Bar Leone in Hong Kong has been named The World’s Best Bar for the second consecutive year, retaining the No.1 position in The 50 Best Bars 2026. The annual ranking, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed on 7 October during a live awards ceremony in Milan, Italy.

Now in its 18th edition, The 50 Best Bars 2026 features venues from 26 cities, with 14 new entries across cities including Athens, Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Medellín, Mexico City, New York, Paris and São Paulo.

Bar Leone, which was also named The Best Bar in Asia, made history in 2025 as the first bar from Asia to reach No.1 on the global ranking. Its continued rise began after opening in Hong Kong in 2023, when it debuted at No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024. It retained the regional title in 2025 before being named The World’s Best Bar that same year, following a No.2 global ranking in 2024.

Located in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood, Bar Leone was co-founded by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori. The bar draws inspiration from the traditional bars of Rome’s Trastevere district, with its Cocktail Popolari philosophy centred on straightforward hospitality and classic drinks. Its interior combines vintage Italian references with wood finishes, football memorabilia and nostalgic décor.

The drinks programme focuses on classic cocktails, with many incorporating Italian influences and premium ingredients. The bar also serves snacks including smoked olives and a mortadella sandwich.

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Bars, said Bar Leone’s second consecutive win demonstrates the impact of its Cocktail Popolari philosophy, while also highlighting the broader talent and hospitality represented across this year’s ranking.

Hong Kong leads Asia

Hong Kong has four bars on the 2026 list, making it Asia’s most represented cocktail city. Alongside Bar Leone at No.1, Argo returns at No.25, while Montana enters at No.36 and Gokan debuts at No.41.

Gokan’s founder, Shingo Gokan, was also named the recipient of the Roku Industry Icon Award. Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame ranks No.12.

Bangkok follows with three bars in the top 50. Bar Us ranks No.4, while Dry Wave Cocktail Studio enters at No.27 and BKK Social Club ranks No.30. Seoul’s Zest takes No.7.

Singapore and Tokyo each have two bars on the ranking. Singapore is represented by Jigger & Pony at No.18 and Nutmeg & Clove at No.38, while Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich ranks No.44 and Virtù ranks No.48.

Paris ties with Hong Kong and New York

Paris is the most represented European city on the list for the first time, with four bars, tying Hong Kong and New York for the highest number of entries by city.

The French capital is represented by The Cambridge Public House at No.13, Bar Nouveau at No.15, newcomer De Vie at No.23 and Danico at No.26. London and Athens each have three bars on the ranking.

Elsewhere in Europe, Milan’s Moebius Milano is No.2 and is named The Best Bar in Europe 2026. Barcelona’s Sips and Paradiso rank No.16 and No.17, respectively, while Madrid’s Angelita enters at No.50.

New York also has four bars on the list, with new entry Schmuck debuting at No.11, alongside Sip & Guzzle at No.14, Martiny’s at No.46 and newcomer Bar Snack at No.49. Schmuck also receives the Three Cents Best New Opening Award.

In the Americas, Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy is No.6 and named The Best Bar in North America. Bar Mauro enters at No.10 and receives the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, while Tlecān ranks No.47.

Cartagena’s Alquímico is named The Best Bar in South America at No.3, followed by Lima’s Lady Bee at No.9 and several other entries from Medellín, Lima, São Paulo and Buenos Aires.

The 2026 ceremony also recognised several individual bars and industry figures through special awards. Melbourne’s Three Horses received the Campari One to Watch Award, while Line in Athens won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons received the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award, and Saikindō in Abu Dhabi was named the winner of the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award.

Among the other awards, The Bar in Front of the Bar in Athens was named the Nikka Highest Climber after rising 28 places to No.19, while Barcelona’s Paradiso received the Rémy Martin Legend of the List award. Ecuadorian bartender Isa Mejia was awarded The 50 Best Bars Scholarship.