Cocktail popolari
By Heather Millet
Opening a second location in Shanghai, Hong Kong's Bar Leone has been crowned No. 1 Bar in Asia for two years running by World's 50 Best Bars, and No. 1 globally in 2025.
*Disclaimer: They don't actually have the plaque on the wall—but if you know, you know...
Bar Leone interior. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
The wood fixtures and delicate wall images, a signature of the Hong Kong location, have been replicated in Shanghai.
Bar Leone interior (and co-founder Lorenzo Antinori's mother). Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
True to the concept of popolari—meaning 'for the people'—the iconic, old-fashioned pictures have been hung with such care that the pencil measurement markings are still visible.
Lorenzo Antinori, Co-Founder of Bar Leone, Shanghai, at the new location in Sinan Mansions, Photo by Jorge Castellanos / That's.
The photos and coasters feature famous football players, family insignia, and religious icons.
"It's important not to take ourselves too seriously," insists co-founder Lorenzo Antinori.
Bar Leone coaster—on one side the pope, on the other a famous footballer—with (Maybe) World's Best Smoked Olives (RMB88). Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
As such, arguably the best—and most amusingly titled—snack on the menu is the (Maybe) World's Best Smoked Olives (RMB88).
They are undeniably good, and the Filthy Martini (RMB128), awash with Bar Leone brine, is a finger-smooching delight.
Bar Leone's first-floor U-shaped bar. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
The wooden bar-top carves a graceful, central 'U' through the first-floor area, drawing attention to the bar's dark horse, lead bartender Melinda Hong, who joined the team after a long tenure at the renowned Shanghai institution, J.Boroski.
Bar Leone Hong Kong Chef Marco (L) and Bar Leone Shanghai Head Bartender, Melinda Hong (R). Photo by Jorge Castellanos / That's.
Hong was drawn to Bar Leone by its unique vibe and familial feel of the team.
The connection was mutual; Antinori says she stood out from the other 60+ applicants for the position as soon as she sat down, due to the energetic way she spoke about cocktails and the things she loves.
Mortadella Focaccia with Pickled Chilis & Whipped Mascarpone (RMB 138). Photo by Jorge Castellanos / That's.
Alongside Hong, Bar Leone Hong Kong Chef Marco has helped recreate the original location's classic dishes, most notably the Mortadella Focaccia with Pickled Chilis & Whipped Mascarpone (RMB 138).
Deep Fried Baby Shrimp & Tartar Sauce (RMB98). Photo by Jorge Castellanos / That's.
The Deep Fried Baby Shrimp & Tartar Sauce (RMB98) is a favorite of co-founder Sharon Wang, who first proposed the idea of a Bar Leone Shanghai in 2024.
"I went at 4pm to wait in line for Bar Leone in Hong Kong. In front of me was a man who had been waiting since 3.30pm. I asked him, 'Why would you wait since 3:30 pm?' He replied, 'Look, we are not so different in time! But I came here yesterday at 4pm and I did not get in!'"
The good stuff that get 'em queuing. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
They both made it in that day, and Wang was so enamored that she returned the following day to propose opening a location in Shanghai.
The bold move paid off, a testament to Wang's indomitable spirit.
Cheeky poster. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
With the first floor 'Tap & Highball Bar' officially opening this Sunday, Bar Leone introduces its vision of an 80s-90s Italian sports bar.
This aesthetic explains the poster of a woman on a bicycle with her skirt blown up, an image that might have been a clever pop culture reference 30 years ago, but is now—one hopes—a nod to classic cocktails rather than outdated erotic cinema.
The menu supports this, featuring some of Bar Leone Hong Kong's best cocktails.
Il Cacciatore (RMB128): Cherry Tomato & Basil, Lemon, Bianco Vermouth, Mastika. Photo by Jorge Castellanos / That's.
The menu ranges from light to heavier ABV. Starting at the top, the Il Cacciatore (RMB128) features a prominent tomato flavor, highlighted by Mastika—a Greek liqueur crafted from the sap of the mastic tree.
Honoring the mainland, the Bar Leone classic Fig Leaf Negroni (RMB138) uses locally-sourced fig leaves. As these are seasonal, the cocktail will change after mid-December.
Masa Margarita (RMB 138): Toasted Corn, Sloe Gin, Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, Lime Cordial, Verjus. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
Unique to Shanghai is the Masa Margarita (RMB 138), which features toasted corn, sloe gin, and mezcal.
Another Shanghai exclusive, the Spumoni (RMB118) combines carbonated Earl Grey, Campari, and grapefruit cordial.
Lorenzo Antinori & Melinda Hong behind the Tap & Highball Bar. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.
In fact, only 80% of the menu will be replicated from Hong Kong, as the team endeavors to honor more Shanghai and Chinese style.
Downstairs, Bar Leone will be buzzing and have standing options, while the upstairs—opening soon—will be cozy seating only, and feature mainland-sourced, seasonal ingredients—beginning with Yunnan Black Truffle.
Lorenzo was inspired by a Negroni crafted with truffle during his tenure at Caprice in the Four Seasons Hong Kong.
His current team has since developed a five-month-aged Yunnan Black Truffle infusion, which will be featured in Manhattan, Godfather, and Dry Martini cocktails.
It's been hinted that the second wave of seasonal selections may hail from Sichuan…
Bar Leone, open from tomorrow, Sunday, November 9. Photo by Jorge Castellanos / That's.
Anchoring itself in an auspicious location near Speak Low and COA, Bar Leone makes its bold debut in Shanghai from tomorrow, Sunday, November 9.
With a team of seasoned staff from both Hong Kong and Shanghai, it is ready to deliver on its promise of cocktail popolari—cocktails for the people.
Daily, 6pm-1am
Bar Leone, Sinan Mansions, 525-527 Fuxing Zhong Lu, Ruijin Er Lu, Huangpu District 复兴中路525-527号, 近瑞金二路
[Cover image by Heather Millet / That's]
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