Lorenzo Antinori, who hails from Rome and currently leads Bar Leone as its co-founder and mixologist, still remembers the moment when he fell in love with Hong Kong.
“That day, I hiked to High West, and the mesmerising night view of Hong Kong unfolded before me. At that moment, I knew I had fallen in love with the city,” Antinori says.
Antinori, now a celebrated mixologist whose name represents creativity and craftsmanship, started his career by chance. While studying law in his hometown of Rome, he took up a part-time job in a bar whose passionate owner made him discover his calling. Since then, he has moved right into the bar scene and never looked back. After stints in bars in London and Seoul, Antinori arrived in Hong Kong to pursue a career advancement in 2019. In June 2023, he founded Bar Leone on Sheung Wan’s Bridges Street and offered his guests a program of classic cocktails with “low intervention.”
“There is no distillation or machinery involved in the production of cocktails at Bar Leone. We proudly keep it simple, allowing guests to fully appreciate the ingredients that go into each concoction without the need for gimmicks,” Antinori shares.
Thanks to its philosophy of offering cocktail popolari — which means cocktails for the people — Bar Leone became one of the most popular bars in Hong Kong soon after its opening. Within its first year of operations, the bar also secured top spots on internationally recognised bar awards, quickly earning its place as one of the best bars in the world.
The year 2024 marked the sixth year Antinori has called Hong Kong home. The well-travelled mixologist reminisces what impressed him most when he first set foot on the Asia’s World City.
“When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I was immediately impressed by the vibrant F&B landscape. (It was) highly competitive, yet (there were also) a lot of opportunities,” Antinori says. “The natural landscape was equally captivating. Being able to hit beautiful beaches and go on hiking trails while living in a global city — it’s something remarkable.”
Below, we invite Antinori to share his favourite spots in Hong Kong. Let’s discover the city's best through his lens now.
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The best way to enjoy Bar Leone:
Start with our Negroni, which showcases our own cacao and coffee gin, created in collaboration with an Australian distillery. Try pairing it with our signature smoked olives and mortadella focaccia sandwiches. I also recommend our Olive Oil Sour. It is our take on a classic whiskey sour with the addition of extra virgin olive oil.Your favourite cocktail and the best place to enjoy it:
I like Paloma. It’s light, fresh, and slightly bitter. I could drink it at any time. COA’s Paloma boasts a fine balance between acidity and bitterness and a light smoky flavour from the mezcal. It’s my favourite place to enjoy a glass of Paloma.RELATED: Hong Kong Luxury Hotel Bars That Are Championing Food And Cocktail Pairing
The best way to cure a hangover:
Go to Chilli Fagara on Old Bailey Street. Their Dan Dan Noodles cures any hangover!RELATED: Tracing The Origin: Hong Kong’s Dan Dan Noodles
After work routine:
I usually hit The Diplomat for an Irish coffee and a burger.Your go-to spot for a team meal:
Big JJ Seafood Hotpot Restaurant. It’s fun, loud and delicious. I’m not a hotpot master like my team members, so I always let them order. But we must get the fried tofu skin.Best Italian restaurant in Hong Kong:
I have to mention two. The first one is one-MICHELIN-Starred Estro by Chef Antimo Maria Merone. I always order Bottoni when I am there, and their pistachio gelato is also a must-try. MICHELIN-recommended Testina, headed by the talented chef Marco Xodo, is another excellent Italian restaurant. Their Lingua Tonnata is delicious.RELATED: My Signature Dish: Bottoni by Estro's Antimo Maria Merone
Your favourite dai pai dong:
Oi Man Sang in Sham Shui Po. Their eggplant casserole with salted fish and salt and pepper fried squid are my go-to dishes.
Your favourite coffee shop:
Barista Jam in Sheung Wan. Their staff is friendly, and I appreciate the craft they put into coffee making. They also have a great selection of single-origin beans. I always order an iced oat milk latte. Since it’s quiet there, it’s a great spot to finish some admin work.
(Left Image: Mushroom Rice at Yardbird)
A hidden gem in Hong Kong.
Kowloon City. The neighbourhood has a Thai influence, yet its vibe is very local, lending it a unique energy. I love Islamic food, and the beef buns in Kowloon City are delicious.RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Sham Shui Po: Where to Eat, Stay, and Shop
Best place for a date.
I like to hit Blue Supreme in Sheung Wan. They have an outstanding selection of craft beers. Sometimes, I order the tater tots as well. One-MICHELIN-Starred Yardbird is another great spot. The vibes are always great, and the food never disappoints. I love their mushroom rice and all the skewers.
Your favourite route for fashion shopping:
Central. I usually start from Queen’s Road and check out the shops along the way leading to IFC. I’m passionate about sportswear, and I especially like sport shoes. Your way to de-stress:
I will immerse myself in nature. I like to hike to The Peak or indulge myself in the natural reserve of Ma On Shan. RELATED: The Ultimate Shopaholic's Guide to Hong Kong: Kowloon
A MICHELIN-recommended hotel that you would recommend to your mixologist friends visiting Hong Kong for a guest shift:
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. ARGO in the hotel offers excellent cocktails. While there, one should also seize the opportunity to try Caprice and Lung King Heen. They are both on the MICHELIN Guide’s star list, and I love them.Plans for Bar Leone:
We are expanding our team. I am excited that we are launching “The Bar Leone Stage Program” and providing salaried work opportunities for young professionals coming to Hong Kong with a working holiday visa. They can work with us for six months to one year, and we will also cover their accommodation. This will help introduce different personalities to the team and further promote the Bar Leone brand. RELATED: A Wine Lover's Guide to Hong Kong
Hero Image: ©Bar Leone
