The bright voice, undeterred by a turbulent flight, carries a distinct Roman accent — one that has withstood the passage of time despite years spent far from home. Lorenzo Antinori, the Italian bartender who has taken Asia by storm with the Bar Leone concept, speaks with pride about the small slice of home he has created in the heart of Hong Kong. In just a few months, his bar has skyrocketed to the top of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and secured second place on the global 50 Best list.
How Lorenzo Antinori Conquered Asia
Antinori is no stranger to ambitious projects. From Dandelyan in London to Charles H. in Seoul and later Argo at the Four Seasons in Hong Kong, he has pushed the boundaries of modern mixology, experimenting with cutting-edge techniques and increasingly sophisticated concepts. Yet, when the time came to open his first independent venue, he chose a different path — simplicity. Bar Leone is a deliberate response to the overcomplication of modern mixology. In a world where cocktails are becoming increasingly intricate, laden with exotic ingredients and complex preparations, Antinori had one clear goal: to create a bar where he himself would want to drink.
The Bar Leone Concept
A place that is genuine and approachable, without ever compromising on quality. “Together with my partners, we tried to distill the very essence of simplicity — making it compelling for Hong Kong’s audience. From the start, Bar Leone stood out as something completely different from anything else in Asia,” he explains. Much like a classic Italian neighborhood bar from the ’80s, the concept is rooted in Trastevere, the Roman district where Antinori grew up. The atmosphere evokes that of an old-school bar, the kind where you would go with your father to buy cigarettes, sip an iced tea, grab a quick espresso, or share a Campari Soda with friends. “We have so many Italian guests who come in for a Negroni, pair it with some focaccia and mortadella, and suddenly feel at home. I watch them smile as they spot photos of Giancarlo Magalli and Maurizio Costanzo on the walls. These little things — they do something for the heart,” he says.
Italian Nostalgia
The soundtrack blends Italian classics from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with rock and roll and a few international icons, further enriching the nostalgic atmosphere. “There’s a global pop-culture nostalgia, a longing for the past. From fashion to film to music, there’s a fascination with that ‘vintage’ patina that feels comforting. That’s where Bar Leone’s design comes from — a space built for the community, filled with things that make me laugh, like old Italian celebrity portraits. International guests don’t recognize them, but they love the vibe, telling me it feels like a cozy living room.”
Taste and Balance for Contemporary Cocktails
The bar’s cocktail philosophy mirrors its ethos: “cocktail popolari” — beloved classics and thoughtful twists with a contemporary touch, crafted without high-tech lab equipment, focusing purely on flavor and balance. One standout creation is dedicated to Francesco Totti, Rome’s legendary football captain — a mix of Amaro Lucano, cold brew, espresso, and a lightly salted whipped cream. “We bartenders are simple creatures. We love a good Margarita and appreciate the quality of small things. Guests are the same — they don’t always want a five-minute monologue about their drink. Take our Negroni, for example. We introduce it by talking about our gin, which we produce in Australia with notes of bergamot, cocoa beans, and coffee. But then we let the ritual take over — the glass pulled straight from the freezer, a perfectly cut ice block, a garnish sliced with precision.”
The Uniqueness of Italian Hospitality According to Lorenzo Antinori
Even the hospitality at Bar Leone is intentionally relaxed yet precise, shaped by Antinori’s years in luxury hotels. “When a guest sits down, we bring the menu and water. Once the order is placed, we set down the coaster, and the water glass is never left empty. We maintain a neat, attentive service, but never too rigid — there’s always room for a joke, for laughter. While we don’t aim to recreate a 100% ‘authentic’ Italian experience, true Italian hospitality is something innate — you can’t teach it.”
An Experience to Live
Antinori sees Bar Leone as a social experiment, built not on obsessive technicality but on emotion, nostalgia, and connection. Still, quality always comes first, even if it means sacrificing high volume for longevity. “This is what will keep the business healthy and sustainable — long after we stop being the ‘cool kids’ or drop out of the rankings. We don’t want the bar to be too chaotic. People should be able to enjoy the experience.
“That distinct “vibe” is what makes Bar Leone unique — and why so many bartenders who visit leave dreaming of opening a place just like it. Yet with success comes higher expectations, and not everyone grasps the concept right away. “Some people come in expecting flying unicorns, like in the world’s most theatrical bars,” Antinori jokes. “But the truth is — those who truly understand Bar Leone fall in love with it. And that’s all that really matters.”
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Images courtesy Bar Leone
