HONG KONG | Bar Leone in Hong Kong has been named the World's Best Bar for 2025, the first time an establishment in Asia has won.
The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 has named Hong Kong's Bar Leone the World's Best Bar 2025 and the Best Bar in Asia 2025, marking the first time a bar in Asia has taken the No.1 position.
Nestled in Hong Kong's vibrant Central district, Bar Leone is the brainchild of renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori, whose storied resume encompasses some of Europe and Asia's most beloved hotel bars, including London's American Bar at The Savoy and Dandelyan (now defunct). Built on the philosophy of 'cocktail popolari' or 'cocktails for the people', Bar Leone pays tribute to the neighbourhood bars of Rome, where locals gather for coffee, aperitivi and casual conversation. The interior is a love letter to the city in the 1980s and '90s and is designed to be approachable, unpretentious and deeply rooted in Italian culture and hospitality.
A Roman by birth, Antinori's goal was to strip away the complexity of modern mixology and return to simple, high-quality drinks, served with warmth and precision. As such, the cocktail menu comes in the form of a rotating Google Docs file, updated monthly and including the full recipe and method to ensure each drink is fully accessible to everyone. Bar Leone opened in June 2023 and quickly rose to fame, making its debut on the world stage the following year at No.1 on the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 and No.2 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2024, both unrivalled feats. Earlier this year, it was once again named The Best Bar in Asia at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025.
"It is such a delight to unveil Bar Leone as The World's Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier. Not only is this remarkable achievement the first time a bar from Asia has claimed the top spot, but it is a dazzling testament to the commitment of Lorenzo and the entire Bar Leone team to redefining hospitality excellence,” said Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars.
“We are deeply honoured to spotlight the extraordinary diversity of the global bar landscape in 202,5 and we raise a glass to every bar that has earned its place in this year's list. With more cocktail capitals represented than ever before, this ranking continues to serve as a vibrant compass for curious drinkers and passionate explorers alike, igniting wanderlust and raising the bar for cocktail culture across the globe."
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