Setting the bar high: Bar Leone stars No.1 in Asia's 50 Best Bars

A total of six Hong Kong bars secured spots in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list, with the city's Bar Leone crowned the best bar in the region for the second consecutive year. 

The highly anticipated ranking was revealed on Tuesday (July 15) in Macau, featuring 20 new entries and establishments spanning 20 Asian destinations this year.

Bar Leone retains its titles as the Best Bar in Asia and the Best Bar in Hong Kong, maintaining its number 1 position after debuting at the top of the list last year. 

Owned by Lorenzo Antinori, the menu features a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails, all the while staying true to its identity as a neighborhood bar.

At number two is Zest in Seoul, claiming the title of Best Bar in Korea, while Jigger & Pony in Singapore takes number three.

The remaining Hong Kong bars on the list include Argo, the flagship bar of the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, which stands at 11, followed by COA, a bar that has thrice been awarded the coveted number 1 position in Asia's 50 Best Bars.

Industry stalwart Jay Khan, founder of COA and an agave aficionado, was also crowned Roku Industry Icon at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the city's first closed-loop bar, Penicillin, made 27 on the list, while The Savory Project secured number 31 with its unconventional, umami-forward flavors.

New entry Gokan, the Hong Kong outpost from international bar magnate Shingo Gokan, stands at 33.

Additionally, HKTB will bring the World's 50 Best Bars 2025 Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong for the first time, highlighting the city's pivotal role in global mixology culture.

The ceremony will take place on October 8 at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, bringing together an unparalleled gathering of elite figures to celebrate the achievements of the finest bars and bartenders around the World.

(Judy Cui)