Italian-style aperitivo bar Dante in New York named the world’s best bar

Last night, Dante, an Italian-style aperitivo bar in New York, was named the world’s best bar by the World’s 50 Best Bars academy. The award ceremony took place at the Roundhouse in Camden where London, once again, dominated the list, with 10 entries in the top 50.

The highest-ranking British establishment is the Connaught Bar, which features at number 2; in the top 5 there is also another classic local hotel bar, the American Bar at the Savoy, also named Legend of the List.

Monica Berg, co-owner of Tayēr + Elementary (no.52), was voted the Bartenders’ Bartender of the year, making it the first time for a female mixologist. This award reflects her influence as a positive and passionate voice for change, education and increased professionalism in the drinks sector.

Placing at no.3 and named the best bar in South America, Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires rises 11 places. Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour follows at no.10 and Carnaval in Lima, Peru, is no.13, making it the winner of the Highest New Entry Award. With Guilhotina in São Paulo a new entry at no.15, this demonstrates the increased prominence of Latin America with six bars on the list in 2019, four of which feature inside the top 20.

Spain also boasts three bars on this year’s list, including Madrid’s Salmón Gurú (no.19), which is also the winner of the Highest Climber Award, having leapt an impressive 28 places in the ranking from last year. New entry Dr Stravinsky (no.25) joins fellow Barcelona bar Paradiso (no.20) on the list.

Just like last year, Singapore leads Asia’s rankings this year with six bars featured. Atlas (no.8) claims the title of the best bar in Asia, Manhattan at no.11, Operation Dagger at no.30, as well as new entries Jigger & Pony at no.29 and the Old Man at no.38. Singapore’s accolades don’t stop there as Native, at no.12, has been awarded the Sustainable Bar Award – thanks to the bar’s use of permaculture practices and the holistic way it approaches every element of its service. The bar’s rooftop garden in the heart of the city provides a majority of its ingredients. Native also operates fair hiring practices to ensure equal representation without discrimination, running its own apprenticeship scheme, providing a competitive allowance for apprentices and interns.

Further noteworthy awards include Charles Schumann being named Industry Icon and Drink Kong in Rome (no.82) named One to Watch, marking it out as a rising star bar on the international fine- drinking scene.

William Drew, director of content for the World’s 50 Best Bars, said: “Huge congratulations to all bars that have been included on this year’s list. We’re ecstatic that so many key figures from the cocktail world have travelled across the globe to attend the awards and join the celebrations. This list is a reflection of the open and diverse nature of the international bar scene today.

“The aim of the World’s 50 Best Bars is to provide the authoritative guide on the best bar destinations from around the world and the huge range of countries featured is testament to the strength of competition for a place at the top.”

The editorial unit
Photos/videos: Filippo L’Astorina/Laura Denti

For further information visit the World’s 50 Best Bars website here.