Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has been named The World’s Best Bar 2026, sponsored by Perrier, for the second year running. In 2025 it became the first bar from Asia to take the No.1 spot in The 50 Best Bars, and this year it has also kept its title as The Best Bar in Asia. It’s known for its excellent Negronis, mortadella sandwiches, smoked olives, and very long queues. Getting a seat in Central may now be harder than ever!
Explore the full list here
Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori co-founded Bar Leone, which opened in 2023 with a philosophy of “Cocktail Popolari,” or “cocktails for the people.” The bar takes its inspiration from the traditional bars of Rome’s Trastevere district. Instead of chasing trends or putting on a show, it focuses on friendly service and perfectly made drinks. Wood finishes, football memorabilia and vintage Italian décor make it feel relaxed and lived-in, like a neighbourhood bar you’d want to visit again and again.
The drinks menu centres on classic cocktails made with care, many with Italian influences and premium ingredients. Simple, authentic Italian snacks are served alongside. This approach has earned Bar Leone a loyal following, along with the queues outside.
The bar has risen very quickly. It debuted at No.1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024 and placed No.2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars that same year. In 2025 it kept its Asia title and became The World’s Best Bar. Now it has held the top spot for a second year in a row.
Hong Kong Leads Asia
Hong Kong is once again Asia’s top cocktail city, with four bars on the list. That ties Hong Kong with Paris and New York for the most bars of any city. Asia’s 2026 highlights include:
- Hong Kong: Bar Leone is No.1. Argo returns to the list at No.25, and two newcomers join it: Montana at No.36 and Gokan at No.41. Gokan’s founder, Shingo Gokan, also received the Roku Industry Icon Award. He’s behind award-winning bars such as Speak Low in Shanghai and The SG Club in Tokyo.
- Bangkok: Bangkok has three bars on the list, just behind Hong Kong. Bar Us jumps from No.15 to No.4, newcomer Dry Wave Cocktail Studio debuts at No.27, and BKK Social Club climbs to No.30.
- Seoul: Zest rises to No.7.
- Guangzhou: Hope & Sesame climbs to No.12.
- Singapore: Jigger & Pony is at No.18, and Nutmeg & Clove moves up to No.38.
- Tokyo: Bar Benfiddich is at No.44, and Virtù is at No.48.
For the full list of winners, click here.
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