Yes, you read that correctly, the number one bar in Asia for not one, but two years running, Bar Leone is opening in our own backyard this coming fall. After an announcement earlier this evening, Bar Leone owners, Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah, have confirmed that the rumors around town (and around the globe) are true, and Bar Leone will open its sister venue in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China. 

Guests can expect their signature cocktails, aperitivo-style service, and the bar’s renowned snacks across two floors. Bar Leone, which originally debuted in Central, Hong Kong less than three years ago, orbits the concept of ‘cocktail popolari’ – or ‘cocktails for the people’. The revived classics-style libations hospitably served are unpretentious, approachable, and downright smashable, inspired by the neighborhood bars of Rome’s backstreets. 

A Little Backstory on the Bar’s Speedy Rise to the Top

Within less than a year of opening in the summer of 2023, Bar Leone clinched all the titles at the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bar Awards – best bar in Hong Kong, the highest new entry, and – most importantly – the coveted número uno spot as the best bar in Asia. This marked the first time in 50 Best history that the best bar in Asia had been a new entry on the list. That same year, the team celebrated as they also scored the coveted seat as the number two bar in the world, according to World’s 50 Best. 

READ MORE: 15 China Bars Make Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024

Then, in 2025, the Bar Leone team did it again, clocking in as the number one bar in Asia for a second year in a row. With the World’s 50 Best Bars Awards 2025 right around the corner (October 8, conveniently broadcasting live from Bar Leone’s home turf of Hong Kong), we have a feeling Bar Leone is gonna keep on living la dolce vita. 

READ MORE: A Tectonic Shift in the Foundation of This Year’s Asia's 50 Best Bars List 2025

What Does This Mean for Shanghai? 

Shanghai is no stranger to Hong Kong bar transplants these days, with the recent opening of mad scientist lab-meets-sustainability-haven Penicillin (No. 27 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025); and temple to the mezcal gods, Coa (the previous crown bearer of the number one bar in Asia for a whopping three years in a row, from 2021-2023), an achievement never bestowed on any other bar before it. 

READ MORE: Sip on Seashells, Samphire, & Shrubs at Sustainably-Focused Penicillin

READ MORE: Temple to the Agave Gods – Coa Shanghai is Back!

So this all begs the question, will the soon-to-open Shanghai location help boost Bar Leone Hong Kong into a triple year win as well? 

Is Shanghai set to become the hottest new cocktail destination in Asia? 

Does this mean free flow mortadella sandwiches, Campari spritzes, and frozen cappuccinos are on our horizon? 

Only time will tell. But we can’t wait to find out.

“Personally, Shanghai has a special meaning, since it was the city where I had my first guest shift in Asia, back in 2017 when working at the Four Seasons Seoul; since then, I made so many friends which are lasting till today. It’s a city which has such a diverse bar scene and I hope guests will appreciate the hospitality we want to bring. I always loved Shanghai’s energy and the vibrancy of its bar scene,” says Antinori, surely while sipping a negroni. 

Well, we couldn’t agree more, Lorenzo. Welcome to town; Shanghai greets you with open arms.