything is done with purpose, and it is beautiful when the tempo is perfect,” said Israel.
This isn’t the only honor that Victoria & Albert’s has received. It also has been honored in the following ways:
- AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000
- Forbes Travel Guide Five Star since 2018
- Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence
- Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional
Victoria & Albert’s offers three main dining experiences. They include:
About Victoria & Albert’s
Savor timeless elegance at Victoria & Albert’s. Come discover the ultimate in fine dining in a spectacular setting inspired by Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Celebration.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the splendor of a bygone era. Victoria & Albert’s is home to sophisticated dining spaces that feature shimmering chandelier crystals, Victorian-inspired murals, delicate embroidery, intricate lace details and other stylish touches at every turn.
Victoria & Albert’s is the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star. It also 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.
What do you think of Victoria & Albert’s being given this honor? Have you eaten there before? What did you think? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
