Disney World receives its first Michelin star

Thanks to the Michelin Guide Florida, Michelin and Mickey Mouse now exist in a single place.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide for Miami, Orlando and Tampa was announced Thursday, April 18, awarding stars to nine additional restaurants within the region. There at the moment are 26 Michelin-starred restaurants in Florida, with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami remaining at the highest of the list with two stars.

“Since launching the MICHELIN Guide to Florida in 2022, the state’s local culinary scene has grown significantly, proving that Florida is a leading dining destination for travelers from near and far,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the MICHELIN’s international director -Leader . “In addition to the nine new restaurants awarded a Michelin star, we are pleased to announce Green Star restaurants in the selection for the first time, demonstrating these restaurants’ commitment to more sustainable dining.”

New to the list are two restaurants in Tampa, Ebbe and Kosen, and three restaurants in Miami, EntreNos, Ogawa and Shingo. In Orlando, Camille, Natsu, Papa Llama and Victoria and Albert’s also received starts. The last one has a special name: it’s positioned in Disney World.

Located on the Grand Floridian Resort, Victoria and Albert’s is understood for its difficult-to-secure reservations for an opulent, Victorian-era-inspired meal. The prepared meal is $295 per guest, optional wine pairings start at $155 per person and nil proof wine pairings start at $115. To complete the elegant experience, a proper dress code applies to all guests, who have to be not less than 10 years old.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by Michelin for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” chef Matthew Sowers said in an announcement. “Everyone on our team has earned this star, from our stewards to our chefs to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to achieve their dreams.”

Michelin was impressed by Chef Sowers’ “contemporary verve,” which pulls on influences from Asia to the Nordic region. Dishes comparable to delicate tartlets with New Zealand langoustine, nouveau sandwiches with wild carpaccio and red cabbage, and powerful sauces comparable to cherry cola bordelaise impressed the anonymous inspectors. Additional details comparable to water menus, an elaborate coffee and tea service, and an intensive wine program made further impressions and earned the Disney World restaurant its first Michelin star.

This is way from the primary notable accolade for the theme park restaurant because it opened in 1988. Victoria & Albert’s has held a AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000. Forbes Travel guide five stars since 2018 and deserves one Wine spectator Best of Award of Excellence.