Empty your pockets at Victoria & Albert's

by Roaming Panda

If there's a hole burning in your wallet and you really want to treat yo 'self to some "Top Chef" level dining, take yourself to Victoria & Albert's inside Disney's Grand Floridian resort. You'll feel like a million bucks, as you spend just as much, on a one of a kind dining experience. 

V&A's is one of the highest rated restaurants in Orlando but I could never eat here because they never have an open reservation. Reservations are made online and I've looked weeks in advanced, I've looked months in advanced and there is never an opening. So one day I just said, "fuck it" and called them directly. "Sure no problem, when do you want to come in?" Uh, next Saturday? "No problem, we can get you in what time do you want?" That's all it took? Years of waiting and all I had to do was call them?!?!? Always call kids. 

You'll find V&A on the second floor of the Grand Floridian. Head toward the back left and you'll find it in front of Citricos Restaurant. There is a dress code so make sure you're not rolling up in your flip flops. Fellas should have a nice jacket with some slacks and ladies should have a nice dress. Looking at some of the other patrons there, you'd think they're going to the Mayor's house for a formal ball. 

The setting is exquisite. If you're looking for a romantic night out like, look no further. There's even a harpist that comes out every 20 minutes or so to play you some heavenly tunes. The multi-course menu is seasonal and preset. However, if you have some dietary restrictions or allergies, they will do their best to accommodate.  There are add-on's you can get to enhance your dinner so look carefully at the pricing on the menu. The only thing we opted to add was the Japanese beef to our entrees. 

The service is top notch. Your server will be your guide through each course as they explain each dish and the thoughtfulness behind each one. Each course is more or less a tasting so you can finish it pretty quick. The pacing of the entire dinner was a bit slow. There was quite a bit of lag time between each course. It was fine in the beginning, but nearing the 3 hour mark at the end, I was ready to get this wrapped up. 

I'll show each dish throughout the tasting and give my overall thoughts at the end. 
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Amuse-Bouche Imperial Caviar with Summer Melon Terrine

Black Label Jamon Iberico,Baby Tomatoes, 100 Year Old Balsamic

Glacier 51 Tooth Fish and Alaskan King Crab with White Asparagus

Kurobuta Pork with White Asparagus with Artichokes and Sauce Vierge

Poussin Ballotine with Chive Gnocchi and House made Ricotta

Freebie chicken dish that was off the menu

Lamb Loin with Dates and Garbanzo Bean Croquette

Australian Kobe-Style Beef with Black Truffle Pain Perdu and Chanterelles + Miyazaki Japanese Beef add on

Vanilla Gelato with Rainier Cherry Compote and White Chocolate

Crottin Mousseline with Mango, Curry Meringue and Honey

Bahibe Banana Torte

If you don't understand half the words listed in the menu items, don't worry, I don't either. What I do know is that everything was delicious. The experience, while lengthy, is unique. The food, the service, the ambiance, all work together to make you feel like a celebrity. You better be a celebrity to pay for the tab at the end too. That hurt...it hurt a lot. 

So was the whole experience worth it? If you want to splurge for a special occasion, do it. I wouldn't go for a random night out. You better save up for this ride. If you decide to pull the trigger, strap in for an unforgettable dining experience.