Victoria & Albert's Retains Coveted Michelin Star for 2025

The culinary landscape of Walt Disney World has once again reached a pinnacle of prestige as Victoria & Albert's, nestled within the elegant Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, proudly announces the retention of its MICHELIN star rating for 2025. This esteemed recognition marks another year of exceptional fine dining for what has become a signature experience within the magic of Disney. For over two decades, this restaurant has stood as a beacon of sophisticated taste, offering guests a multi-course journey through meticulously crafted menus featuring the finest premium and sustainable ingredients sourced from across the globe.   

The consistent acknowledgment of Victoria & Albert's as the "culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World" in official Disney communications underscores the brand's high regard for this establishment. This deliberate positioning highlights a significant internal commitment to upholding the restaurant's elevated standards. Disney's strategic use of such strong branding language suggests a focused effort to not only impress guests but also to solidify Victoria & Albert's standing within the competitive world of fine dining. This internal validation likely results in ongoing investment in the restaurant's team, the quality of its ingredients, and the overall guest experience.   

Image Courtesy of Disney

The Prestige of a Michelin Star: A Testament to Culinary Mastery

Holding onto a Michelin star is no small feat; it represents the zenith of culinary achievement, a symbol of unparalleled excellence in the world of gastronomy. This international accolade is bestowed upon fine dining restaurants that demonstrate exceptional culinary prowess. The Michelin Guide employs a rigorous evaluation process, with inspectors assessing restaurants based on five fundamental criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed in the cuisine, the harmony of flavors, and consistency between visits. These standards are applied uniformly across the globe.   

It is crucial to understand that Michelin stars are awarded solely based on the quality of the food served. While the ambiance and service of a restaurant are noted by inspectors, they do not factor into the decision of awarding a star. This singular focus on the cuisine underscores that Victoria & Albert's continued success is primarily driven by the culinary team's unwavering dedication to their craft. This points to a strong kitchen-centric philosophy where the skills, innovation, and artistry of Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers and his team are of utmost importance.   

Furthermore, the Michelin Guide places significant emphasis on the "consistency between visits". Inspectors conduct multiple anonymous visits to a restaurant throughout the year, experiencing both lunch and dinner services, and dining on weekdays as well as weekends. The retention of the Michelin star by Victoria & Albert's signifies that the restaurant consistently meets these stringent standards across these varied inspections. This highlights not only the high quality of their cuisine but also the operational excellence within the kitchen to maintain such standards over time and across different inspectors' palates.   

A Legacy of Luxury: Over Three Decades of Grandeur

Victoria & Albert's boasts a rich history dating back to its opening in 1988, coinciding with the debut of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The resort itself was envisioned as an epitome of elegance in Florida, and the restaurant, named in honor of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, seamlessly embodies this Victorian charm and timeless sophistication.   

For many years, Victoria & Albert's has held the distinguished position of being the most luxurious and, consequently, the most expensive dining experience available at Walt Disney World. Even before the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Florida, the restaurant had already established itself as a culinary gem in central Florida. Its consistent pursuit of excellence is further evidenced by a long list of prestigious accolades, including the AAA Five Diamond Award, which it has received every year since 2000, and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating, held since 2018. Notably, Victoria & Albert's is among a select few restaurants in Florida to hold both the AAA Five Diamond Award and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating. This history of consistent recognition from highly respected organizations, even before the Michelin star, speaks volumes about the restaurant's deeply ingrained culture of excellence and its enduring commitment to maintaining the highest standards in both its cuisine and service. The fact that it has been consistently ranked among the top restaurants in the United States further underscores its exceptional reputation.   

Following a significant refurbishment, Victoria & Albert's reopened its doors in 2022. The subsequent rapid acquisition of a Michelin star in 2024, followed by its successful retention in 2025 , strongly suggests that the refurbishment not only preserved the restaurant's existing high standards but may have even enhanced them, aligning with the evolving expectations of the fine dining world. This seamless transition and continued recognition indicate a well-executed revitalization that respected the restaurant's legacy while embracing contemporary culinary ideals.   

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A Taste of the Extraordinary: An Immersive Dining Journey

Dining at Victoria & Albert's offers more than just a meal; it's an immersive journey through a multi-course tasting menu. Guests can choose between a 7-course "Tasting Menu" in the elegant Dining Room, starting at $295 per person, or a more elaborate 10-course prix fixe menu in the intimate Queen Victoria's Room, starting at $375 per person. The menu dynamically reflects the seasons and can even vary from night to night.

To enhance the dining experience, Victoria & Albert's features an award-winning collection of over 500 wines from 35 regions. The expert sommelier curates thoughtful wine and zero-proof beverage pairings for each course, with pairings for the 7-course menu starting at $155 and $115, respectively.

The service at Victoria & Albert's is consistently praised as impeccable and highly personalized. The attentive and knowledgeable staff often contact guests days before their reservation to discuss dietary needs or special occasions. The setting is serene and elegant, often compared to a tranquil garden adorned with Victorian-themed murals, shimmering chandeliers, and delicate floral arrangements. The gentle melodies of a harpist frequently enhance the refined atmosphere.

Guests can select from three distinct dining experiences: the main Dining Room, the more secluded Queen Victoria's Room with an expanded tasting menu and personalized tableside service for a limited number of couples, and the exclusive Chef's Table, offering a behind-the-scenes view into the kitchen's culinary artistry. These dining options demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the diverse preferences within fine dining. By offering varying levels of intimacy and engagement, from the formal elegance of the Dining Room to the exclusivity of Queen Victoria's Room and the immersive experience of the Chef's Table, Victoria & Albert's appeals to a wide range of discerning palates. This strategic differentiation likely contributes to their continued success.

The proactive and meticulous personalization of the entire dining experience, from initial contact regarding guest preferences to creating customized menus and thoughtful touches throughout the meal, reveals a deep commitment to crafting a memorable and individual experience for each guest. This dedication to bespoke service is a hallmark of top-tier Michelin-starred establishments. By going the extra mile to understand and cater to individual needs, Victoria & Albert's fosters a sense of exclusivity and genuine care, significantly enhancing the overall exceptional dining journey.

Sourcing the Best: A Global Palette of Premium Ingredients

At the heart of Victoria & Albert's culinary philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to using the freshest seafood, the highest quality meats, and an array of other premium and sustainable ingredients sourced from around the globe. The culinary team believes that the quality of these ingredients is the driving force behind their menu.   

The restaurant's dedication to sourcing exceptional products is evident in specific examples highlighted in the news. The Glacier 51 Toothfish, found deep in the Arctic waters, and the Miyazaki A-5 Wagyu, inspired by Chef Miguel's Venezuelan heritage, are prime examples of the globally sourced, high-caliber ingredients that grace the menu. Other notable ingredients include Norwegian King Crab and fresh produce from the Chef's Garden. The culinary team's diverse backgrounds and travels serve as a rich source of inspiration, influencing the creation of the wide variety of small courses that make up the tasting menu.   

The explicit emphasis on "sustainable ingredients" reflects a growing and important trend in the world of fine dining. This commitment to environmental consciousness and ethical sourcing likely resonates strongly with a modern and discerning clientele who value both exceptional culinary experiences and responsible practices. In today's culinary landscape, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a core value for many diners and chefs alike. By prominently featuring their use of sustainable ingredients, Victoria & Albert's demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that aligns with these contemporary values, further enhancing the restaurant's reputation and attracting environmentally aware food enthusiasts.   

Furthermore, the deliberate sourcing of unique and top-tier ingredients from specific locations across the globe  underscores a profound commitment to providing guests with a truly exceptional and often exclusive culinary experience. This unwavering dedication to quality is a fundamental cornerstone of achieving and maintaining the prestigious Michelin star. The effort to procure ingredients like the rare Glacier 51 Toothfish from its specific, remote origin highlights the restaurant's commitment to using only the very best products, irrespective of their geographical source. This meticulous approach to ingredient selection is a critical factor in the overall quality and nuanced flavors that define the dishes at Victoria & Albert's.   

Standing Alone: A Culinary Star in the Theme Park Galaxy

Victoria & Albert's proudly holds a unique and significant position as the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to have earned a Michelin Star. This distinction makes it an unparalleled destination for those seeking fine dining within the realm of theme park experiences.   

Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers aptly stated the significance of this achievement in "breaking barriers and the world's perception that fine cuisine belongs to only major metropolitan cities". While other esteemed restaurants located on Disney property or in the immediate vicinity, such as Capa at the Four Seasons Orlando, have also been honored with Michelin stars , Victoria & Albert's unique ownership and operation directly by Disney itself solidifies its status as a landmark achievement for the entire U.S. theme park industry.   

Victoria & Albert's unprecedented Michelin star status within a U.S. theme park setting significantly elevates Walt Disney World's overall culinary profile. It demonstrates that exceptional fine dining can indeed flourish within a world-renowned entertainment destination. This distinction has the potential to attract a new segment of visitors who are specifically interested in indulging in high-end gastronomic experiences alongside the traditional theme park attractions. The Michelin star serves to challenge the common perception of theme parks as solely offering casual dining options. Victoria & Albert's achievement positions Disney World as a resort that caters to a diverse range of palates, offering culinary experiences that are comparable to those found in major culinary hubs around the world, thereby potentially attracting a more sophisticated and affluent clientele.   

More Than Just Food: The Heart of the Experience

Beyond the exquisite cuisine and luxurious setting, the true essence of Victoria & Albert's lies in the strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork among its dedicated cast members. They genuinely see themselves as a "family" united by a shared vision of culinary excellence. This collaborative spirit is considered by many to be the "secret ingredient" that sets Victoria & Albert's apart.   

Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers emphasizes that "the ingredients drive the menu" and speaks to the team's collective commitment to their shared vision. Maître d'Hôtel Israel Perez underscores Disney's reputation for exceptional guest service and highlights the team's unwavering dedication to providing outstanding hospitality. The longevity of some cast members, such as Sharon, who has dedicated over 20 years to the restaurant, and Chef Nathan, who relocated from Pennsylvania to join this esteemed team, speaks volumes about their commitment and the restaurant's esteemed reputation.   

This recurring emphasis on the team's passion, dedication, and the strong sense of family within the restaurant suggests that the human element is an absolutely crucial ingredient in Victoria & Albert's sustained success. This positive and collaborative work environment likely contributes significantly to the consistently high level of service and meticulous attention to detail that guests have come to expect. A strong team dynamic fosters better communication, ensures smoother execution of service, and cultivates a shared sense of pride in the restaurant's numerous achievements. This internal cohesion ultimately translates into a more positive, seamless, and truly memorable experience for every guest who walks through their doors.   

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Culinary Journey Awaits

Victoria & Albert's remarkable achievement of retaining its Michelin star for 2025 firmly cements its position as one of Florida's most distinguished dining destinations. As the only U.S. theme park restaurant to hold this prestigious recognition, it offers an exceptional and highly personalized dining experience that is truly in a class of its own. For those seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa promises an epicurean odyssey that will delight the senses and create lasting memories.   

Ready to Indulge?

For more information about Victoria & Albert's, including sample menus, and to make reservations, please visit the official Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. Due to the restaurant's limited seating and high popularity, it is strongly recommended to book well in advance, with reservations opening 60 days prior for guests staying at Disney resorts. Please be aware of the restaurant's cancellation policy, which includes fees for cancellations made within five days of the reservation or for no-shows.