The 50 best bars in Asia for 2024 have been revealed, with a newcomer taking the coveted top position

Bar Leone, an Italian cocktail bar located in the heart of Hong Kong, has earned the title of Asia's best bar. This remarkable achievement comes just one year after its opening.

“We never saw this coming,” said co-founder Lorenzo Antinori shortly after the award ceremony, speaking to Dinogo.

Originally from Rome, Antinori had planned a career in law but soon found himself more drawn to his part-time bartending job than to studying for the bar exam.

“Hong Kong has a thriving bar scene that’s always been strong, but since the pandemic, new ideas and innovative business models have emerged,” Antinori commented. “It’s all about diversity and energy in our bar community.”

The Asia's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony took place at the Rosewood Hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on July 16. The winners are chosen through votes by industry professionals, media, and mixology experts, who assess factors such as drink quality, service excellence, and that elusive 'vibe' that defines a bar.

Prior to Bar Leone’s victory, the top spot was held by Coa, a Hong Kong bar known for its mezcal-based cocktails, which held the position for an impressive three consecutive years.

Coa is led by Jay Khan, whose newest project, The Savory Project, was also recognized for being the best new bar opening of the year in Hong Kong.

The announcement of Coa’s fourth-place ranking caused audible gasps from many in the audience.

Despite the surprising result, Khan, wearing his trademark black baseball cap, was among those applauding Bar Leone’s victory. “One day, we won’t be number one, and that’s perfectly fine,” Khan shared with Dinogo after last year’s awards ceremony.

Singapore emerged as a clear winner with eleven bars making it into the top 50. Meanwhile, new destinations also received well-earned recognition. Craftroom, Osaka’s first bar on the list, took 28th place, while CMYK from Changsha claimed 43rd place, marking the first time a bar from that city was honored.

“We’re immensely proud to represent Changsha and bring this amazing city onto the global cocktail map,” a spokesperson from CMYK told Dinogo. “We hope to inspire international visitors to experience the city’s vibrant energy, taste its famous spicy dishes, and of course, enjoy a drink with us at CMYK.”

Introduced in 2016, the list added a new category this year for best bar design. The prestigious title went to Atlas in Singapore, a gin-focused bar renowned for its stunning interiors that have become a hit on social media.

Demie Kim of Zest in Seoul, who secured second place overall, was also named Bartender’s Bartender. Originally from Busan, Kim began his career as a barista before transitioning into the world of cocktails.

Kim received recognition for his commitment to making Zest a leader in sustainability within the bar industry.

“Sustainability isn’t just about the environment,” Kim explained. “It’s also about how we promote and preserve Korean bar culture.”

Emma Sleight, head of content for 50 Best Bars and 50 Best Hotels, told Dinogo that Asia's bar scene is “one of the best in the world—youthful, dynamic, and constantly evolving. Every visit to a city could reveal something new. Bars are always opening, and the scene remains incredibly exciting.”

In a fitting end to the night, Antinori had the final word. “Drinks on the house at Bar Leone tonight!” he cheered, before leaning in to ask his colleagues, “Wait, the bar is closed for the night, right?”

Top 50 Bars in Asia for 2024

1. Bar Leone (Hong Kong)

2. Zest (Seoul)

3. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)

4. Coa (Hong Kong)

5. Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo)

6. Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)

7. BKK Social Club (Bangkok)

8. Penrose (Kuala Lumpur)

9. Argo (Hong Kong)

10. The Aubrey (Hong Kong)

11. Virtù (Tokyo)

12. The Cocktail Club (Jakarta)

13. Vesper (Bangkok)

14. Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou)

15. Sago House (Singapore)

16. Night Hawk (Singapore)

17. Darkside (Hong Kong)

18. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok)

19. The Savory Project (Hong Kong)

20. Bar Cham (Seoul)

21. Bar Us (Bangkok)

22. The St. Regis Bar (Macao)

23. The SG Club (Tokyo)

24. Penicillin (Hong Kong)

25. Offtrack (Singapore)

26. Quinary (Hong Kong)

27. Pantja (Jakarta)

28. Craftroom (Osaka)

29. Smoke & Bitters (Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka)

30. Vender (Taichung, Taiwan)

31. Native (Singapore)

32. Origin Bar (Singapore)

33. The Curator (Manila)

34. The Bellwood (Tokyo)

35. Analogue Initiative (Singapore)

36. Bar Trigona (Kuala Lumpur)

37. Bar Mood (Taipei)

38. Employees Only (Singapore)

39. Barc (Kathmandu)

40. ZLB23 (Bengaluru, India)

41. Reka (Kuala Lumpur)

42. Fura (Singapore)

43. CMYK (Changsha, China)

44. The Public House (Taipei)

45. Mostly Harmless (Hong Kong)

46. Alice (Seoul)

47. The Halflington (Hanoi)

48. Le Chamber (Seoul)

49. Atlas (Singapore)

50. Pine & Co (Seoul)