Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has clinched the coveted title of The Best Bar in Asia and the Best Bar in Hong Kong for the second year in a row, at the awards ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 in Macau recently.

The ceremony featured bars from 20 cities across Asia, including 20 new entries. Bar Leone made 50 Best history in 2024 by being the first-ever establishment to debut on the list at No.1 and as The Best Bar in Asia. Owned and operated by Lorenzo Antinori, it is the home of ‘cocktail popolari’ (cocktails for the people).

At No.2 was the sustainability-forward Zest in Seoul, a position it retains from 2024, making it the Best Bar in Korea for the third year running. Another consistent presence in the top five is the plush drinking den Jigger & Pony in Singapore (No.3), making it the Best Bar in Singapore for the sixth consecutive year.

Climbing 17 places to No.4 was Bar Us in Bangkok taking the title of the Best Bar in Thailand. A newcomer to the list, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, also from Bangkok, made its debut at an impressive No.5.

Bangkok’s Vesper (No.29) won the Legend of the List Award; industry stalwart Jay Khan of Hong Kong and Shanghai’s Coa (No.17 and No.85 respectively) was crowned Industry Icon; and Bangkok’s Messenger Service (No.90) took home the Best Bar Design Award.

(L-R) Teams from The Leela Hotel’s ZLB23, Bar Spirit Forward (both Bengaluru), and Goa’s Boilermaker also made it to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 rankings.

INDIA RANKINGS

Lair (New Delhi) entered the list at No.8 and was crowned the Best Bar in India. A modern speakeasy, its interiors are reminiscent of a reimagined film noir set. From Bengaluru, newcomer Soka landed at No.28, with well-crafted drinks, a refined aesthetic and high-energy vibe.

ZLB23 (Bengaluru) climbed nine spots to No.31, delighting cocktail lovers from its hidden location through a secret entrance within a working kitchen. Also from  Bengaluru, new entry Bar Spirit Forward (No.37) crafts drinks true to its name, with a Japanese omakase approach.

Goa’s Boilermaker made its debut at No.30, with an experience akin to a freewheeling house party with the soul of a dive bar, where traditional spirits like feni are spotlighted.

Japan secured six spots on the list, five bars from Singapore, four spots each from Malaysia, Korea and Indonesia, besides

Pre-announced special award winners that accepted their accolades at the awards ceremony include Barc in Kathmandu, winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, and Andrew Ho of Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou, winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

Asia’s 50 Best Bars works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.