Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

20.04.2024 - 14:32 / forbes.com / Gwendal Poullennec

Michelin and Mickey Mouse now coexist in one spot, thanks to the Michelin Guide Florida.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide for Miami, Orlando and Tampa was announced on Thursday, April 18, awarding stars to nine more restaurants in the region. Now, Florida is home to 26 Michelin Starred restaurants, with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami remaining atop the list with two stars.

“Since the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide to Florida in 2022, there has been significant growth in the state’s local culinary scene, proving Florida is a leading gastronomic destination for travelers near and far,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In addition to the nine new restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star, we are thrilled to announce Green Star restaurants in the selection for the first time, showcasing these restaurants’ commitment to a more sustainable gastronomy.”

New to the list are two Tampa restaurants, Ebbe and Kosen, along with three Miami eateries, EntreNos, Ogawa, and Shingo. In Orlando, Camille, Natsu, Papa Llama, and Victoria and Albert’s were also awarded starts. The last one has a special designation: It’s at Disney World.

Housed at the Grand Floridian Resort, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its difficult to secure reservations for an opulent, Victorian-era inspired meal. The pre-fixe meal is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person and zero-proof pairings starting at $115. To round out the elegant experience, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

“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,” Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers said in a statement. “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.”

Michelin was impressed by Chef Sowers’ “contemporary verve” that draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordic region. Dishes like delicate tarts set with New Zealand langoustine, nouveau sandwiches made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise all impressed the anonymous inspectors. Other details like water lists, an ornate coffee and tea service, and a serious wine program further made an impression and earned the Disney World restaurant its first Michelin star.

This is far from the first notable accolade for the theme park restaurant since its opening in 1988. Victoria & Albert’s has maintained a AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star since 2018, and earned a Wine Spectator Best of Award of