Victoria & Albert's

Description:

• It's not often that I can describe dinner as "an event," but Disney's most elegant restaurant deserves that distinction. Dinner is next to perfect -- if the portions seem small, they're designed that way to make sure you can get through all seven courses -- and the setting is exceptionally romantic. The fare changes nightly, but expect a feast fit for royalty (and costing a royal fortune). You might begin with roasted duck with candy-striped and golden beets, followed by Monterey abalone with lemon and baby spinach. Then, pheasant consommé might precede an entree such as tamari-glazed bluefin tuna over bok choy stir-fry or veal tenderloin; pheasant with porcini pasta and truffle foam; or Australian Kobe beef tenderloin. English Stilton served with a burgundy-poached pear sets up desserts such as vanilla bean crème brûlée and Kona chocolate soufflé. The intimate dining room (with seating for only 65) is crowned by a domed, chapel-style ceiling. Victorian lamps softly light 18 exquisitely appointed tables; a harp plays softly in the background, and your servers (always named Victoria and Albert) provide service that is unmatched anywhere else in Orlando. The luxurious experience ends as a personalized menu is presented to you and a rose given to all the ladies in your party. Tip: Wine pairings, which provide a wine with most courses for an extra $60 per person, are a great way to enhance the dinner experience.

  The Chef's Table: The Best Seat in the World -- There's a special dining option at Victoria & Albert's. Reserve the Chef's Table (far, far in advance) and dine in a charming alcove hung with copper pots and dried flower wreaths at an elegantly appointed candlelit table in the heart of the kitchen! Begin by sipping bubbly with the chef while discussing your food preferences for a menu (up to 13 courses) created especially for you. There's a cooking seminar element to this experience: Diners get to tour the kitchen and observe the artistry of the chefs at work. The Chef's Table can accommodate up to 10 people a night. It's a leisurely affair, lasting 3 or 4 hours. The price is $175 per person without wine, $245 including five wines. This is so popular that Disney takes Advance Reservations (90 days for the dining room, 120 days for the chef's table) in advance, so reserve early by calling tel. 407/939-3463.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010