Bar Leone in Hong Kong has once again claimed the top honour at this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards, taking the No.1 position and the title of The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier. Hosted live in Macau, the 2025 ceremony saw a vibrant gathering of bartenders, hospitality professionals, and cocktail aficionados from across the continent.
This back-to-back win marks a historic moment for Bar Leone, which made an unprecedented debut at No.1 in 2024. Owned and led by veteran bartender Lorenzo Antinori, the bar has continued to impress judges and guests alike with its balance of tradition and innovation.
Why Bar Leone Reigns Supreme
Tucked away in Hong Kong’s Central district, Bar Leone stands out not for its theatrics, but for its restraint. The interiors are classic and understated – red leather banquettes, vintage prints, and a warm, low-lit glow. The vibe is intentionally nostalgic, echoing the old-world charm of 1960s Roman bars.
Its menu reads like a love letter to Italian classics. Cocktails such as the Garibaldi – made with freshly whipped orange juice – arrive with subtle flair, not fanfare. The Negroni Sbagliato is presented in a delicate coupe, chilled to perfection. Every element of the experience, from the crisp linen coasters to the quiet confidence of the bar team, reflects a philosophy grounded in care.
Bar Leone has managed to cultivate a loyal following while keeping its ethos firmly rooted in being a neighbourhood bar. What sets it apart is not a gimmick, but consistency: impeccable drinks, a warm atmosphere, and staff who genuinely make you feel seen. Its ability to do all this without pretension is what earned it the top spot again in 2025.
Other Highlights from the List
Zest, Seoul, secured the No.2 spot, taking home the title of The Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria. Jigger & Pony, Singapore, came in at No.3, reclaiming the accolade of The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Torres Brandy.
The 2025 list also welcomed 20 new entries, making it one of the most dynamic and diverse editions to date. Here’s the complete list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars from number 50 to number 1:
49. Bar Libre, Tokyo
46. Lamp Bar, Nara
43. Opium, Bangkok
42. Moonrock, Tainan
41. To Infinity & Beyond, Taipei
37. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru
35. Barc, Kathmandu
33. Gokan, Hong Kong
32. The Savory Project, Hong Kong
31. ZLB23, Bengaluru
30. Boilermaker, Goa
29. Vesper, Bangkok
28. Soka, Bengaluru
26. G.O.D, Bangkok
22. The St. Regis Bar, Jakarta
20. Vender, Taichung
18. Virtu, Tokyo
17. Coa, Hong Kong
16. CMYK, Changsha
14. Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya
13. Alice, Seoul
11. Argo, Hong Kong
5. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok
2. Zest, Seoul
This year’s awards reflect a growing trend across Asia – towards bars that prioritise atmosphere, storytelling, and human connection over spectacle. From hidden haunts in Tokyo to breezy beachfront venues in Goa, the 2025 list showcases a rich tapestry of cocktail culture.
For bar crawlers, find our bar guides here.
