Victoria & Albert’s Retains Star in 2026 Michelin Guide, As Another Disney World Restaurant Drops from List

Michelin Guide revealed its 2026 selections for Florida, and for the first time the selection covers the entire state and not just the Miami, Tampa, and Orlando areas. This covers the recognized restaurants at Walt Disney World that received recommendations, Bib Gourmand distinctions, Stars or snubs from the tire taste-testing team.

For those who are unfamiliar with it, the Michelin Guide is by the tire company. Yes, really. That’s why there are photos with the chefs and culinary teams with the Michelin Man! Over 100 years ago, Michelin produced a small red guide filled with information for travelers, including restaurant recommendations. The goal was to help France’s nascent automobile industry, and in turn boost tire sales. That is not a joke. It’s what actually happened.

Since extending across Europe in 1911, the Michelin Guide has expanded every year since and taken on a life of its own. The tire company’s anonymous inspectors now rate over 40,000 establishments in over 24 territories across 4 continents. Florida joined the fray in 2022, joining California, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago as the other locations in the United States to have Michelin coverage.

Before we get to the restaurant that lost its Star status and other snubs, let’s cut to the chase here with the exciting news that Victoria & Albert’s has been awarded a highly-coveted Michelin Star in the 2026 edition of the Florida guide, for the third consecutive year.

This is the only Disney-owned restaurant that ever has received this distinction, although until the last few years, only those in the international parks conceivably would’ve been eligible. Southern California/Disneyland Resort didn’t have Michelin Guide coverage until 2019.

No restaurants at Disneyland were awarded Stars or recognized in the 2026 Michelin Guide, period. Nothing for Napa Rose, which is not surprising. It may not have been considered given the timing of its reopening, or the swift departure of Chef Sutton afterwards. Regrettably, Award Wieners and Corn Dog Castle were also snubbed. There are a couple of restaurants in Anaheim, another in nearby Buena Park, and a ton more across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Here’s the 2026 Michelin Guide review of Victoria & Albert’s:

Nestled within Disney’s crown jewel, the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is by no means an easy reservation, but the reward is a kind of magic rarely seen these days. The setting is intimate, and the pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz orchestrated by a brigade of veteran servers.

This kitchen cooks with a classic foundation and global inspiration, drawing on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics. From tuna with caviar and lychee to king salmon with mole verde or Parisian gnocchi with fontina and date, each plate is elegant and enticing. Venison braised with a juniper and porcini crust is sided by a creamy sunchoke puree for another winning dish. Other details like water lists, an ornate coffee and tea service and a serious wine program further impress.

Victoria & Albert’s is the sole location in Florida to hold both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, consistently since 2000 and 2018 respectively. The restaurant has also been honored with the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame.

As covered recently, Victoria & Albert’s Raised Prices by $80 to $375 Amid Culinary Leadership Changes. While the higher price would likely not yet be reflected in its Michelin recognition, turnover in the kitchen could. It is impressive for any restaurant to retain a Michelin Star, and that’s doubly true with the changes to the culinary team that Victoria & Albert’s has seen of late. It’ll be interesting to see whether any of this adversely impacts its status in 2027.

Speaking of status changes and the difficulty of retaining a Michelin Star, the only other on-site restaurant at Walt Disney World to receive a Michelin Star last year’s guide has lost that status for 2026. Capa Restaurant has been downgraded to the far less prestigious “recommended restaurant” status.

Here’s how the 2026 Michelin Guide describes Capa:

Calling Capa a steakhouse sells it a bit short. Set high on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Orlando, the restaurant trades in scale and spectacle, with sweeping views and a menu that draws broadly from Spanish-inspired traditions.

The offering is expansive, spanning tapas, grilled meats and desserts, with dishes like gambas heavy with garlic and paprika, sherry-braised mushrooms brightened by dried cherry, and a substantial bone-in ribeye cooked to order. In desserts like the gazpacho de melon, green apple sorbet, saffron meringue and candied celery come together in a clean, refreshing finish. Capa remains a comfortable, polished destination for a celebratory meal, best appreciated for its setting and variety.

Now let’s turn to the other recommended restaurants around Walt Disney World and what the 2026 Michelin Guide has to say about each of them…

Toledo

Situated on the 16th floor of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Toledo is quite the looker with lofty ceilings in bold colors and geometric tiled floors. Nab a table by the glass wall and you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the Epcot fireworks.

Meanwhile, on the tables Spanish cuisine takes center stage. Tapas kick things off, and pan con tomate is a natural choice. Meat-forward mains include several steak options, as well as a ribeye for two, but the Rioja-braised chicken makes a compelling argument for choosing a different route.

End on a sweet note with café con leche, a chocolate choux pastry filled with chocolate and coffee cream. Though certainly not inexpensive, Toledo packs less of a punch to the wallet than other Disney restaurants.

Citricos 

Set on the second floor of the Grand Floridian Hotel, Citricos brings to life a gloriously contemporary vibe and décor elements that are a subtle nod to Mary Poppins. The menu is coastal American, as evidenced by the use of seafood, citrus and tropical fruit. The team has a refined cooking style, replete with balanced flavors and technical prowess.

While the carte is seasonal, expect the likes of corn bisque whimsically arranged with pickled fennel and popcorn. Crispy smoked duck is finished with salt and gently set atop a tangle of tagliatelle with celeriac purée. Up next might be guava-braised short ribs with cheddar grits and poblano sauce, leaving you full to the brim. Save room for at least one exquisite dessert—like an orange blossom flan.

Morimoto Asia

Set in the bustling Disney Springs area, this bi-level beauty is a collab with Chef Masaharu Morimoto. A grandiose sense prevails throughout—from the well-stocked bar to the tables and booths neatly arranged under shimmering 20-feet-long chandeliers. There are balcony seats upstairs, which afford views of the hanging ducks in the glassed-in kitchen.

The cooking is pan-Asian and the menu spans everything from American-Chinese classics and Korean specialties, to ramen and sushi. Ingredients employed here are impressive; flavors are subtle yet balanced and technique is solid. Orange chicken is beloved, but be sure to check out such daily gems as the black truffle-sushi rice risotto. Desserts, like a melon soda float with vanilla gelato, are delightful.

The Polite Pig 

The Polite Pig stands out among the shops and restaurants of Disney Springs. The space is casual with an industrial vibe; guests may order at the counter or large, full-service bar to avoid a wait before everything is delivered to your table.

Exposed ductwork, a glassed-in kitchen and “farmer’s market” sign put diners in the mood for this barbecue-leaning cooking, complete with condiments aplenty. Flavors are nuanced yet balanced in these dishes.

Meat reigns supreme on the menu and there’s no going wrong with the brisket—sliced thin, black pepper-rubbed and served with sides like creamy potato salad, but the maple-Dijon cedar plank salmon is vying for the top spot.  Great cocktails and beer from their sister spot, Ravenous Pig, complete the experience.

Ravello

This more casual concept at the Four Seasons Hotel has Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi at the helm. The room is bright and sleek with a laid-back feel. High ceilings, muted hues with an occasional pop of orange and a verdant terrace enhance the inviting vibe. Modern Italian is the menu’s focus, which includes everything from small plates and pizzas to house pastas and hearty mains.

The chef employs his own family’s recipes, so expect such personalized plates as grilled melanzane with zucchini, cucumber and ricotta; or calamari sautéed in tomato sauce, with oregano, olives and capers. Spinach, veal and ricotta ravioli is an homage to his grandmother; and desserts are made with consummate skill. A shot of house-made limoncello hits all the bright spots.

Our Commentary

It’s fantastic to see Toledo earning recognition for yet another year. We’ve recommended this restaurant repeatedly since it opened as a location that punches above its weight, offering great value-for-money by Walt Disney World standards, especially for the next several months when it offers 40% off for Annual Passholders followed by DVC Members.

Thankfully, Toledo’s out-of-the-way location in Gran Destino Tower have prevented it from getting “too popular” or having its menu dumbed down. Even following the Michelin recognition, it has remained a hidden gem that’s only really busy when there’s a convention at Coronado Springs. The clientele probably also helps keep the menu ambitious by Walt Disney World standards.

In case you missed it, our recent Toledo Review: Walt Disney World’s Wonderful, Modestly-Priced Michelin Restaurant was effusive. I’ll be doing everything in my power to revisit the restaurant a time or two between now and August to confirm it’s still reserving of its Michelin recognition (for research, of course).

Toledo continues to be Disney’s top tower restaurant, beating out Topolino’s Terrace and California Grill. The latter once again did not receive recognition in the 2026 Michelin Guide to Florida. It was removed two years ago, and for good reason. The prix fixe menu is fine, but feels like the restaurant is going through the motions and coasting on its legacy.

Topolino’s Terrace and Toledo are both better than California Grill, with the latter in particular being the real spiritual successor to the once-great iconic Walt Disney World restaurant. California Grill has arguably become Be Our Guest with a view.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t say there were necessarily any “snubs” at Walt Disney World. It seems likely that Monsieur Paul and Takumi-Tei are not eligible for consideration due to the park ticket paywall, which just leaves Jiko, Narcoossee’s, Flying Fish, and of course, Sebastian’s Bistro (half-joking about that last one). Hard to argue any of those are true snubs, though, especially given the prices.

Beyond Victoria & Albert’s, Camille, Kadence, Ômo by Jônt, Soseki all retained their single Star status. Sorekara retained its two Star rating. Six new Central Florida restaurants, 1921 Mount Dora, Smoke & Donuts, June, Kappo Tsan, Osteria Ester and Sparrow, were added to its list of general recommendations.

Meanwhile, other restaurants fell off the list, including Sear + Sea at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, which we love. It would seem that with additions to the list and expansion to all of Florida, the bar was raised a bit. Michelin standards are not malleable, at least, not explicitly. But we suspect regions are graded on a curve and there’s a desire to keep at least a certain number of restaurants. No offense to Florida, but its dining scene is not on par with Paris, Tokyo, New York, and other world cities.

Other Central Florida restaurants near Walt Disney World once again received 2026 Michelin Guide recognition: Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Bombay Street Kitchen, Pizza Bruno, Domu, The Ravenous Pig, and Knife & Spoon. Both Pizza Bruno and Domu are highlighted in our List of Great Restaurants Near Walt Disney World, as were a handful of Michelin’s recommended locations.

Visit the official website to browse all restaurants featured in the 2026 Florida Michelin Guide.

Many restaurants now chase Michelin Star status, which can devolve into a stressful obsession. For those of you who felt The Bear was just too lighthearted and fancy-free, Knife Edge: Chasing MICHELIN Stars is the documentary version of that.

Likewise, travelers and food tourists now seek out Michelin-recognized restaurants, going out of their way to dine at far-flung locations, enduring lengthy lines or virtual queues, and tirelessly attempting to score reservations. We know this because that used to be us before becoming parents, and have done literally all of those things for Michelin meals.

This is increasingly common. Tourists are frequent fixtures of Michelin-recognized establishments, and restaurants proudly display their accolades to lure wandering patrons inside. For many restaurants, gaining recognition from Michelin is a game-changer and a huge boost for business.

For others, it’s a headache that brings unwanted attention and clientele. We’ve done a couple of Michelin restaurants in otherwise quiet neighborhoods in Japan that seem like they might’ve preferred flying under the radar; it’s a double-edged sword.

If you’re apprehensive that the Michelin Guide is a list of highfalutin haute cuisine for pretentious people, that’s wrong. Or at least, an outdated half-truth. The most well-known aspect of the Michelin Guide is its star system, which honors the world’s best restaurants with one, two, or three stars.

Usually, these starred restaurants are expensive and unapproachable. But not always. We’ve had Michelin-starred ramen, pizza, dim sum, and greasy spoon cuisine. We’ve dined in the world’s least-expensive Michelin-starred restaurant (under $10 per person) and some fancier ones,

Honestly, most Michelin-Starred restaurants make me uncomfortable. I wouldn’t even bother with the high end ones in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Paris, or Tokyo. In other regions, I’d be open to them on a case by case basis. The attentive and friendly service at Victoria & Albert’s made us feel comfortable even when we were newlyweds who looked like we were about 12 years old back on our honeymoon. We have zero hesitations about dining there–aside from the cost!

With that said, the sweet spot for us is Michelin’s Bib Gourmand designation. This honors ‘good quality, good value restaurants’ and this list is universally approachable and affordable. Bib Gourmand award winners are those that deliver stellar quality at prices in line with the local cost of living.

They can feature inventive and innovative dishes, but the focus is usually on simpler meals. In other words, you leave the restaurant satisfied and full. We’ve dined at dozens of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, and have literally never had a bad experience.

What’s that you’re saying? You urgently need reviews of Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, Heritage Barbecue, Lola Gaspar, and Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen as part of our Disneyland coverage?! I’ll alert the DTB CFO and get right on that research.

If you’re traveling to California, New York, Chicago, or (especially) major international cities, we highly recommend downloading the Michelin app and using that to find Bib Gourmand restaurants near you.

Ultimately, it’s nice to see the 2026 Michelin Guide to Florida awarding a Star to Victoria & Albert’s yet again. Although we’ve yet to dine there since the restaurant reopened (and sadly, probably won’t for a while), it has arguably been deserving of this distinction for decades–it just wasn’t eligible until the last couple of years. It’s likewise great to see Toledo garner recognition; perhaps this will finally put it on the radar of Walt Disney World fans.

It’ll be fascinating to see (if at all) how the recent tumult at Victoria & Albert’s, Grand Floridian, and Walt Disney World’s culinary team as a whole, impacts the status of V&A’s and other restaurants around the resort. It would be great to see more restaurants aim higher, a la Citricos and Toledo, especially since those options are more our speed as far as fine dining goes right now.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Happy to see Victoria & Albert’s retain its Star for the third year? Surprised that Capa lost the distinction? Are you excited to dine at some of the restaurants recognized by 2026 Michelin Guide Florida or is this not your scene? Hopeful that more Walt Disney World restaurants make the lists in future years? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!