Bar Leone in Hong Kong retains it’s rank at #1 in Asia’s Best Bars 2025
July 18th, 2025
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 held in Macau on July 15th. 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.
Top 5 Bars 2025
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.
2025 List highlights:
- 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
The extended list of bars ranked 51-100
(images credit Worlds Best)
