The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025(1-50)

The highly anticipated World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, was unveiled on October 8 in Hong Kong. This year’s edition showcases unprecedented geographic diversity, featuring bars from 29 cities and 8 new entries — and, most notably, the first time an Asian bar has claimed the No.1 spot. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has been crowned both The World’s Best Bar and The Best Bar in Asia, a historic milestone for the region’s cocktail scene.

(source: theworlds50best)

Asia’s Moment: Bar Leone Breaks the Western Stronghold

Bar Leone’s triumph represents more than individual success — it signals a shift in the global balance of cocktail culture. Founded by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone is built on the philosophy of “cocktail popolari” (cocktails for the people), inspired by the casual neighborhood bars of Rome where locals gather over coffee, aperitifs, and conversation.

Located in Hong Kong’s bustling Central district, the bar embraces a nostalgic 1980s–1990s Roman aesthetic and an accessible, down-to-earth charm. Its ethos of openness — even publishing its cocktail recipes on Google Docs — embodies a new era of knowledge sharing within the bartending world.

In just two years, Bar Leone has risen from local buzz to international stardom, topping Asia’s 50 Best Bars in both 2024 and 2025 before finally claiming the world title this year. Its ascent is a powerful statement: Asia has moved from being a “promising newcomer” to a defining force in the global cocktail narrative.

Global Landscape: Europe Holds Steady, the Americas Rise

While Asia celebrates its first global champion, Europe remains the list’s powerhouse, with 23 entries overall. London continues to dominate the continent’s cocktail scene, led by Tayēr + Elementary (No.5) and Connaught Bar (No.6). Milan’s Moebius Milano jumped an impressive 31 places to No.7, earning the Nikka Highest Climber Award — a testament to Italy’s design-driven innovation in hospitality.

Barcelona reaffirms its creative supremacy with Sips (No.3) and Paradiso (No.4), both ranked in the global top five. Sips co-founder Simone Caporale, renowned for his work at London’s Artesian, also received the Roku Industry Icon Award, underscoring Europe’s ongoing spirit of collaboration and reinvention.

In North America, Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy retained its title as The Best Bar in North America (No.2 worldwide). New York continues to thrive, with four entries — Superbueno (No.12), Sip & Guzzle (No.39), Double Chicken Please (No.41), and Overstory (No.46). The newcomer Sip & Guzzle, co-founded by Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider, blends Japanese precision with New York energy and won The Best New Opening Award.

Emerging Voices: Eastern Europe and South America Shine

One of the most exciting developments this year is the rise of Eastern Europe. Bratislava’s Mirror Bar (No.25) took home The Highest New Entry Award, while Tirana’s Nouvelle Vague (No.28) made its debut — proof that the judging panel’s gaze is expanding beyond traditional Western centers toward fresh and diverse cultural territories.

In South America, Buenos Aires’ Tres Monos (No.10) once again claimed The Best Bar in South America, while Lima’s Lady Bee (No.13) earned The Art of Hospitality Award for its warmth and human touch. These results highlight a growing truth: amid the global emphasis on design and innovation, genuine hospitality and storytelling still define a truly great bar experience.

Asia’s Star Performers: From Tokyo to Guangzhou

Beyond Bar Leone, Asia’s presence remains strong. Tokyo landed three bars on the list — Bar Benfiddich (No.18), Virtù (No.45), and newcomer The Bellwood (No.48). Singapore’s Jigger & Pony (No.9) and Nutmeg & Clove (No.50) continue their consistent excellence.

A historic first for mainland China, Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame (庙前冰室) debuted at No.29, marking a new chapter for the country’s cocktail scene. Meanwhile, Bar Us in Bangkok (No.15) and Zest in Seoul (No.16) exemplify Asia’s dynamic creativity. Far from being a “developing region,” Asia has firmly established itself as a global center for mixology innovation.

Design, Sustainability, and Culture

Beyond rankings, this year’s special awards reflect the industry’s expanding vision. Sydney’s Tigra + Disco Pantera won Best Bar Design for its bold dual-space concept and upcycled materials, merging sustainability with artistry. Paris’s The Cambridge Public House was recognized with the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, becoming the first independent B Corp-certified bar — a model for socially conscious hospitality.

A Cultural Rebalance in the Cocktail World

This year’s list reveals a clear trend — Asia’s momentum in mixology continues to grow. From Bar Leone to Hope & Sesame, Asian bars are not only winning through creativity and technical precision but also through storytelling, hospitality, and cultural connection. Their approach contrasts with the traditional Western emphasis on luxury, signaling a new era of inclusivity, regional identity, and narrative-driven bar culture.

(source: theworlds50best)