Country & territory directory · 2026

Best bars in China

Explore 236 current listings and 11 closed records across 32 cities in our 2026 awards-led global corpus. Bar Leone in Hong Kong ranks #1 in China and #1 globally.

Current: 236
Cities: 32
Closed: 11

2026 country ranking

China ranking

Country rank is each venue's position among the 236 current listings shown here. Global rank is its position in the worldwide Kinda Decent ranking. Profiles with unverified operating status are labeled.

How to read the signal scores

Signal charts show scores out of 100 before weighting. Open a venue for sources.

Est. = proxy estimate · None = checked, none found · Out = outside the scoring window · — = unavailable.

1Country
Global #1
Bar Leone
Hong Kong, ChinaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 3-star — Genuinely Exceptional
Bar Leone brings the feel of a Roman neighbourhood bar to Central's Bridges Street. Its Cocktail Popolari approach keeps familiar drinks and easygoing hospitality at the centre of the experience. It takes walk-ins only.
Soho / Central · Italian neighbourhood cocktail bar · site · IG
74.3
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
66 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
100 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
97 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Regional Recognition
100 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
66 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
100 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
97 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Regional Recognition
100 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
2Country
Global #12
Argo
Hong Kong, ChinaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
Argo is Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong's first-floor cocktail bar, open to hotel guests and other visitors. Its Exploration list draws on local collaborators and includes both spirit-forward drinks and alcohol-free versions. Dress is smart casual.
Central / IFC · Hotel cocktail bar · site · IG
66.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Regional Recognition
99 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
9 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Regional Recognition
99 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
9 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
3Country
Global #37
COA
Hong Kong, ChinaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
COA is a compact Central bar devoted to agave. Its list explores tequila, mezcal and lesser-seen Mexican spirits, with cocktails that keep the same regional focus. It is walk-in only, so arrive early or expect an in-person waitlist at busy times.
Central / Shin Hing · Agave-focused cocktail bar · site · IG
59.1
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
99 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
9 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
99 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
9 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
4Country
Global #43
Hope & Sesame
Guangzhou, ChinaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
Hidden behind a small Cantonese shop in Dongshankou, Hope & Sesame pairs modern cocktail technique with flavours from the local pantry. The current programme includes the “Bittersweet” menu and a separate upstairs space for classics and bespoke drinks. Reservations use the venue’s WeChat mini app.
Dongshankou · Cantonese-inspired modern cocktails · site · IG
57.4
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
estimated 48 out of 100 from disclosed proxy evidence
World's 50 Best
89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
96 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
16 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
estimated 48 out of 100 from disclosed proxy evidence
World's 50 Best
89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
96 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
16 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
5Country
Global #62
Penicillin
Hong Kong, ChinaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
Penicillin is a Hong Kong cocktail laboratory built around low-waste technique. Local botanicals, in-house ferments and upcycled kitchen by-products give the drinks a clear sense of place, while the compact lab-like room makes the sustainability work visible.
Central · Closed-loop sustainable cocktail bar · site · IG
54.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
32 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
100 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
17 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
32 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
100 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
17 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
6Country
Global #92
The Savory Project
Hong Kong, China
From the founders of Coa, The Savory Project is a compact Soho bar built around culinary cocktails with less sweetness and more earthy, salty and umami flavour. The menu gives equal space to alcoholic Hedonism drinks and non-alcoholic Temperance serves, while a hexagonal bar keeps guests close to the bartenders.
Soho / Central · Savoury culinary cocktails and non-alcoholic serves · site · IG
50.7
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
98 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
98 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
7Country
Global #99
Montana
Hong Kong, China
Montana is a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar built around rhythm and classic tropical drinking. It opens from 6pm Tuesday–Thursday and 5pm Friday–Sunday, with no reservations.
SoHo / Central · Cuban-inspired cocktail bar · site · IG
50.3
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
8Country
Global #114
Tell Camellia
Hong Kong, China
Tell Camellia is a tea-led cocktail bar in Central, pairing traditional tea ideas with modern mixology. Its current list spans Tea-Tails, redistilled tea-and-gin T-Tonics, herbal Tisbanes and house classics, using teas from lapsang and jasmine to sencha, matcha and hojicha.
Central · Tea-focused cocktail bar · site · IG
48.8
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
91 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
91 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
9Country
Global #118
Darkside
Hong Kong, China
A sophisticated Rosewood hotel bar with a jazz-club mood, rare spirits and a current nine-drink menu inspired by Hong Kong craft, taste and culture.
Tsim Sha Tsui / Kowloon · Luxury hotel cocktail and jazz bar · site · IG
48.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
10Country
Global #202
The Diplomat
Hong Kong, China
The Diplomat is a Central Hong Kong cocktail bar open from 6pm to 2am Monday through Saturday. Guests can contact the bar directly by telephone or email.
Central · Cocktail bar · site · IG
43.3
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
30 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
94 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
51 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
30 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
94 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
51 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
11Country
Global #210
Sugar King
Hong Kong, China
Sugar King is a compact Peel Street bar focused on Daiquiris, alongside flans and cured meats. It opens Tuesday–Sunday from 5pm and does not publish a closing time.
Central / SoHo · Daiquiri bar · site · IG
42.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
88 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
33 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
88 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
33 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
12Country
Global #213
Mizunara: The Library
Hong Kong, China
Mizunara: The Library is a Japanese-style whisky and cocktail bar with more than 500 whiskies, classic and bespoke cocktails, and a terrace garden. Smart-casual dress applies, and the venue closes on Sundays and public holidays.
Wan Chai · Japanese whisky and cocktail bar · site · IG
42.8
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
33 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
29 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
33 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
29 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
13Country
Global #215
Gokan
Hong Kong, China
Gokan is Shingo Gokan’s intimate Hong Kong bar, built around five flavour profiles: sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and umami. Choose a flavour and a serving style, from highball to up or on the rocks, then add Japanese-inspired dishes designed to match the drinks.
Central · Japanese-inspired five-flavour cocktail bar · site · IG
42.7
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
53 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
97 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
53 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
97 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
14Country
Global #226
The Old Man
Hong Kong, China
The Old Man is a small Hemingway-themed bar whose cocktails reference the writer's work while adding a distinctly Asian perspective. The L-shaped counter includes a cooling strip designed to keep drinks chilled.
Soho / Central · Hemingway-themed cocktail bar · site · IG
42.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
53 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
92 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
53 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
92 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
15Country
Global #234
Mius
Hong Kong, China
Shelley Tai's 29 Gough Street neighbourhood bar has a mid-century-inspired room and a focused cocktail programme.
SoHo / Central · Neighbourhood cocktail bar · site · IG
41.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
20 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
29 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
20 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
29 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
16Country
Global #281
Honky Tonks Tavern
Hong Kong, China
Honky Tonks Tavern is a casual Soho bar for cocktails, fried chicken, and freestyle pizzas.
Soho / Central · Neighbourhood cocktail tavern · site · IG
39.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
0 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
0 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.

Evidence key: — unavailable · Est. proxy estimate · None checked with no qualifying signal · Out outside the scoring window. Unavailable, none and outside-window signals contribute zero; estimates use their disclosed proxy score. The published weights stay fixed.

Historical record

Closed venues

These venues remain in the corpus for their awards history. Every one is marked Closed and is not presented as a place to visit.

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