The key facts

  • First place in the Top 500 Bars ranking went to Bar Leone in Hong Kong, founded by Lorenzo Antinori
  • Europe's best bar is HIMKOK in Oslo, second place overall
  • 13 of the world's 25 best bars are in Europe, including Line in Athens and Panda & Sons in Edinburgh

How the Ranking Was Compiled

The Top 500 Bars project compiled a ranking of the world's 500 best bars, relying on the 'wisdom of the crowd': the opinions of journalists, experts and influencers, as well as reviews on social media and search engines. First place went to Bar Leone in Hong Kong — a cocktail bar focused on classic drinks, with interiors themed around Italian pop culture. Its co-founder Lorenzo Antinori also owns the bar Montana, which took third place. Bar Leone previously topped the 50 Best ranking twice, including in 2026.

Europe's Best Bars

Europe's best bar was named HIMKOK in Oslo, which took second place overall. It is a distillery-bar that uses its own aquavit, gin and vodka; its menu, according to the venue's description, is inspired by the nature, ingredients, culture and traditions of Norway. Fifth place went to Line in Athens — it is known for fruit wines that are produced and bottled on site from ingredients sourced from local producers; in July, 50 Best had already named Line Europe's best bar. Seventh place went to Panda & Sons in Edinburgh — a speakeasy hidden behind a barbershop facade and known for its freezing techniques. Rounding out the top ten are Moebius in Milan (ninth place, more than 300 spirits, including an unusual pesto martini) and Paradiso in Barcelona (tenth place, a speakeasy behind the door of a refrigerator in a pastrami bar, with a themed menu that changes annually).

Top 25: 13 Spots for Europe

European venues took 13 spots in the top 25. In addition to those already mentioned, these are The Connaught Bar and Lyaness in London (11th and 19th places), SIPS in Barcelona (12th), Locale Firenze in Florence (13th), Angelita in Madrid (14th), and De Vie, Danico and The Cambridge Public House in Paris (15th, 18th and 21st). The remaining spots were distributed among Asia, Latin America and other regions: Alquímico in Cartagena (4th), Handshake Speakeasy and Bar Mauro in Mexico City (6th and 22nd), Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou (8th), Jigger & Pony in Singapore (16th), Bar Us in Bangkok (17th), Tres Monos in Buenos Aires (20th), Exímia in São Paulo (23rd), ARGO in Hong Kong (24th) and Lady Bee in Lima (25th).