Bar Leone Shanghai opens this november
Bar Leone, voted Best Bar in the World in 2025, will open its second location in Shanghai in November. Spread over two floors, it will offer classic and signature cocktails, seasonal spritzes, as well as a "Vecchi & Rari" program of aged cocktails and rare spirits.
The founders of The World's Best Bar will bring laid-back Italian atmosphere and 'Cocktail Popolari' to Shanghai this November
[OCTOBER 2025] Co-founders Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah, the duo behind Hong Kong's beloved Bar Leone, currently No.1 on the list of The World's 50 Best Bars, will open Bar Leone Shanghai mid-November in Huangpu. Open seven days a week from 6pm - 1am, Bar Leone Shanghai stays true to its founding philosophy of Cocktail Popolari - "Cocktails for the People" - in a larger two-floor space, each offering its own personality and guest experience.
The cocktail program offers a range of classic and new signature drinks, seasonal spritzes, and spirit-forward creations. Across both levels, guests can enjoy Bar Leone's renowned food menu, featuring favourites like the mortadella focaccia and smoked olives alongside new Shanghai additions. To underscore the distinct vibes of each floor, staff will wear uniforms designed to reflect their unique character.
The ground-floor entrance will serve as a true Bar di Passo, or "passing bar", offering an aperitivo-style menu of aperitifs and low-ABV seasonal drinks. Inspired by the iconic Italian sports bar, the space channels a vibrant slice of Italian popular culture: a place not just about sports, but conversation and community. The atmosphere is lively, social, and full of nostalgic charm, with walls adorned with vintage memorabilia, original movie posters, and artifacts from the '80s and '90s. Paying tribute to Milan's legendary Camparino and the cradle of the Italian aperitivo, the Bar di Passo invites guests to enjoy a quick drink and a light-hearted atmosphere.
At the heart of the ground floor space is The Spritz Bar, a dedicated counter serving seasonal spritzes served on draft. Highlights include the Spumoni, a bright and refreshing mix of Earl Grey–infused Campari, grapefruit cordial, and quinine. In addition to the cocktail list, guests can also order the Leone Vermouth Service, featuring a house blend of vermouths served on ice, topped with orange foam and accompanied by Taralli and Parmigiano.
The upstairs provides a moodier homage to the Hong Kong original, with a more spirit-forward offering alongside Bar Leone's signature cocktails. The space evokes the postmodern comfort of a 1970s and '80s Italian living room, where mustard-yellow walls, burnt-orange banquettes, and dark wooden chairs set a warm and intimate tone.
Here, guests will discover Vecchi & Rari (Old & Rare) a special programme featuring aged cocktails, vintage spirits, and rare creations crafted from the finest ingredients, available only while stocks last. Highlights include the 28-month Aged Dry Martini, a refined blend of five gins, Marsala dry, and orange bitters; the 21-month Aged Manhattan, featuring a complex mix of American whiskeys, Jamaican rum, vermouth, and amaro; and the Black Truffle Godfather, a luxurious interpretation of the classic, infused with 25 grams of Yunnan black truffle and aged for six months.
The food offering mirrors the convivial spirit of the drinks, celebrating Italian comfort through simple and authentic flavours. The menu brings beloved classics from the Hong Kong flagship while introducing new sweet creations exclusive to Shanghai. Guests can expect signature favourites like the Mortadella Focaccia and Negroni Tiramisu, alongside new desserts such as the Milk, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Soft Serve and the indulgent Leone Affogato featuring Pistachio Soft Serve & Coffee Amaro Affogato, all designed to complement the bar's varied cocktail experience and embody the warmth of Italian hospitality.
Founded by Justin Shun Wah and Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone celebrates the spirit of Italian hospitality through its unique concept of Cocktail Popolari. Since opening in Hong Kong, Bar Leone has earned international acclaim for its accessible yet refined approach to cocktails, its joyful energy, and its ability to turn an evening into a celebration of community and culture.
