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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider Bar Leone reigns, The Curator endures in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025

Bar Leone reigns, The Curator endures in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025

Hong Kong claims the top spot once more as Manila's The Curator Coffee and Cocktails secures its tenth consecutive ranking on the prestigious list

Published Jul 16, 2025 07:45 am
Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 has named Bar Leone in Hong Kong as the best bar in Asia for the second year in a row. The announcement was made at the Wynn Palace in Macau on July 15, celebrating the region’s top cocktail destinations across 20 cities.
Bar Leone’s repeat win solidifies its status as a powerhouse in the region. The establishment is lauded for its stripped-back Roman aperitivo ethos—serving what it calls “cocktails for the people”—with signature drinks like the Filthy Martini made with smoked olive brine and a mortadella focaccia that has become its calling card. The bar made headlines last year as the first in Asia’s 50 Best Bars history to debut at No. 1, and in 2025, it holds firm to that crown.
Among the many standouts on this year’s list are Zest in Seoul at No. 2, recognized as the best in Korea, and Jigger & Pony in Singapore, which secured the No. 3 spot while earning the title of Best Bar in Singapore for 2025. From Bangkok, Bar Us and Dry Wave Cocktail Studio landed at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, continuing Thailand’s strong showing on the list.
The Curator: A decade of excellence
For the Philippines, The Curator Coffee and Cocktails in Makati City continues to represent the country on the international stage. Ranked No. 78 in this year’s extended 51–100 list, The Curator is the only Philippine bar to make it onto the 2025 rankings. The bar's inclusion also marks its tenth consecutive year being recognized by Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
Founded in 2016 by David Ong and Bernice Tiu, The Curator carved out a unique identity as a pioneer in Manila’s third-wave coffee and cocktail culture. It debuted impressively at No. 16 in its first year and has been a consistent performer since: reaching No. 25 in 2017, No. 23 in 2019, and maintaining a top 50 presence through most of the past decade.
After slipping to No. 62 in 2022, the bar staged a strong comeback—ranking No. 34 in 2023 and climbing slightly to No. 33 in 2024. While this year’s No. 78 placement is its lowest to date, The Curator’s resilience speaks volumes about its place in Asia’s bar scene. It remains a fixture in the awards’ history, having appeared in every edition since the list began.

Rising stars and new entries
The 2025 list also celebrates fresh voices and creative concepts emerging across the continent. Lair in New Delhi, which opened only recently, debuted at No. 8 and was named the Best Bar in India. Meanwhile, Modernhaus in Jakarta came in at No. 12 and earned both the Best Bar in Indonesia title and the Three Cents Best New Opening Award.
In Bangkok, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio made a splash at No. 5, earning the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, while Bar Us brought theatricality and fine-dining inspiration to its fourth-place finish.
Other notable new entries include Gokan in Hong Kong (No. 33), Bar Spirit Forward in Bengaluru (No. 37), and Cosmo Pony in Jakarta (No. 38), showcasing an increasingly diverse range of drinking cultures and design philosophies across Asia.
Looking ahead
With bars drawing inspiration from local ingredients, sustainability, regional heritage, and even space travel—as seen with Taiwan’s To Infinity & Beyond—Asia’s cocktail scene continues to evolve rapidly.
The annual rankings, curated by industry experts, bartenders, and regional insiders, reflect both the innovation and staying power needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. 
As Bar Leone cements its place at the summit, and as new contenders rise across Asia, one thing is clear: the region remains one of the most dynamic destinations for cocktail culture in the world.

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