[Quick News] Bar Leone – Asia's No. 1 Bar – To Open in Shanghai

Yes, you read that correctly: The No. 1 bar in Asia – Bar Leone, reigning supreme for not one but two years running – is set to land right in our backyard this coming fall. But Bar Leone isn't just an outlier for Shanghai's cocktail scene, is it? The city is transforming into a glittering metropolis of world-class bar transplants. Penicillin, the closed-loop, zero-waste superstar from Hong Kong, ranked a stellar No. 24 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, now serving its mad-scientist concoctions – from seashell-infused vodkas to fermentation-lab magic – on Nanchang Road since this spring.

And then there's COA Shanghai, the agave-spirits phenomenon born of Hong Kong's multi-year Asia's 50 Best Bars champion. After navigating shutdowns and lease woes, COA has staged a roaring comeback in Huangpu, now housed in a four-storey venue where each floor – from a casual taqueria to a mezcal-vault mezzanine – reflects its original, high-profile DNA.

Finally we have internationally recognized homegrown SG Group expanding both here in Shanghai as well as abroad.

Shanghai is settling into its new role as a heavy hitter, and we're here seeing it happen in real time.

After an announcement last night, Bar Leone owners, Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah, have confirmed that the rumors around town 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.

Then, in 2025, the Bar Leone team did it again, clocking in for a second year in a row as the number one bar in Asia. 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.

What Does This Mean for Shanghai?

As mentioned, 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 2021-23), an achievement never bestowed on any other bar before it. There are whispers in the industry of more big names to come. Despite prevailing concerns about China's reduced consumption habits, big names have done their research on Shanghai's market potential.

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.

"The team and I are excited to bring Bar Leone to a city with a vibrant bar scene, where cosmopolitan energy, cutting-edge cocktail culture, and diverse local flavors create the perfect stage for the bar's signature mix of innovation and Italian flair," says Antinori, surely while sipping a negroni.

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