Victoria & Albert’s, the culinary gem nestled within Walt Disney World Resort, has been honored with a MICHELIN Star and the 2024 Florida Service Award.
MICHELIN rates restaurants for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, harmony of flavors, and consistency between visits.
This marks a historic moment for Disney, as it’s the first time the entertainment giant has received such prestigious culinary recognition. The accolades underscore the dedication and talent of the entire team at Victoria & Albert’s, whose commitment to culinary excellence has made it a standout destination within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
For more than two decades, Victoria & Albert’s has delighted patrons with its meticulously crafted multi-course dining experiences, showcasing exceptional flavors and premium ingredients sourced from around the globe. Beyond its culinary offerings, the restaurant boasts a world-class wine collection boasting over 500 selections, expertly curated by sommeliers to complement each dish.
The Culinary Team Behind The Award
At the helm of Victoria & Albert’s culinary mastery is Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, whose nearly two-decade tenure at the restaurant includes assisting in creating acclaimed menus for other Disney properties. Pastry Chef Ally Rogers leads the dessert team, ensuring a sweet finale to every meal.
Reflecting on the achievement, Chef Matthew expressed gratitude for the team’s collective efforts, emphasizing their role in earning the prestigious MICHELIN Star. Meanwhile, Sommelier Israel Perez, recipient of the 2024 Florida Service Award, has dedicated over 20 years to creating memorable dining experiences across Walt Disney World Resort.
Executive Chef Kevin Chong oversees culinary operations across the resort’s 13 food and beverage locations, while Culinary Director Chef Scott Hunnel, a former Victoria & Albert’s head chef, now lends his expertise to culinary teams across multiple Disney Resort Hotels.
First Award Ever To A Theme Park Operator
Victoria & Albert’s now holds the distinction of being the first and only restaurant owned by a U.S. theme park to receive a MICHELIN Star, adding to its impressive array of accolades, including AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame recognition.
Have you ever dined at Victoria & Albert’s?