Celebrations are in order for Orlando’s burgeoning dining scene, as Disney announced it earned its first Michelin star for the property’s contemporary fine dining hot spot Victoria & Albert’s. In doing so it has become the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a US theme park to receive such a designation, according to Disney Parks’ blog.
Known as the “culinary crown jewel” of the mouse’s central Florida property, the coveted restaurant helmed by chef Matthew Sowers is just steps from Magic Kingdom, located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Here’s what you can expect at Disney World’s first Michelin-star restaurant
“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised by Michelin for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” Sowers, who has been with the restaurant for nearly 20 years, said in the announcement. “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.”
As a bona fide culinary destination, Victoria & Albert’s has welcomed guests for over two decades and recently underwent royal renovations. The multi-course, multi-hour experience is hosted in an intimate dining room that takes inspiration from Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Celebration and has subtle Disney touches, like a brass pumpkin from “Cinderella.”
While you won’t find any grey stuff, the ever-evolving tasting menu reflects seasonal bounties and offers “extraordinary flavours and the highest quality of ingredients from across the world.” A plant-based menu is available for those with dietary restrictions.
Its elevated eats are complemented by drink pairings, including a zero-proof menu and a robust selection of globally sourced waters. Victoria & Albert’s has an award-winning wine program with over 500 different selections, spanning 35 global regions. For the ultimate splurge, a tucked-away chef’s table can accommodate six guests and offers a front-row seat to the kitchen.
It takes a remarkable team to earn such a high honour. Sowers is joined by a team that includes executive chef Kevin Chong, pastry chef Ally Rogers, culinary director chef Scott Hunnel, and maître d’hotel Sommelier Israel Perez. “Just like a dance, there are many tiny steps that come naturally after years of dedication,” Perez said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “Everything is done with purpose, and it is beautiful when the tempo is perfect.”
The applauded restaurant is not new to such accolades: it was previously awarded the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional. It also holds the honour of being the only location in Florida to have both Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards.
The Michelin Guide began honouring central and southern Florida restaurants in 2022. Victoria & Albert’s joins 26 other Michelin-star restaurants in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. Reservations are limited at Victoria & Albert’s and must be made in advance. Pricing begins at USD 295 (HKD 2,306) per guest and children are not permitted.
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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
(Feature Image Credit: Kent Phillips/Disney)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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