Bar Leone in Hong Kong Central made history at Asia’s Best Bars 2024 when it became the very first new entry to the list to take the top spot.

For Bar Leone owner Lorenzo Antinori, the accolade is something he and his team never considered since they first opened in June of last year. He pointed out how competitive the Hong Kong bar scene is, and how it is constantly evolving, two factors which make their win more meaningful in light of the city’s myriad bars and nightspots.

Antinori said: “To be recognised as the best in Asia is a true testament to the unwavering passion and relentless drive of our crew. We are beyond blessed to call Hong Kong home, and we will continue pouring our hearts into creating an experience that does justice to this remarkable city we love.”

Four years in a row

This year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars also marked the fourth consecutive year that a Hong Kong bar was named region’s best, reinforcing the city’s position as one of Asia’s centres for gastronomy.

Likewise, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) teamed up with the event’s organisers for a second year, delivering a multi-day experience to attendees that featured some of the region’s best bar talent headlining guest shifts at some of the city’s most acclaimed cocktail salons and drinking dens.