Ovolo’s Favourite Asian Award-Winning Bars & What to Drink There
Asia’s bar scene is shaking things up, and the results are in!
The prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024 has just been unveiled, showcasing the crème de la crème of mixology across the continent. With unexpected twists and turns, this year’s results have stirred up quite a buzz. So, whether you’re a seasoned bar-hopper or new to enjoying craft cocktails, get ready to discover the best bars in Hong Kong that shake up Asia’s drinking scene. Raising a glass to the winners, we present our favourite picks from this year’s list!
1. Bar Leone (Asia’s #1 Best Bar 2024)
Hold onto your cocktail shakers, folks! Hong Kong’s Bar Leone snagged the coveted #1 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. Talk about making an entrance! It’s an impressive feat, considering the Italian cocktail spot has only been open for about a year.
Why you’ll love it: Imagine stepping into a slice of Rome, but right in the heart of Hong Kong. This bar features walls adorned with football jerseys and Italo disco beats mingling with Pavarotti’s dulcet tones. Best of all, Bar Leone brings “cocktail popolari” ( “cocktails for the people”) to the locals and anyone visiting Hong Kong.
What to sip: Don’t miss the pre-batched Leone martini—it’s quickly poured straight into your chilled glass at the point of service and finished with a smoked olive. Feeling adventurous? The yuzu gimlet adds a zesty local twist to a classic. Don’t forget to pair your drink with their legendary mortadella sandwich. It’s so good that it has cemented its status as one of the world’s best bar snack offerings!
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/barleonehk/
2. The Aubrey (Asia’s #10 Best Bar 2024)
Perched at #10 on Asia’s Best Bars list, The Aubrey serves up Japanese-inspired cocktails with a side of breath-taking views of Victoria Harbour. It’s one of the go-to Hong Kong bars whether you’re a local or a visitor staying for a few days or weeks.
Why you’ll love it: This izakaya-meets-cocktail-bar is like stepping into a Wes Anderson film set in Tokyo. Eclectic decor, stunning vistas, and a drinks menu that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
What to sip: Start with the light and citrus Harmony before diving into the tropical flavours of Rokku. Then, finish with a martini riff called Worship. If you’re overwhelmed by too many choices, let The Aubrey take you on a five-person omakase cocktail experience. Enjoy two hours of a highly personalised drinking experience through unique Japanese spirits and flavours.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/theaubreyhk/
3. The Savory Project (Asia’s #19 Best Bar 2024)
Debuting at #19, The Savory Project is where cocktail geeks go to geek out even harder. This ever-evolving Hong Kong bar welcomes unconventional flavours highlighting earthy and umami tastes while dialling back on sweet or fruity notes.
Why you’ll love it: It’s like if your high school chemistry lab grew up, got cool, and started serving booze. Expect innovative techniques, unexpected flavour combinations, and cocktail drinks that are basically edible art.
What to sip: Try the Thai Beef Salad cocktail— yes, it’s exactly what you think it is. A cocktail made by combining beef essence, clarified peanut rum, kaffir lime, chilli, and coconut water. Trust us, it works.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thesavoryproject_/
4. Mostly Harmless (Asia’s #45 Best Bar 2024)
At #45, Mostly Harmless is the perfect spot for those who like their drinks with a side of sci-fi references. With wall-to-ceiling white tiles, where the staff write the day’s cocktail menu and guests’ names, this bar gives everyone a good time.
Why you’ll love it: Named after Douglas Adams’ iconic series, this bar is a haven for cocktail lovers and book nerds alike. It’s cosy, quirky, and has more personality than Zaphod Beeblebrox. And with a #farmtoglass philosophy, this cocktail bar offers a unique drinks menu virtually every day.
What to sip: The almost-daily-changing menu features ingredients from Hong Kong’s markets and farms. So expect lots of seasonal produce and unusual but tasty combinations using various base spirits. If it’s available, order the Honey. It’s concocted using beeswax-washed gin and four various types of honey.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mostlyharmlessbar/
5. COA (Asia’s #4 Best Bar 2024)
Sliding into #4, COA is one of the best bars in Asia and a spot for all things agave. Tequila and mezcal lovers, this is your Mecca. Go and experience COA’s wide range of agave-based spirits. Clocking in at roughly 200 bottles, it’s arguably Hong Kong’s largest collection.
Why you’ll love it: COA is like a love letter to Mexican spirits, wrapped in a cosy, dimly lit package. With a 41-page agave menu, COA invites anyone who wants to explore the adventurous world of agave spirits. Don’t fret! The staff will guide you; they know more about agave than most people know about their families.
What to sip: Try the La Paloma de Oaxaca. It is a smoky, refreshing twist on the classic Paloma. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, let the bartender surprise you with a rare mezcal or try other newer creations, like the Bitter Melon Collins.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/coashanghai/
Ready to Turn In After a Night of Bar-Hopping?
After all that bar-hopping through the best bars in Hong Kong, you’ll need a comfy place to crash. Why not make it Ovolo Southside or Ovolo Central? It’s the perfect spot to nurse your hangover (or continue the party—we don’t judge). With a funky design, killer views, and a cool vibe, our hotels are the ideal base for your Hong Kong adventures. Book your stay at Ovolo Southside or Ovolo Central, and get ready to paint the town red or whatever colour your cocktail happens to be!
Ovolo Hong Kong Bars & Restaurants
Veda
If you’re in search of a bar & dining experience that excites the palate and invigorates the senses, look no further than Veda. This exceptional bar and restaurant uses its Indian connection as the foundation for a cocktail menu. Offering a unique blend of classic drinks and special concoctions with a distinctive Indian twist.
Veda has an impressive wine list that focuses on organic wines from renowned culinary regions. The selection is a testament to Veda’s commitment to working with innovative producers. Regardless of your wine preference, Veda promises to passionately serve you selections that you’ll love. The cocktail menu at Veda is a journey in itself, each drink thoughtfully crafted to reflect Indian flavors and ingredients.