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Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar has once again been recognized among the world’s best restaurants for wine by Wine Spectator magazine, marking more than 25 consecutive years of award-winning excellence.
The Duluth-based restaurant earned a 2025 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, one of 1,704 honorees worldwide in the category. The annual awards program, launched in 1981, is considered the only global benchmark for restaurant wine service.
“This is a tremendous honor for us at Bellisio's and one we do not take for granted,” said Angela Dormanen, general manager of Bellisio's. “To be once again recognized by Wine Spectator at this level speaks volumes about our dedication to offering our guests the highest standard of food, wine and service.”
The Best of Award of Excellence is the second-highest honor given by Wine Spectator, recognizing restaurants with broad and deep wine lists across multiple regions and vintages, along with superior presentation.
Bellisio’s has received the award every year since opening in 1999. It remains one of the longest-recognized wine programs in Minnesota, alongside establishments such as the St. Paul Grill. In total, 26 restaurants across Minnesota were honored this year.
“A wine list is a restaurant’s identity in print,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “This year’s Restaurant Award winners reflect both deep knowledge and a passion for discovery.”
A total of 3,811 restaurants across 75 countries and territories were honored in 2025, including 2,010 Award of Excellence winners, 1,704 Best of Award of Excellence recipients and 97 Grand Award winners.
Wine Spectator’s annual Restaurant Awards issue will be available July 15.
About Bellisio’s
Located in Duluth’s historic Canal Park, Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is known for its authentic Italian cuisine and extensive wine selection. Founded in 1998, it is part of the Grandma’s Inc. family of restaurants.
About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is a global authority on wine, with more than 3 million readers worldwide. The brand includes Wine Spectator magazine, WineSpectator.com, mobile platforms and signature tasting events. It is owned by M. Shanken Communications, which also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch and other industry publications.
