Bar Leone tops The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 as Hong Kong hosts prestigious awards

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, has been unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony in Hong Kong, marking the first time the prestigious global ranking has been hosted in the city.

The 17th edition of the awards took place on 8 October 2025 at the iconic Kai Tak Cruise Terminal overlooking Victoria Harbour. More than 2,000 of the world’s leading bartenders, hospitality professionals, and drinks industry figures gathered for a citywide celebration of cocktail excellence. With 50 Best events returning to Hong Kong for the third consecutive year, October proved to be the perfect time to spotlight the city’s vibrant culinary and cocktail scene.

Bar Leone crowned world’s best as Hong Kong shines on global stage

Claiming the title of The World’s Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier, was Bar Leone from Hong Kong. The win headlined a week-long program that brought together the international bar community for public and industry-exclusive events, including 50 Best Signature Sessions hosted in bars across the city.

Hong Kong’s bar scene was strongly represented on the global list, which is based on votes from a gender-balanced panel of industry experts across different regions. Bar Leone led the local charge at No. 1, while COA secured the No. 38 spot, underscoring Hong Kong’s creativity and vibrant cocktail culture.

Lorenzo Antinori, owner of Bar Leone, said: “To be named the number one bar in the world is not only an incredible honour for us at Bar Leone, but also a truly proud moment for Hong Kong. This recognition not only highlights our hard work but also affirms that our city belongs at the very heart of the global bar industry, celebrated for its creativity and warm hospitality. Welcoming the world’s best bartenders to Hong Kong this week has filled the city with incredible energy and excitement. It’s truly thrilling to see Hong Kong shine on the international stage, and we feel privileged to be part of this journey.”

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Jay Khan, co-owner of COA, added: “Being recognised among the world’s best is an incredible achievement for our team, and a testament to their hard work and passion. Hosting the awards ceremony in Hong Kong is a proud moment for the city, and we are truly honored to be part of this remarkable story and to contribute to the celebration of our city’s dynamic hospitality scene.”

Five Hong Kong bars make the global rankings

In total, two Hong Kong bars featured in this year’s Top 50 list, while the extended 51–100 list, released ahead of the ceremony, recognized three additional local establishments.

Here are the Hong Kong bars that earned a place on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list:

• Bar Leone (No. 1)

• COA (No. 38)

• ARGO (No. 56)

• GOKAN* (No. 70)

• The Savory Project (No. 86)
  *New entry

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 marks a milestone for the awards as they return to Asia for only the second time, highlighting Hong Kong’s growing influence as one of the world’s leading culinary and cultural capitals. This edition is celebrated under a three-year partnership between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and 50 Best, further establishing Hong Kong as a premier global destination for gastronomy, cocktails, and hospitality.

The success of the event underlines Hong Kong’s ability to host world-class celebrations and foster international collaboration while spotlighting its dynamic nightlife. From intimate neighborhood spots to globally acclaimed bars, the city continues to raise the bar. With winter approaching and a packed events calendar ahead, now is the perfect time to explore Hong Kong’s world-class bar and nightlife scene.