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michelin-starred chef jean imbert takes disneyland paris

Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert is bringing the magic of haute cuisine to Disneyland Paris. His new restaurant honours iconic Disney films like The Little Mermaid to Beauty and the Beast and the classic, Pirates of the Caribbean. The culinary maestros of fine dining have blessed us with more delicious reasons to visit Disneyland Paris. Those of us who grew up watching Aladdin and Mickey Mouse dance across our television sets, are invited to enjoy two refined menus inspired by the animated heroes of our childhoods. Curated by renowned Michelin-starred chef and author behind the eco-conscious book Utile Jean Imbert, this gastronomic journey unfolds within the brand-new restaurant La Forêt Secrète par Jean Imbert. An enchanting, forest-inspired quarter inside the iconic Disneyland Hotel.

During three or five courses of delectable treats, guests can savour a selection of exceptional wines and champagnes designed by the in-house sommelier, who showcases French winemaking expertise from various regions like Burgundy, Alsace, and Bordeaux. Naturally, children are welcome too, and (for the first time in his career) chef Imbert has created a menu specifically dedicated to young adventurers. Read on to discover how the restaurant’s wondrous interiors and food is bringing our favourite films to life. 

“I have a very special connection with Disneyland Paris because all the magic of the films that I dream about comes to life here,” says Imbert. Schooled at the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse, Imbert is one of the most celebrated figures in the culinary stratosphere. The Winner of Top Chef in 2012, and voted Chef of the Year by GQ in 2019, his talents caught the eye of Vanity Fair, who recognized him as one of the 50 most influential French people in the world. What sets Imbert apart is his love for French heritage and modern cuisine. Since 2022, Imbert has run the kitchen at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, a coveted role succeeding the renowned chef Alain Ducasse.

Meanwhile, past menus at esteemed hotels included in the Dorchester Collection featured ancient recipes – some 250 years old – to honour the great traditions of French gastronomy. A key genre which comes into play at La Forêt Secrète par Jean Imbert. “More than just a pleasure, food is a true expression of culture and sharing, particularly in France, where it occupies a central place in the art of living,” says Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris. 

At La Forêt Secrète par Jean Imbert, this creativity is reflected both in the plates and the scenography, where every detail serves the immersive dining experience. The majestic Murano glass chandelier, adorned with foliage and birds, overlooks the central dining table, casting a warm light. The hand-painted mural depicts a forest in a thousand shades of green. The serving porcelain plates, designed by Bernardaud with botanical motifs, specially developed for the restaurant, along with a selection of silverware from Christofle, contribute to providing guests with an unforgettable experience.

The chef’s playful ode to heritage cuisine has delighted international connoisseurs at countless dinners for luxury houses like Hermes and Dior, as well as partnering with LVMH for Cheval Blanc hotel in St. Barthélemy, and at Encore in New York. Not forgetting the East Coast restaurant Swan Miami, which Imbert co-founded with rapper Pharrell Williams and restaurant mogul David Grutman. Alongside his dedication to his craft, Imbert is deeply connected to his familial roots. L’Acajou, his first Parisian restaurant (opened when the chef was just twenty-two) was later reinvented as Mamie in tribute to his grandmother’s cooking. Imbert plans to celebrate his grandmother’s powerful influence yet again in October 2025, when he will publish his third book Merci Mamie: Recipes from my French Grandmother’s Kitchen. 

For a chef who works from a philosophy of family values and craftsmanship, it comes as no surprise that his next endeavor is a restaurant inspired by Disney’s creations. ”My childhood memories strongly influenced this restaurant,” says Imbert, who often visited Disneyland Paris as a child. With this in mind, let’s sink our teeth into the wonderland of edible fancies on offer.

Fantasy à la Haute Cuisine

Among the delicious starters being served, “Under the Sea” is a decadent sea-fare dish taking its cue from The Little Mermaid. The colourful plate features gently cooked langoustines, shellfish in a marinière style, a touch of caviar, and sea jelly. Another option, “Mrs. Potts’ brew” transports guests to the Beast’s castle from the Beauty and the Beast, with root vegetable ravioli and a vegetable and truffle broth. These creations, invented by Imbert and his Executive Chef Moussa Konaté, are a welcoming taste of what’s to come.

For the main course, guests can journey to the fictional city of Agrabah with the dish “Prince Ali’s Tagine”, featuring a poultry ballotin stuffed with dates and dried fruits. Naturally, the aromatic Middle Eastern flavours evoke the sunny landscapes of Aladdin. While “Caribbean Casserole”, inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean films, presents a fine combination of Mediterranean red tuna, tangy passion fruit vinaigrette, and a Colombo spice and tamarind sauce. The menu would be incomplete without a nod to Ratatouille, the jewel in Disney’s ruff of foody films. “Remy’s ratatouille”, with its tomato water and white balsamic condiment, as well as “Tony and Joe’s spaghetti”, slow-cooked veal, tomato veal jus, and Comté emulsion, offer a delicious immersion into the worlds of Pixar‘s Ratatouille and Disney Animation’s Lady and the Tramp. For children, the chef offers dishes such as the pumpkin and chestnut gnocchi “Fairy Godmother’s Soup”, a comforting salute to Cinderella

Finally, guests are able to choose from an assortment of desserts designed by Imbert in collaboration with his pastry chef Axel Michenaud. Indiana Jones makes an appearance in “Lost Ark shortbread”: a sweet treat made with confit lemon and almond crumble, and enhanced by ice cream, vanilla mousse and a drizzle of golden caramel. Of course, Mickey closes the show with a chocolate high note. Accompanied by hazelnut ice cream, the “Mickey’s soufflé” is a charming pairing of Peruvian chocolate and hazelnut praline inserts.  “What I wanted to convey through the menu is this invitation to travel through their favourite experiences found at Disneyland Paris. With this menu, I hope guests will enjoy an enchanted break in an environment inspired by the legendary forests found in many Disney classics!” says the chef.

Imbert’s foray into Disneyland’s metropolis sits nicely within the park’s portfolio of fine dining pursuits. “At Disneyland Paris, we are always committed to enriching the experience of our guests, and gastronomy plays a vital role,” says Rafalski. Since it first opened in 1992, the park has nurtured strong culinary roots, with the American branch nurturing a longstanding relationship with the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit culinary arts organization based in New York City. It seems only fitting that Disneyland Paris (situated in one of the world’s greatest food capitals) has established a culinary king of its own in Jean Imbert. “I am inspired by Jean Imbert’s creative boldness in the kitchen,” says Rafalski. “Through this collaboration, our visitors will be able to extend the magic of their day in the park in an unparalleled way, diving into a world where imagination, tradition, and innovation meet around an exceptional gastronomic experience.”

Learn more about the opening at disneylandparis.com.

words. Raegan Rubin