No local bar has made waves these last 12 months like Bar Leone. Its opening in 2023 was somewhat subdued, with fans of co-founder Lorenzo Antinori wondering why the brains behind Argo had decided to open such a basic concept. Now though, Antinori looks quite the visionary. A global movement towards more relaxed bars is in full swing and Antinori can boast what is Hong Kong’s best bar and the second-best bar on the planet, at least according to judges at Asia’s and World’s 50 Best, respectively. Leone’s success is all about doing the little things right. The drinks menu is inventive without being impenetrable to newcomers, and there’s good food, good music, pleasant service and interior design that reinforces the concept – something many Hong Kong bars lack.