Bar Leone Tops World's 20 Best Bars
Hong Kong's Bar Leone takes the top spot for the second year in a row, marking a shift in acclaim from London to Asia and Latin America, with 18 European bars making the list
Bar Leone in Hong Kong has been named the world's most celebrated bar in 2026, taking the top spot for the second year in a row. This repeat win marks a significant shift in acclaim from London to Asia and Latin America.
The list features bars from 26 different cities, with 18 of the honored bars located in Europe. However, the dominance of European bars is not as strong as it once was, with two Asian venues ranking among the world's 10 best bars in 2026.
HIMKOK in Oslo is the best bar in Europe and ranked second overall, followed by other notable bars such as Montana, Alquímico, and Line. The top 10 bars also include Handshake Speakeasy, Panda & Sons, Hope & Sesame, Moebius, and Paradiso.
Bar Leone was co-founded by Lorenzo Antinori, who also owns Montana, another bar on the list. Bar Leone has previously claimed the 50 Best top spot twice, including in 2026, and is known for its focus on classic cocktails and Italian pop culture-themed interiors.
## What it means The shift in acclaim from London to Asia and Latin America is a significant trend in the world of cocktail bars. For years, London was the go-to destination for drinkers looking to visit the world's most celebrated bars. However, with the rise of bars in cities such as Hong Kong, Oslo, and Athens, drinkers now have a wider range of options to choose from. The fact that 18 European bars made the list, but no one capital or continent controls who gets in, suggests that the industry's voters are rewarding a diverse range of bars from around the world.
## Why it matters The list of the world's 20 best bars is not just a ranking of the most popular bars, but also a reflection of the changing tastes and trends in the world of cocktails. With the rise of bars in Asia and Latin America, drinkers are now more likely to find unique and innovative cocktails that reflect the local culture and ingredients. The list also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry, with bars from a wide range of cities and continents making the cut.
The change in the ranking also suggests that the industry is becoming more global, with bars from different parts of the world gaining recognition. This shift is likely to continue, with more bars from Asia and Latin America expected to make the list in the future. As the world of cocktails continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the ranking changes and which bars emerge as the new leaders in the industry.
