Bar Leone takes ‘World Best’ formula to Shanghai

The team behind the recently crowned Number One bar on The World’s 50 Best Bars, Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, is heading to mainland China, with Bar Leone Shanghai set to open in mid-November.

Co-founders Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah will bring their signature philosophy of Cocktail Popolari ‘Cocktails for the People’ to a new, two-floor venue in Huangpu, open seven days a week from 6pm to 1am.

Bar Leone Shanghai will offer an expanded cocktail and food program while maintaining the accessible yet refined spirit that has made the Hong Kong original an international favourite. Guests can expect a mix of classic and signature cocktails, seasonal spritzes, and spirit-forward creations, alongside a food menu of Bar Leone staples such as mortadella focaccia and smoked olives, with new dishes created exclusively for Shanghai.

The ground floor is designed as a Bar di Passo – an Italian ‘passing bar’ – inspired by the energy of local sports bars and Milan’s legendary Camparino. This lively aperitivo space features vintage memorabilia, film posters and nostalgic décor from the ’80s and ’90s, encouraging quick drinks, conversation and community. At its heart is The Spritz Bar, serving draft seasonal spritzes including the Spumoni, made with Earl Grey–infused Campari, grapefruit cordial and quinine. Guests can also enjoy the Leone Vermouth Service, a house blend of vermouths served over ice with orange foam, Taralli and Parmigiano.

Upstairs, the mood shifts to a more intimate setting echoing the Hong Kong flagship, with mustard-yellow walls, burnt-orange banquettes and dark wooden chairs evoking the warmth of a 1970s Italian living room. This floor features a more spirit-forward offering and the Vecchi & Rari (Old & Rare) programme, highlighting aged cocktails and rare spirits.

Standouts include the 28-month Aged Dry Martini (five gins, Marsala dry and orange bitters), the 21-month Aged Manhattan (American whiskeys, Jamaican rum, vermouth and amaro), and the Black Truffle Godfather, infused with 25 grams of Yunnan black truffle and aged for six months.

Bar Leone’s food menu continues to celebrate Italian comfort and conviviality, pairing classic flavours with playful desserts such as Negroni Tiramisu, Milk, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Soft Serve, and the indulgent Leone Affogato, featuring pistachio soft serve and Coffee Amaro Affogato.

Since opening in Hong Kong, Bar Leone has become a global reference point for its blend of accessibility, refinement and Italian hospitality, turning each visit into a celebration of community and culture. The Shanghai opening marks the next step in the brand’s expansion, bringing its Cocktail Popolari ethos to a new audience.