Discovering the World's Top Bar in Hong Kong's Vibrant Sheung Wan District
After a grueling 16-hour flight from Toronto to Hong Kong, my son and I battled jet lag with an unconventional remedy: visiting a bar that had recently been crowned the world's best. In October 2025, Bar Leone in Hong Kong's Sheung Wan district topped the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars list, an accolade that draws cocktail enthusiasts from across the globe.
A Serendipitous Location in a Cool Neighborhood
Our journey began on a balmy Sunday night in mid-November. Following a smooth arrival via Cathay Pacific and a quick ride on the efficient Airport Express train to Central Station, we found ourselves in a compact but well-located hotel room. Fortunately, both our accommodation and Bar Leone were situated in Sheung Wan, a neighborhood that itself earned a spot on Time Out's 2025 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World list.
This proximity allowed us to take a short, scenic hike up Sheung Wan's famous steep stairways, arriving early for our 9:30 p.m. reservation. The area's gritty yet hip vibe set the perfect stage for what was to come.
Long Queues and a Warm Welcome
Outside Bar Leone, we encountered a queue of dozens of people, predominantly younger and English-speaking patrons. The bar operates on a walk-in-only basis, with no reservations accepted for the general public. As a reporter, I was fortunate to bypass the line using my credentials, but the sight underscored the establishment's immense popularity.
Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the bar's surprisingly casual and friendly atmosphere. Rather than feeling like a stuffy, high-end destination, Bar Leone exuded the warmth of a cozy neighbourhood hangout. Opened in May 2023, this Italian sports bar seats approximately 70 people and has quickly become a beloved spot in Hong Kong's social scene.
Authentic Italian Vibes and Accessible Cocktails
The interior was packed on that Sunday night, with patrons standing at the bar and seated at every small table. The walls were adorned with pictures of Italian actors and athletes, while dim, subdued lighting and candlelight created an intimate ambiance. It felt like a cooler, more refined version of traditional Italian neighbourhood bars found worldwide.
Floor supervisor Luca Scomparin, an Italian expat, emphasized the bar's commitment to authenticity. "One hundred per cent. One hundred per cent, authentic," he declared when asked if Bar Leone aimed to bring a piece of Rome to Hong Kong.
Unlike many trendy cocktail bars that pursue molecular mixology with gels and foams, Bar Leone focuses on what co-founder and mixologist Lorenzo Antinori calls "cocktail popolari" – cocktails for the people. Priced between C$20 and $30, these drinks are designed to be simple, appealing, and novel, with some even prepared in bulk for quicker service.
Standout Drinks and Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
One standout offering is the Olive Oil Sour, an intriguing Italian twist on the classic whisky sour. This cocktail combines Italian brandy, lemon, honey, and a blend of olive oil with egg white, resulting in a velvety texture. A dusting of fresh nutmeg adds a spicy kick, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
"It's a crowd-pleaser. It's good for everyone," Scomparin noted, highlighting the drink's broad appeal. This approachable yet innovative philosophy seems to be a key factor in Bar Leone's global success, proving that world-class cocktails don't have to be pretentious.
Despite its top-tier ranking, Bar Leone remains a welcoming and unassuming spot where locals and visitors alike can enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a relaxed setting. Its blend of Italian authenticity, Hong Kong energy, and casual charm offers a refreshing take on what a world's best bar can be.
