The founders of Bar Leone Hong Kong, ranked No.1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and The Best Bar in Asia, are expanding their playful Italian spirit to mainland China with the opening of Bar Leone Shanghai this November in Huangpu. Staying true to the philosophy of Cocktail Popolari – “Cocktails for the People” – the new location spans two floors, each with its own personality, energy and experience.
Co-founders Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah bring their signature blend of laid-back hospitality and refined simplicity to Shanghai, with a menu of classic cocktails, new signatures, seasonal spritzes and spirit-forward creations. The beloved mortadella focaccia, smoked olives and other hits from Hong Kong will appear alongside new local additions designed especially for Shanghai.
The ground floor is conceived as a lively Bar di Passo, embracing Italy’s casual neighbourhood culture with aperitivo-style drinks and low-ABV cocktails. Inspired by iconic Italian sports bars, the atmosphere celebrates conversation, nostalgia and community. Vintage memorabilia, movie posters and artefacts from the ’80s and ’90s reflect the charm of Italian pop culture. A dedicated Spritz Bar serves fresh seasonal spritzes on draft, including the refreshing Spumoni, made with Earl Grey-infused Campari, grapefruit cordial and quinine.
Upstairs, the mood shifts into a deeper tribute to the Hong Kong original. Burnt-orange banquettes, mustard-yellow walls and warm woods evoke the comfort of a 1970s and ’80s Italian living room. Here, Bar Leone Shanghai presents Vecchi & Rari, a special programme of aged cocktails, vintage spirits and rare creations, including a 28-month Aged Dry Martini and Black Truffle Godfather infused with Yunnan truffle and aged for six months.
Italian comfort is celebrated throughout the food menu with signature favourites such as Mortadella Focaccia and Negroni Tiramisu, along with Shanghai-exclusive sweet offerings like the Milk, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Soft Serve and the Leone Affogato with pistachio soft serve and Coffee Amaro.
Bar Leone’s mission remains unchanged: to capture the joy of Italian hospitality through quality drinks, warm service and an atmosphere that invites people to slow down, connect and celebrate. With this opening, the brand continues its remarkable journey from neighbourhood gem to global cultural reference point.
Address: 525 Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Instagram: @barleonesh
