Hong Kong’s Bar Leone Crowned No.1 Bar In The World At The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Awards

Bar Leone has been crowned The World’s Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier, marking a historic first for Asia in the prestigious 50 Best Bars rankings! Nestled in Hong Kong’s bustling Central district, this gem has also earned the title of The Best Bar in Asia 2025. With its legendary Negronis, mortadella focaccias, amazing olives, and notoriously long queues, Bar Leone’s rise to the top has cemented its place as a global hotspot — though getting in now might be next to impossible for many!

The brainchild of celebrated bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone opened its doors in mid-2023 with a mission to offer “cocktail popolari” — or “cocktails for the people.” Inspired by the neighborhood bars of Rome, the venue combines Italian charm with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. The design pays homage to 1980s and 1990s Rome, complete with approachable interiors and a focus on community and hospitality.

Bar Leone’s approach to cocktails has redefined simplicity. The drinks menu, updated monthly, shares recipes and methods, reflecting Antinori’s philosophy of making quality cocktails accessible to all. This innovative approach, combined with its authentic Italian snacks, has gained Bar Leone a cult and well-deserved following — and long lines of eager patrons.

Bar Leone’s journey to the top has been meteoric. After debuting at No.1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024, it quickly climbed to No.2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars that same year, before finally claiming the top spot in 2025. The bar’s success underscores its unique blend of Italian roots, modern hospitality, and cocktail innovation.

This year’s awards showcased Asia’s growing influence on the global bar scene, with venues from across the continent making their mark. Highlights include:

• Tokyo: Bar Benfiddich ranks at No.18, while Virtù and The Bellwood land at No.45 and No.48, respectively.
• Singapore: Jigger & Pony shines at No.9, with creative director Uno Jang earning the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. Nutmeg & Clove rounds out the list at No.50.
• Bangkok: Bar Us makes an impressive leap to No.15, while BKK Social Club is listed at No.49.
• Seoul: Zest ranks at No.16.
• China: Guangzhou’s new entry Hope & Sesame at No.29
• Penang: Backdoor Bodega wins the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award.

For the full list of winners, click here.