The first-ever Europe's 50 Best Bars list, compiled by UK-based William Reed, was unveiled at a ceremony in Amsterdam. The ranking, based on votes from over 300 drinks experts across the continent, marks a significant moment for the European cocktail scene, moving beyond the long-established global list to focus specifically on the region's diverse offerings.
Athens emerged as the standout city, claiming both the top two positions. Line, a bar known for its innovative approach, secured the number one spot, while The Bar in Front of the Bar took second place. Other Athenian bars also performed strongly: Barro Negro ranked 13th, Baba au Rum 14th, and The Clumsies 30th. Thessaloniki's Gorilla placed 33rd, highlighting a strong Greek presence in the top 50.
London, however, led in overall representation with seven bars in the top 50, including the Connaught Bar at 10th place. Barcelona followed with six entries, including Sips at 3rd and Paradiso at 9th. Paris contributed five bars, with Bar Nouveau at 5th and The Cambridge Public House at 7th.
Top 10 European Bars for 2026
- 10. Connaught Bar, London – A staple of global lists, renowned for its martini trolley and luxury service led by bartenders Agostino Perrone, Maura Millia, and Giorgio Bargiani.
- 9. Paradiso, Barcelona – A Gaudi-inspired speakeasy hidden behind a pastrami shop, known for its surreal décor and creative cocktails.
- 8. Mirror Bar, Bratislava – An emerald-toned lounge with a central tree anchor, recognized with the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award 2026 for its theatrical atmosphere and avant-garde drinks.
- 7. The Cambridge Public House, Paris – A blend of British pub and Parisian cocktail bar in the Marais district, offering Guinness and balanced cocktails.
- 6. Moebius Milano, Milan – An industrial-brutalist venue with three spaces, including a fine dining counter and a bar known for its Pesto Martini.
- 5. Bar Nouveau, Paris – A dual-floored bar that eschews modern spirits for vintage vermouths and liqueurs, focusing on classic recipes.
- 4. Himkok, Oslo – A moody bar that distills its own gin and vodka, with house-frozen ice and aging aquavit barrels.
- 3. Sips, Barcelona – Created by Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez, this bar offers serious cocktails in playful forms, like the Primordial served in a metal cast of hands.
- 2. The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens – A creative venue that has quickly risen to prominence.
- 1. Line, Athens – The top spot goes to this Athenian bar, celebrated for its innovative drinks and atmosphere.
The list reflects a broader trend of European cocktail culture evolving beyond traditional capitals. While London, Barcelona, and Paris remain hubs, cities like Athens, Bratislava, and Oslo are gaining recognition for their unique contributions. The inclusion of bars like Mirror Bar in Bratislava and Himkok in Oslo underscores a shift toward local ingredients and craftsmanship.
For travelers, the list offers a curated guide to Europe's best drinking experiences, from the luxury of the Connaught Bar to the speakeasy charm of Paradiso. As the European bar scene continues to mature, this inaugural ranking provides a snapshot of its current excellence and future potential.
