The 50 Best Bars 2026 ranking has been revealed, with Europe taking 18 places in the world’s top 50 and Paris emerging as the continent’s best-represented city. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone has retained the global title for a second consecutive year, while Milan’s Moebius Milano and Athens’ Line have both secured places in the top five.
The annual ranking was announced at a ceremony in Milan on Wednesday, following the publication of positions 51 to 100 in September. The latest results confirm Europe’s strong position in the international cocktail scene, with the continent accounting for more than a third of the places across the combined top 100.
Italy had one of the biggest moments of the night. Moebius Milano rose from seventh place in 2025 to second in 2026, making it the highest-ranked bar in Europe. Italy’s other entry in the top 50, Locale Firenze in Florence, was ranked 33rd.
Paris also moved ahead of London as the European city with the most bars in the global top 50. Four Paris venues made the list: The Cambridge Public House at number 13, Bar Nouveau at 15, newcomer De Vie at 23 and Danico at 26. Paris now shares the distinction of having four bars in the top 50 with Hong Kong and New York.
London remains one of the world’s major cocktail capitals, despite losing its position as Europe’s most represented city. Connaught Bar was the highest-ranked London venue at number eight, followed by Satan’s Whiskers at 29 and newcomer Waltz at 32.
Athens also performed strongly, with three bars making the ranking. Line was the city’s highest entry at number five, while The Bar in Front of the Bar climbed 28 places to reach 19th and receive the Nikka Highest Climber Award. Barro Negro completed Athens’ showing at number 40.
Spain also placed three bars in the top 50. Barcelona’s Sips ranked 16th and Paradiso 17th, while Madrid newcomer Angelita entered the list at number 50. Paradiso also received the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award.
At the top of the ranking, Bar Leone’s continued success reflects the growing influence of bars that build their identity around a clear sense of place. The Hong Kong venue was opened in 2023 by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori and takes inspiration from the traditional neighbourhood bars of Rome.
Its approach centres on Italian aperitivo culture, classic cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere rather than elaborate presentation. In only a few years, the bar has established itself as one of Hong Kong’s leading drinking destinations and has now held the world’s number one position for two consecutive years.
Moebius Milano’s rise to second place gives Milan another reason to attract attention from international cocktail enthusiasts. The venue operates from a former textile factory and combines cocktails with food, music and design.
Its drinks menu moves between familiar classics and more experimental creations, while the industrial setting reflects the contemporary character of Milan. Its jump from seventh place to second is one of the most significant moves among the highest-ranked bars this year.
Colombia’s Alquímico took third place and was the highest-ranked bar outside Europe and Asia. Located in a restored colonial mansion in Cartagena, the venue occupies three floors, with each level offering a different atmosphere and cocktail menu.
The bar places Colombian ingredients at the centre of its drinks, drawing on local produce, traditional techniques and the country’s landscapes. Its menu changes with the seasons, giving the Cartagena venue an approach that is closely tied to its surroundings.
Bangkok’s Bar Us came fourth, making it the Thai capital’s highest-ranked bar in 2026. The intimate venue approaches cocktails much like a tasting menu, with a sequence of drinks built around seasonal ingredients, flavour combinations and different preparation techniques.
Rather than relying solely on a conventional cocktail list, Bar Us takes guests through a series of serves designed to show how individual ingredients can be transformed. Its position reinforces Bangkok’s growing reputation as one of Asia’s leading cities for serious cocktail culture.
Athens’ Line completed the top five. The bar is housed in a former art gallery and has developed a distinctive approach built around fermentation and Greek ingredients.
A significant part of the preparation is done in-house, including fermented fruit, syrups and other ingredients used in its cocktails. The emphasis on fermentation gives Line a distinct identity, while its relaxed industrial-style interior keeps the experience informal rather than overly formal.
The geographical spread of this year’s ranking is notable. Alongside Europe’s strong performance, cities including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mexico City, Seoul, Lima, New York, Singapore, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Medellín, Guadalajara, Dubai, Tokyo and Melbourne all feature in the top 50.
The complete 2026 ranking is:
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- Moebius Milano, Milan
- Alquímico, Cartagena
- Bar Us, Bangkok
- Line, Athens
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Zest, Seoul
- Connaught Bar, London
- Lady Bee, Lima
- Bar Mauro, Mexico City
- Schmuck, New York
- Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou
- The Cambridge Public House, Paris
- Sip & Guzzle, New York
- Bar Nouveau, Paris
- Sips, Barcelona
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens
- Exímia, São Paulo
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
- Mamba Negra, Medellín
- De Vie, Paris
- Himkok, Oslo
- Argo, Hong Kong
- Danico, Paris
- Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok
- El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
- Satan’s Whiskers, London
- BKK Social Club, Bangkok
- Victor Audio Bar, Buenos Aires
- Waltz, London
- Locale Firenze, Florence
- Mirror Bar, Bratislava
- Tan Tan, São Paulo
- Montana, Hong Kong
- Sastrería Martínez, Lima
- Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
- Bar Carmen, Medellín
- Barro Negro, Athens
- Gokan, Hong Kong
- Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
- Nouvelle Vague, Tirana
- Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
- Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
- Martiny’s, New York
- Tlecān, Mexico City
- Virtù, Tokyo
- Bar Snack, New York
- Angelita, Madrid
The 2026 results show how widely cocktail culture has spread, but they also highlight the strength of established European drinking cities. Paris, London, Athens, Milan and Barcelona all feature prominently, while newer entries and rising venues continue to reshape the international bar scene. For travellers interested in food and drink, the ranking offers a useful snapshot of where some of the world’s most closely watched bars are now located.
