The glittering lights of Macau played host to the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 awards this week, where Bar Leone in Hong Kong once again stole the show, clinching The Best Bar in Asia for the second consecutive year.
It’s a rare feat—and a well-deserved one. But while all eyes were on Bar Leone’s nostalgic Roman elegance and stripped-back cocktail perfection, Singapore quietly reminded the region it’s still a heavyweight in world-class drinking.
Bar Leone: Old-School Heart, Modern Soul
Step into Bar Leone and you’ll find yourself halfway between a Roman trattoria and a Central Hong Kong speakeasy. Wood panelling, vintage football posters, and an unpretentious warmth make it feel like you’re walking into someone’s cherished local haunt, except this one’s helmed by Lorenzo Antinori, whose resume reads like a who’s-who of mixology royalty.
The bar’s signature style? “Cocktail popolari”—a philosophy rooted in classics, reimagined with elegance. A Martini that whispers instead of shouts. A Negroni that lets you taste every line of its story. No gimmicks. No Instagram bait. Just damn good drinks.
But what’s most compelling is how Bar Leone represents a shift in Asia’s cocktail scene: a move away from the theatrical, toward the emotional, familiar, and timeless.
Singapore: Quietly Dominating the Region
Singapore’s cocktail game is no side act—it’s the backbone of Asia’s bar scene, with a fierce five bars landing in the top 50 this year.
No.3: Jigger & Pony
A perennial favourite, this plush modern classic retains its crown as The Best Bar in Singapore for the sixth year. Its ability to blend elevated service with accessible charm is why locals keep returning—and why the world keeps watching.
No.23: Offtrack
A newcomer to many, this music-centric bar has rhythm in its bones and serious talent behind the counter. Think vinyls, funk, and cocktails that dance as hard as the playlist.
No.24: Nutmeg & Clove
This Chinatown stalwart fuses Singaporean heritage with global bartending flair, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Think kaya toast riffs and spice-forward surprises.
No.44: Cat Bite Club
Singapore’s first agave-focused bar steps into the spotlight, shaking up the scene with mezcal and tequila served with serious storytelling.
No.45: Native
An icon of sustainability and experimentation, Native remains a beacon for those who want to taste something truly from the land—fermented ants, anyone?
Together, these five bars tell a story: Singapore isn’t just keeping up—it’s consistently defining the region’s drinking culture. With influences ranging from local botanicals to Latin American spirits, the Lion City is shaping what the future of Asian mixology looks (and tastes) like.
With 20 new entries this year and bars from 20 cities represented, Asia’s bar scene is having a moment. From Seoul’s sustainability-driven Zest (No.2), to Bangkok’s breakthrough Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.5), a fresh vibrancy shows no signs of slowing.
And yet, Bar Leone stands calmly at the top. A reminder that in the race to be bold, fast, and flashy, there’s something irresistible about staying grounded.
If you’re based in Singapore, Hong Kong is just a few hours away—and Bar Leone deserves to be your first stop. But don’t forget to re-explore our own backyard. From elevated hotel bars to hidden shophouse speakeasies, Singapore’s scene is a rich, layered map of flavours waiting to be rediscovered.
Because sometimes the best bars aren’t the loudest. They’re the ones that make you feel nostalgic, inspired, and just a little more alive.
Raise a glass to Bar Leone and the Asian bar scene entering its golden era.
Click here to find out more yummy food options in Singapore.
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