Bar Leone Is Crowned The Best Bar In Asia At Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2nd Consecutive Year

Bar Leone in Hong Kong has clinched the coveted title of The Best Bar in Asia and The Best Bar in Hong Kong, sponsored by Perrier, for the second year in a row, at the live awards ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 this evening in Macau.

The ceremony was hosted in collaboration with destination partners Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace, and featured bars from 20 cities across Asia, including 20 new entries.

Bar Leone made 50 Best history in 2024 by being the first-ever establishment to debut on the list at No.1 and as The Best Bar in Asia. The Hong Kong cocktail bar, owned and operated by Lorenzo Antinori, whose previous stints include the acclaimed Argo and now defunct Dandelyan (The World’s Best Bar 2018), is the home of ‘cocktail popolari’ or ‘cocktails for the people’.

The menu features a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails, some elevated with simple yet intriguing twists, all while staying true to its identity as a neighbourhood bar. Inspired by the bars of Rome’s Trastevere district where Antinori grew up, with football memorabilia and vintage Italian posters adorning the wood-panelled walls – the space combines laid-back charm with effortless chic, putting guests immediately at ease while they enjoy a lineup of excellent drinks.

Bar Leone also made a remarkable debut on The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024, landing at the prestigious No.2 position.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We’re thrilled to gather in Macau with Asia’s vibrant and passionate drinks community. The region’s bars continue to redefine excellence in cocktail culture, as seen in the talent and creativity of this year’s winners.

“With 20 new entries, the most in recent years, this list is a testament to the boundary-pushing creativity of Asia, with truly memorable drink experiences waiting to be explored by cocktail enthusiasts. Congratulations to Lorenzo Antinori and the entire team at Bar Leone for the incredible feat of retaining the No.1 spot, and for delivering a consistently outstanding drinking and hospitality experience that brings a bellissimo slice of Rome to Hong Kong.”

At No.2 is the sustainability-forward Zest in Seoul, a position it retains from 2024, making it The Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria, for the third year running. Another consistent presence in the top five is the plush drinking den Jigger & Pony in Singapore at No.3, making it The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Torres Brandy, for the sixth consecutive year. Climbing 17 places to No.4 is Bar Us in Bangkok which takes the title of The Best Bar in Thailand, sponsored by Amaro Lucano. A newcomer to the list, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, also from Bangkok, debuts at an impressive No.5 while clinching the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.

Five bars from Singapore feature on the list, leading with Jigger & Pony (No.3) which retains the title of The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Torres Brandy, for the sixth consecutive year. Music-centric bar Offtrack rises to No.23, followed by Nutmeg & Clove at No.24. The agave spirit-focused speakeasy, Cat Bite Club enters the rankings at No.44, closely followed by Native at No.45.

Malaysia secures four spots on the list, led by Penrose (No.10) in Kuala Lumpur, crowned The Best Bar in Malaysia, sponsored by Scrappy’s Bitters. Speakeasy Three X Co, hidden behind a pop-up barbershop in Bangsar Shopping Centre, re-enters at No.15. Bar Trigona ranks No.39, while Reka follows at No.47.

Special Awards

The Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award goes to Backdoor Bodega (No.64), Penang. The self-taught, passionate team behind this speakeasy – tucked inside streetwear store The Swagger Salon –serves a wide-ranging cocktail menu of classics, inventive signatures and zero-proof options. Expect cheeky touches such as a free cocktail with a lapel pin purchase, and playful use of regional ingredients like ulam, belacan, Penang soy sauce, and nutmeg fruit in unexpected, engaging combinations.

Bar Leone ranks No.1 and is named The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier

The list features 20 new entries and establishments spanning 20 Asian destinations

Bangkok has seven bars on the list, as Bar Us ranks No.4 and is named The Best Bar in Thailand, sponsored by Amaro Lucano

Bangkok’s Vesper (No.29) wins the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award

Sora (No.65) in Phnom Penh takes home the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award

Modernhaus (No.12) in Jakarta has been named the Three Cents Best New Opening Award recipient

Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.5) from Bangkok wins Disaronno Highest New Entry Award

Industry stalwart Jay Khan of Hong Kong and Shanghai’s Coa (No.17 and No.85, respectively) is crowned Roku Industry Icon

Alice in Seoul is named Nikka Highest Climber after rising 33 places in the rankings to No.13

Workshop14 (No.83) from Hanoi receives the Campari One To Watch Award

Backdoor Bodega (No.64), Penang is the recipient of the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award

Bangkok’s Messenger Service (No.90) takes home the Best Bar Design Award

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About Asia’s 50 Best Bars
Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event of The World’s 50 Best Bars brand, created in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the drinks industry in this region. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The Academy spans dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations and the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia. Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Bars and North America’s 50 Best Bars are owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Hotels and The World’s 50 Best Vineyards.