Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has retained its position as the world’s best bar for 2026, claiming the top spot in the annual global ranking organised by The 50. The awards were announced at a ceremony in Milan, Italy, on October 7, marking the second consecutive year that the Hong Kong venue has secured the No. 1 position.
The 2026 ranking brings together bars from 26 cities, recognising cocktail destinations across Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Australasia. Milan’s Moebius Milano took second place, followed by Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia.
The results highlight the continued international influence of cocktail bars in cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mexico City, Paris and New York, while also introducing new venues to the global list.
Bar Leone Holds on to the Top Position
Located in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan neighbourhood, Bar Leone was founded by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori in 2023. Its concept draws inspiration from the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional Italian neighbourhood bar, combining familiar hospitality with contemporary cocktail-making.
The venue’s identity centres on straightforward Italian-inspired drinks, a welcoming atmosphere and an informal approach to service. Its repeat success places Hong Kong firmly in the spotlight of the international cocktail industry.
The ranking also reinforces the growing influence of Asian cities in the global bar scene, with several venues from Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo appearing among the top 50.
The Top Five Bars Around the World
The top five positions in the 2026 ranking feature venues from Asia, Europe and South America.
THE 50 BEST BARS 2026 · TOP FIVE
- Bar Leone — Hong Kong
- Moebius Milano — Milan, Italy
- Alquímico — Cartagena, Colombia
- Bar Us — Bangkok, Thailand
- Line — Athens, Greece
Moebius Milano occupies a former textile warehouse, combining an experimental cocktail programme with an expansive industrial setting. Alquímico, housed in a historic building in Cartagena, is known for its multi-level venue and focus on Colombian ingredients.
Bangkok’s Bar Us has earned attention for its carefully developed cocktail flavours, while Athens’ Line combines drinks with an approach that incorporates fermentation and locally influenced ingredients.
Mexico City, Paris and New York Feature Strongly
The rest of the top 10 includes several established cocktail destinations as well as a notable new entry.
| Rank | Bar | City |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Handshake Speakeasy | Mexico City |
| 7 | Zest | Seoul |
| 8 | Connaught Bar | London |
| 9 | Lady Bee | Lima |
| 10 | Bar Mauro | Mexico City |
Mexico City is the only city with two venues in the top 10: Handshake Speakeasy and Bar Mauro. Bar Mauro is also the highest new entry, making its debut at No. 10.
London’s Connaught Bar remains among the leading international venues at No. 8, while Seoul’s Zest and Lima’s Lady Bee demonstrate the geographical range represented in the ranking.
Paris, Hong Kong and New York Lead the City Count
The 2026 list features bars from 26 cities, with Hong Kong, New York and Paris each represented by four venues in the top 50.
Bangkok also has a strong presence, with three entries: Bar Us at No. 4, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio at No. 27 and BKK Social Club at No. 30.
Other cities represented include Singapore, Tokyo, Barcelona, Athens, Buenos Aires, Medellín and São Paulo. The list also features venues in locations such as Tirana, Bratislava, Florence and Madrid.
Fourteen bars made new entries into the 2026 ranking, illustrating the changing mix of establishments gaining international recognition.
Special Awards Recognise Innovation and Hospitality
Beyond the main ranking, the awards included several distinctions recognising different aspects of the bar industry.
Alquímico in Cartagena received the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, while Line in Athens won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.
Other recognitions included:
- Highest New Entry: Bar Mauro, Mexico City, at No. 10.
- Highest Climber: The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens, at No. 19.
- Best New Opening: Schmuck, New York, at No. 11.
- Best Bar Design: Saikindō, Abu Dhabi.
- Best Cocktail Menu: Panda & Sons, Edinburgh.
- Industry Icon Award: Shingo Gokan.
The awards extend the recognition beyond cocktail menus and rankings to include hospitality, design, sustainability and contributions to the wider bar industry.
What the 2026 Ranking Says About Global Bar Culture
The latest results reflect a cocktail industry shaped by different regional identities and approaches to hospitality. Asian venues continue to feature prominently, while Latin American cities are gaining visibility through bars that draw on local ingredients, techniques and cultural influences.
European destinations remain an important part of the scene, with Milan, Athens, Paris, London and Barcelona represented across the ranking.
For travellers, the list offers inspiration for food-and-drink-focused city breaks and opportunities to explore destinations through their local hospitality culture. A visit to a highly ranked bar can become part of a wider itinerary featuring neighbourhoods, restaurants, architecture and nightlife.
The ranking is an industry-led annual selection rather than an objective measure of every bar worldwide. Nevertheless, its international reach makes it a notable reference point for cocktail enthusiasts and hospitality professionals.
