Snapshots
India's hospitality sector is thriving thanks to a harmonious fusion of global influence, cultural diversity, and changing customer demands. The nation's outstanding bars, where history and innovation collide in each cocktail, are at the centre of this thrilling energy. Indian bars, from cosy lounges in big cities to little speakeasies in historic towns, are raising the bar for storytelling, service, and sensory experiences. The focus is on hyperlocal foods, experimental mixology, and homegrown spirits, and the atmosphere is still authentically Indian. These establishments are spearheading India's new-age hospitality revival by crafting moments rather than just serving drinks.
And the proof that India has an incredible cocktail scene? Five of our amazing bars have just made it onto the esteemed Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list! Bengaluru showed off its mixology prowess with Soka at number 28, ZLB23 at number 31, and Bar Spirit Forward at number 37, while New Delhi's seductive Lair jumped in at number 8 and won the title of Best Bar in India. Boilermaker earned spot No. 30 as Goa also increased the ante. Not to mention the expanded lineup: Hideaway (94), Bar Outrigger (55), Sidecar (62), and The Bombay Canteen (69) completed the 51–100 group.
All about Asia’s 50 Best Bars
Who decides which establishments make it to Asia’s 50 Best Bars you ask? Oh we have the answer. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we’re sure you heard about the lists of the 50 Best Restaurants 2025 that were released over the last few months, first the Best Restaurants in Asia 2025, and then the Best Restaurants in the World 2025. Asia’s 50 Best Bars also comes under the same umbrella, as does the 50 Best Bars North America edition which was simultaneously announced.
As the brand's first worldwide evaluation of once-in-a-lifetime eating experiences, The World's 50 Best Restaurants was established in 2002 and has since been released yearly. The first two regional lists, Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, were introduced in 2013, marking 50 Best's expansion. The company purchased Asia's 50 Best Bars, which had been published since 2016, and The World's 50 Best Bars, which had been published since 2009.
Best Bar India 2025 - No. 8 Lair, Delhi
A new entrant on the list, New Delhi’s Lair landed on the 8th spot on the Asia list, and was announced as the best bar in India. With its sleek, Prohibition-inspired speakeasy and its monochromatic, glass-and-concrete drama, it offers whisper-quiet sophistication and immersive vibes.
Designed by Jairaj Singh and Dhruv Raj Vij, and led by barman Navjot Singh, Lair takes guests on a three-tiered cocktail adventure. Imagine luscious Blueberry Cheesecake, Himalayan-infused Mountain Breeze, and the eccentric Not-A-Berry.
No. 28 Soka, Bengaluru
Another new entrant to the list of Asia’s Best Bars, Bengaluru’s Soka, has been winning hearts all over. Nestled in the bustling centre of Indiranagar, Soka stole the show at No. 28 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, captivating with flair and intimacy. Under a large cocoon lamp, this 38-seat cocoony speakeasy, which was created by chef Sombir Choudhary and barman Avinash Kapolian, has a dark Art-Deco ambience. Its cocktails, which are artistically created in a cosy, communal table setting, are miniature love letters to Bengaluru: the nostalgic Black Cadillac, the fun Cheese Cherry Pineapple, and the spicy-zesty Mofo Don (red cabbage + cilantro rim).
No. 30 Boilermaker, Goa
Boilermaker, tucked away in a sunny corner of Siolim, ranked No. 30 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, and wow, it's delivering authentic, unadulterated Goan feelings. Imagine a high-energy, outdoor dive bar that pulls you into the jungle-shack party with its 15-foot industrial-chic counter, corrugated-metal front and mismatched stools.
Co-founders Pankaj Balachandran and Nakul Bhonsle have managed to create a liquid symphony that includes 12 craft beers from Great State Aleworks on tap, as well as creative cocktails like the feni-and-cashew sour "Boilermaker" and small "Little Friends" for sipping pleasure.
No. 31 ZLB23, Bengaluru
ZLB23 at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru's crown jewel, glistened at number 31 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025. With its sophisticated taste and immersive theatricality, this speakeasy with a Kyoto influence demonstrates how Bangalore's gastronomic revolution is truly magical. Jazz rhythms, crystal chandeliers, soft velvet draperies, and a 50-seat cocoon of elegance were put in motion by a service-lift ride, a kitchen corridor, and a secret stairway via gardens.
Under the innovative direction of Suchismita Roy and mixologist Rajib Mukherjee, ZLB23 offers hickory-smoked duck, rare whiskies, and robust drinks like Kyoto Collins and Shoyu Ramen. ZLB23 is Bangalore's hidden weapon, intimate, creative, and unabashedly expensive, in a city that is currently blazing with culinary brilliance.
No. 37 Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru
When we said Bengaluru is simply shining bright with its culinary brilliance, this is what we meant. Out of the 5 Indian establishments to make it to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, 3 are based out of Namma Bengaluru.
With a fantastic debut at No. 37 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, Bengaluru's Bar Spirit Forward demonstrated once more how this city's cocktail culture is stealing the show from every other metro. This sleek, mid-century modern retreat, designed by mixologist Arijit Bose, is tucked away in Hotel Southern Star on Lavelle Road.
It boasts a gorgeous teak-and-granite bar with craftsmanship as sharp as the drinks. From the smoky Campfire Old Fashioned to the powerful 3-Gin Vesper Martini, every cocktail is an epic. The cheeky Southern Star, which combines tequila, plum, guava, and pickled jalapeño, embodies the affection of the locals. In 2024, it was even named Bangalore's top newcomer and Best Independent Bar, which is great recognition in a city full of style.
Best Bar in Asia - Leone, Hong Kong
The only establishment to ever keep the top rank for two consecutive years is Bar Leone in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, which has once again been named The Best Bar in Asia and will continue to be The Best Bar in Hong Kong for 2025. With wood-panelled walls, vintage football memorabilia, and a menu devoted to "cocktail popolari"—classic, approachable drinks like the pre-batched Leone Martini and Filthy Martini, which go perfectly with mortadella focaccia and smoked olives—this cosy Italian-styled gem was created by award-winning mixologist Lorenzo Antinori and channels Roman neighbourhood vibes.