#Hong Kong #Bar Leone #50 Best Bars

Bar Leone: The Best Bar in the World 2025

In an exciting announcement made on October 8, 2025, Bar Leone located in Hong Kong has been awarded the title of The World's Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier. This accolade holds special significance as it marks the first time that an establishment in Asia has claimed the top honor in this globally recognized list. The annual ranking includes a total of 50 bars from 29 cities around the globe, but none shine as brightly this year as Bar Leone.

The Rise of Bar Leone

Bar Leone is situated in Hong Kong's bustling Central district. The visionary behind this remarkable venue is bartender Lorenzo Antinori, who brings a wealth of experience from top-tier bars across Europe and Asia. His renowned work spans iconic locations such as London's American Bar at The Savoy, and the now-closed Dandelyan. At Bar Leone, Antinori has sought to create a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere that resonates with locals and visitors alike.

The concept of 'cocktail popolari'—meaning 'cocktails for the people'—is central to Bar Leone's philosophy. This approach pays homage to the rustic neighborhood bars of Rome, where residents casually gather to enjoy coffee, aperitifs, and warm conversation. The bar's interior embodies the charm of 1980s and 90s Rome, providing an inviting space that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.

A Focus on Accessibility and Enjoyment

Antinori's mission is to demystify the cocktail experience. With a menu designed to highlight simplicity and quality, Bar Leone aims to strip away the unnecessarily complex techniques often found in modern mixology. The bar offers a rotating cocktail menu that is shared as a Google Docs file, ensuring that the recipes are transparent and accessible to all who wish to recreate them at home. This innovative approach has garnered significant attention and contributed to the bar's rapid rise to prominence.

Since opening its doors in June 2023, Bar Leone quickly ascended the ranks of prestigious bar lists. In 2024, it featured prominently, first as the No. 2 bar in The World's 50 Best Bars and later honored as The Best Bar in Asia at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025. By continuing to redefine the standards of service, quality, and the cocktail experience, Bar Leone captured the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike.

Celebrating Global Bar Culture

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars, expressed her delight at unveiling Bar Leone as the first Asian establishment to achieve this recognition. She praised the bar's dedication to excellence and its role in showcasing the diversity of the global drinking scene. In her statement, Sleight emphasized, "This remarkable achievement is a testament to the commitment of Lorenzo and the entire Bar Leone team to redefining hospitality excellence."

The Winners of the World's 50 Best Bars 2025

The list for 2025 not only includes Bar Leone but highlights several other remarkable locations globally. In North America, Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City was honored as the second-best bar, while Barcelona's Sips retained its title as the Best Bar in Europe for the third consecutive year.

The rankings reflect a growing appreciation for cocktail culture in varied locales, as for the first time, new entries were recognized from cities such as Bratislava, Tirana, and Guangzhou. This expansion showcases the global evolution of bars and the unique offerings found in different cultural contexts.

Additionally, various awards were presented during the ceremony, including the Campari One To Watch Award, which was given to Bar Mauro in Mexico City, and the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, awarded to The Cambridge Public House in Paris for its long-term commitment to sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead

As the cocktail landscape continues to evolve, Bar Leone stands at the forefront, setting new standards for quality, hospitality, and innovation. Lorenzo Antinori’s dedication to crafting delightful, memorable experiences for guests not only celebrates traditional cocktail culture but also paves the way for a new generation of bartenders and enthusiasts. The excitement surrounding Bar Leone is sure to inspire a new wave of cocktail exploration and appreciation.

In conclusion, Bar Leone’s recognition as The World's Best Bar 2025 is a monumental achievement for both the venue and the Asian bar scene. It reflects an ongoing dedication to quality, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to partake in the joys of the cocktail experience. We raise our glasses to Bar Leone—here's to many more years of iconic drinks and extraordinary hospitality.