Bengaluru's ZLB23 named best bar in India, ranks 40th in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 List

ZLB23, located in The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, has secured the 40th position in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, also earning the title of Best Bar in India for the year. The list was unveiled at a live awards event in Hong Kong, where Bar Leone from Hong Kong, Zest from Seoul, and Jigger & Pony from Singapore claimed the top three spots, as reported by NDTV.

ZLB23 in The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Guests seeking ZLB23 must traverse a serene garden, pass through a bustling hotel kitchen, and ascend via a service lift to reach this hidden gem. Inspired by a Kyoto speakeasy from the Prohibition era, the bar boasts luxurious velvet drapes, shimmering crystal chandeliers, and a lively jazz atmosphere. Priyanka Mondal, the bar’s supervisor, is renowned for her inventive cocktails, including the Japanese Old Fashioned and the Shiso Negroni.

Industry Recognition

In addition to ZLB23’s accolade, Yangdup Lama received the Roku Industry Icon Award 2024. Lama, the mastermind behind the acclaimed New Delhi bar Sidecar, was honored for his exceptional cocktail-making skills and significant contributions to the Indian bar scene.

Other Notable Mentions

The extended list of Asia’s best bars from 51 to 100, released last week, featured four Indian bars: The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai at 59th, Lair in New Delhi at 68th, Sidecar in New Delhi at 84th, and Home in New Delhi at 96th.

Last year, Sidecar was recognized as the best bar in India, with other Indian entries on the 2023 list including The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai), The Living Room by Masque (Mumbai), and Copitas (Bengaluru).

Here is he complete list of top 50 bars in Asia

1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong

2. Zest, Seoul

3. Jigger & Pony, Singapore

4. Coa, Hong Kong

5. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo

6. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore

7. BKK Social Club, Bangkok

8. Penrose, Kuala Lumpur

9. Argo, Hong Kong

10. The Aubrey, Hong Kong

11. Virtu, Tokyo

12. The Cocktail Club, Jakarta

13. Vesper, Bangkok

14. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou

15. Sago House, Singapore

16. Night Hawk, Singapore

17. Darkside, Hong Kong

18. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, Bangkok

19. The Savory Project, Hong Kong

20. Bar Cham, Seoul

21. Bar Us, Bangkok

22. The St. Regis Bar, Macau

23. The SG Club, Tokyo

24. Penicillin, Hong Kong

25. Offtrack, Singapore

26. Quinary, Hong Kong

27. Pantja, Jakarta

28. Craftroom, Osaka

29. Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya

30. Vender, Taichung

31. Native, Singapore

32. Origin Bar, Singapore

33. The Curator, Manila

34. The Bellwood, Tokyo

35. Analogue Initiative, Singapore

36. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur

37. Bar Mood, Taipei

38. Employees Only, Singapore

39. Barc, Kathmandu

40. ZLB23, Bengaluru

41. Reka, Kuala Lumpur

42. Fura, Singapore

43. CMYK, Changsha

44. The Public House, Taipei

45. Mostly Harmless, Hong Kong

46. Alice, Seoul

47. The Haflington, Hanoi

48. Le Chamber, Seoul

49. Atlas, Singapore

50. Pine & Co, Seoul