Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has been named the World’s Best Bar for the second consecutive year, leading a strong Asian showing at the 2026 awards in Milan.
Bangkok’s Bar Us placed fourth, while Seoul’s Zest took seventh, putting three Asian venues in the global top 10.
In total, 13 bars across six Asian cities made the list, with Hong Kong securing four places and Bangkok three.
Co-founded by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori in 2023, Bar Leone has enjoyed a rapid ascent. It debuted at No.1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024 before becoming the first Asian venue to top the global ranking in 2025.
Its appeal rests on an uncomplicated proposition: well-made drinks and warm hospitality. Inspired by the neighborhood bars of Rome’s hip Trastevere district, Antinori’s philosophy of “cocktails for the people” puts approachable classics at the center of proceedings.
Thailand: (No.4) Bar Us, (No.27) Dry Wave Cocktail Studio & (No.27) BKK Social Club
A mahogany bar, orange banquettes and Italian memorabilia set an informal tone, with smoked olives and mortadella sandwiches providing sustenance between rounds.
Elsewhere in Hong Kong, Argo returned to the list at No.25, while newcomers Montana and Gokan entered at No.36 and No.41 respectively. The results made Hong Kong the most represented Asian city in this year’s ranking.
Bangkok’s contingent was led by Bar Us, whose dark interiors and white-coated bartenders provide a distinctive setting for its drinks, whose savory notes are inspired by gourmet dining. Its No.4 finish was supported by Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, a new entry at No.27, and BKK Social Club at No.30.
(No.38) Nutmeg & Clove, (No.44) Bar Benfiddich & (No.48) Virtù
Seoul’s low-waste cocktail bar Zest secured No.7, while Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame placed No.12. Singapore and Tokyo each accounted for two entries. Jigger & Pony at No.18 and Nutmeg & Clove at No.38 represented Singapore, with Bar Benfiddich at No.44 and Virtù at No.48 representing the Japanese capital.
The evening also brought individual recognition for Gokan founder Shingo Gokan, who received the Industry Icon Award. His influence extends across several of the region’s major cocktail cities through venues including Speak Low in Shanghai and The SG Club in Tokyo, alongside his bars further afield.