Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025: Bar Leone Named Best Bar in Asia Again
- Taiwan’s Outstanding Showing: Three Cities, Four Bars on the List
- Across Asia: A Dynamic Mix of Newcomers and Legends
- About Asia’s 50 Best Bars and the Voting Process
Macau, July 15, 2025 — The 9th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was unveiled at a live awards ceremony in Macau, celebrating the top cocktail bars from across the region. This year’s list features establishments from 20 cities, including 20 new entries, reflecting the continued innovation and vibrancy of Asia’s cocktail scene.
Hong Kong’s Bar Leone claimed the No.1 spot once again, retaining its title as “The Best Bar in Asia” and “The Best Bar in Hong Kong.” Founded by veteran bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone draws inspiration from the Italian concept of “Cocktail Popolari” (cocktails for the people), blending community spirit with classic cocktail craftsmanship. The bar's ambiance is modeled after the neighborhood bars of Rome’s Trastevere district, where Antinori grew up.
Coming in second and third were Zest from Seoul and Jigger & Pony from Singapore, both consistently ranked in the top three. Bangkok impressed with a total of seven entries, led by Bar Us and the newly listed Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, which secured the No.4 and No.5 spots respectively, highlighting Thailand’s growing influence on the regional scene.
Taiwan’s Outstanding Showing: Three Cities, Four Bars on the List
Taiwan was well represented with four bars across three cities, showcasing the island’s diverse bar culture and regional creativity.
From Taichung, the vending machine-themed Vender climbed to No.20 and was named “The Best Bar in Taiwan.” Known for its playful design and serious cocktails, it has become a standout destination in central Taiwan.
In Taipei, The Public House rose to No.40, maintaining its strong presence. Debuting at No.41, To Infinity & Beyond wowed with a futuristic, space-inspired interior and precision-driven cocktail techniques.
Southern Taiwan made its mark as well with Moonrock from Tainan at No.42. With its serene atmosphere inspired by traditional Taiwanese tea houses, it offers a refined cocktail experience in a culturally rich setting.
This geographic spread highlights Taiwan’s evolution into a multi-centered cocktail destination beyond just Taipei.
Across Asia: A Dynamic Mix of Newcomers and Legends
This year’s list revealed the breadth and diversity of Asia’s cocktail landscape, with both emerging talents and established institutions recognized:
- Hong Kong featured six bars, including Argo (No.11), Coa (No.17), and newcomer Gokan (No.33).
- Japan also had six entries, led by Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich (No.9) and Virtù (No.18), along with new additions from Nara and Kumamoto.
- India made a strong impression with four entries, including Lair in New Delhi at No.8, which was named “The Best Bar in India.”
- Indonesia had four first-time entries, including Jakarta’s Modernhaus (No.12) and The St. Regis Bar Jakarta (No.22).
Also noteworthy were Smoke & Bitters in Sri Lanka (No.14) and Barc in Nepal (No.35), each recognized as the best bar in their respective countries.
Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 List
About Asia’s 50 Best Bars and the Voting Process
Launched in 2016, Asia’s 50 Best Bars is part of the global “The World’s 50 Best” series and aims to celebrate innovation and excellence in the regional cocktail industry. The ranking is determined by votes from an academy of bar industry professionals, media, and mixology experts from across Asia.
The voting process is independently audited by Deloitte to ensure fairness and transparency. The full list and award ceremony replay are available on the official World’s 50 Best Bars website and YouTube channel. As Asia’s cocktail culture continues to thrive, this list serves as both an honor roll and a travel guide for global drinks enthusiasts.
source: theworlds50best.com
