The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list has been revealed, featuring venues from 29 cities across the globe, with Hong Kong’s Bar Leone crowned both The World’s Best Bar 2025 and The Best Bar in Asia 2025. The win marks the first time a venue in Asia has claimed the Number One position.
Located in Hong Kong’s Central district, Bar Leone is led by veteran bartender Lorenzo Antinori, whose career includes stints at London’s American Bar at The Savoy and the now-closed Dandelyan. Built around the concept of ‘cocktail popolari’, or ‘cocktails for the people’, the venue takes inspiration from Rome’s neighbourhood bars, known for coffee, aperitivi and conviviality.
A Roman by birth, Antinori set out to strip away the complexity of modern mixology in favour of simple, high-quality drinks served with warmth and precision. Its monthly-changing menu, hosted as a public Google Docs file, includes full recipes and methods, reinforcing the bar’s ethos of accessibility.
Since opening in June 2023, Bar Leone has risen rapidly through the global ranks, debuting at No.2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and topping Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists in both 2024 and 2025.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, said: “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.
“We are deeply honoured to spotlight the extraordinary diversity of the global bar landscape in 2025 and we raise a glass to every bar that has earned their 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.”
Australia maintained a strong showing in the 2025 rankings, with Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage retaining its title as The Best Bar in Australasia, placing 19th on the global list. Sydney’s Maybe Sammy followed at 42nd, while Tigra + Disco Pantera in Sydney received The Best Bar Design Award.
Global insights
Alongside Bar Leone, Asia saw a particularly strong year, with 12 venues represented. Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich ranked 18th, joined by Virtù at 45th and The Bellwood at 48th. Singapore’s Jigger & Pony placed ninth, while creative director and partner Uno Jang received the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.
In Europe, Barcelona’s Sips retained The Best Bar in Europe title, coming in third, while Paradiso followed in fourth place. London maintained its status as the region’s cocktail capital, with four bars in the top 50: Tayēr + Elementary, fifth, Connaught Bar one place behind in sixth, Satan’s Whiskers at 21st and Scarfes Bar 31st.
Milan’s Moebius Milano was recognised with the Nikka Highest Climber Award, jumping 31 places to seventh, while Paris’s Bar Nouveau rose 22 places to 17th.
For the first time, bars from Eastern Europe entered the list, including Mirror Bar in Bratislava (No.25) and Nouvelle Vague in Tirana (No.28).
New York City reaffirmed its influence with four bars in the top 50, led by Superbueno in 12th place and newcomer Sip & Guzzle, 39th was named Three Cents Best New Opening. Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy was named The Best Bar in North America ranking at number two overall.
In South America, Buenos Aires’ Tres Monos retained The Best Bar in South America title at 10th, with neighbouring CoChinChina at number 26.
The newly introduced Best Bar in the Middle East and Best Bar in Africa awards went to Mimi Kakushi in Dubai 36th and Hero Bar in Nairobi, respectively.