Bellisio's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in Duluth, MN

I took Jodi here for our monthly date night, Saturday, 5/25/2013, around five thirty. She didn't know where I was taking her, but she was driving. The online directions we used from Mapquest made it easy to find. We pulled up in front of the restaurant and saw an opened handicapped spot on the street. There was also a bus stop in front of us well, so we were little confused about parking. We also saw a parking lot where you would have to pay, but the restaurant will validate your parking. We went inside and were greeted warmly. We had a reservation, but they couldn't find it at first. They asked me my name a few times until they found it as only my first name. Either the guy that took our reservation was busy or didn't think to ask how to spell my last name. But, I do remember spelling it for him, because it's different. We, then, asked about parking, whether where we were now was fine. So, Jodi and someone we believe was the manager went outside to check and make sure. Even though we were fine, it was nice that the manager went out with her to check. She did not just stand there and say, "I am not sure." She went the extra mile.

We got to our table, and it was at the front with plenty of room for my wheelchair. The look of the restaurant sure was about Italy with wine bottles everywhere you looked, Italian music playing softly. The dim lighting made it intimate. It gave it authenticity. The tables were a nice white, with a candle in the middle of the table, making it a really nice romantic setting. I wouldn't say it is too kid friendly. You're surrounded by bottles, and the staff are very busy moving throughout the restaurant. 

Escargot

Tiramisu Martini


 Our waitress, Tracy, brought out a basket of   fresh focaccia bread that they make there at the restaurant. They were also featuring Rosemary Olive Oil from The Rustic Olive, Duluth's first olive oil and balsamic vinegar store. The Rustic Olive brings a featured oil to Bellisios to have customers try, a great way to see businesses support one another. The Rustic Olive is located down the street from Bellisio's. 



To start out, I had an appetizer, which I was most excited about, escargot. It was buttery and garlicy, and the snails were very good. It also came with a side of bread, which I dipped into the leftover sauce from the escargot. Also, with the escargot, I had a glass of Merlot, I asked for more of a fruity wine, and it was a great choice. I also enjoyed a delicious Tiramisu Martini.

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto



For our entrees, Jodi had the Shrimp Asparagus Risotto. This was her first time having risotto, so she was excited to try it.  She said it was delicious, creamy, and the shrimp and rice were done properly. The portion size was fair for the price and we enjoyed the intimate romantic setting together.  




Mussels w/Linguine

I had the Mussels with Liguine in Marinara Sauce. It was a nice portion size for the price. The sauce wasn't too heavy and acidy, and it had a good amount of mussels that were cooked perfectly. I would order this dish again and would like to try more of the drinks they have to offer. I liked the romantic atmosphere of Bellisio's. It really made our date night feel special. We hope it would feel the same way for you and your loved one. This was definitely a place to Stop On In!

Check out their website at Bellisios!