World Cellar, the latest destination for wine enthusiasts in Araneta City, has been recognized by the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, placing it among restaurants and cellars worldwide known for well-curated and high-quality wine programs.
This year, World Cellar was given the Award of Excellence, a distinction for restaurants and cellars with wine lists that “feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.”
World Cellar houses around 2,000 bottles across approximately 400 labels from established wine regions. It can accommodate more than 60 seated guests inside the wine lounge, but can also serve wine to customers anywhere inside World Kitchens. It has a resident sommelier, Benedict Tan, who holds a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 3 certificate in wines.
Presented annually by Wine Spectator, one of the world’s most respected authorities on wine, the Restaurant Awards honor establishments whose wine programs demonstrate excellence in selection, presentation, and service.
For 2026, more than 4,000 restaurants across over 85 countries were recognized, with only 15 in the Philippines—including World Cellar—receiving the distinction. Other categories include the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award.
Located on Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2, World Cellar offers a curated selection of wines, available by the glass or bottle at great value. The concept focuses on accessibility, with pricing kept close to retail through direct partnerships with local merchants. Wines are stored under proper conditions to preserve their quality and can be paired with dishes from the 15 food concepts at World Kitchens.
World Cellar also promotes wine culture in the Philippines by making wine education accessible and engaging. It hosts Wine 101 classes every Friday evening, introducing guests to the basics of wine and tasting. Monthly themed wine dinners are also held, pairing different wines with curated menus to encourage guests to explore a wider range of options beyond familiar choices.
World Cellar is located within World Kitchens, another award-winning dining destination in Araneta City. World Kitchens was named Food & Beverage Retailer of the Year – Philippines at the 2025 Retail Asia Awards, and received recognition from the Marketing Excellence Awards, Retail & Leisure International (RLI) Awards, and Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Awards.
