On 7 October in Milan, The World's 50 Best Bars 2026 was announced - the world's best-known bar ranking. This year's list features bars from 26 cities, and 14 of them are new entries.
The top ten
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- Moebius Milano, Milan
- Alquímico, Cartagena
- Bar Us, Bangkok
- Line, Athens
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Zest, Seoul
- Connaught Bar, London
- Lady Bee, Lima
- Bar Mauro, Mexico City
What makes Bar Leone special
Bar Leone is the world's best bar for the second year running. Co-founder Lorenzo Antinori took his inspiration from the simple bars of Rome's Trastevere. The philosophy is "Cocktail Popolari": no theatre, no trendy techniques, just a good drink and a warm welcome.
Why Athens
Athens is the strongest bar city in our neighbourhood, with three bars on the list.
- Line, No. 5. It also won the sustainability award, and this summer it topped the first-ever Europe's 50 Best Bars. It's known for fermentation: the team makes its own wines, beers and ingredients and uses them across the whole menu.
- The Bar in Front of the Bar, No. 19. Up 28 places - the biggest climb of the year.
- Barro Negro, No. 40.
Athens is less than a two-hour flight from Belgrade, so a bar-hopping weekend is very doable. Book ahead though: after rankings like this, tables go fast.
What about the Balkans?
No Serbian bars made the world list. This year's European ranking also has no bars from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania or Bulgaria. So there's room for Belgrade's bartenders.
Other awards
- Best New Opening - Schmuck, New York
- Best Cocktail Menu - Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
- Best Bar Design - Saikindō, Abu Dhabi
- Highest New Entry - Bar Mauro, Mexico City, straight in at No. 10
- Legend of the List - Paradiso, Barcelona
What do you think?
Which of these bars have you been to? And which Belgrade bar do you think deserves a spot on the list? Tell us in the comments.
Based on The World's 50 Best Bars and Europe's 50 Best Bars, 2026.
