Milan – October 07, 2026 -- Bar Leone in Hong Kong has been crowned The World's Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier, retaining the title for a second consecutive year as the 50 Best Bars 2026 list was unveiled in Milan.
Bar Leone becomes first repeat No.1 from Asia in list history
Co-founded by Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone built its win on a philosophy called Cocktail Popolari -- "cocktails for the people" -- drawing on the traditional neighbourhood bars of Rome's Trastevere district rather than theatrical techniques. The venue also secured The Best Bar in Asia award in the 18th edition of the ranking.
Top five spans Milan, Cartagena, Bangkok and Athens
Milan's Moebius Milano ranked No.2, followed by Cartagena's Alquimíco at No.3, Bangkok's Bar Us at No.4 and Athens' Line at No.5. The 2026 list covers bars across 26 cities, with 14 new entries this year.
Mexico City and Athens venues post the sharpest ranking jumps
Bar Mauro in Mexico City claimed the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, debuting at No.10. Athens' The Bar in Front of the Bar won the Nikka Highest Climber Award after rising 28 places to No.19.
Industry awards recognize talent from Japan, Australia, Ecuador and the UAE
Shingo Gokan received the Roku Industry Icon Award, while Melbourne's Three Horses was given the Campari One to Watch Award. Line in Athens won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. Isa Mejia of Ecuador received The 50 Best Bars Scholarship, and Saikindō in Abu Dhabi took the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award.
Additional honors go to Barcelona, New York and Cartagena venues
Paradiso in Barcelona was named Rémy Martin Legend of the List. Schmuck in New York claimed the Three Cents Best New Opening Award. Edinburgh's Panda & Sons won the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award, Takuma Watanabe was named Altos Bartenders' Bartender, and Alquímico in Cartagena received the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award.
Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Bars, said Bar Leone's repeat No.1 placement demonstrates "the true impact of Cocktail Popolari" on global bar culture.