Some Italians are among the best bars in the world. Here's who they are

In the ongoing discussion around mixology, The World's 50 Best Bars—modelled after its more famous counterpart for restaurants—has established itself in recent years as the must-attend global event. Presented yesterday in Madrid, the ranking crowned Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, which shares the podium, in second and third place, with two Italian pride establishments abroad: Bar Leone in Hong Kong, run by bartender Lorenzo Antinori (winner of the Best Bar in Asia and recipient of the Highest New Entry Award), and Sips in Barcelona, by Simone Caporale. The Italian style also triumphs in other venues among the top ranks, such as the Connaught Bar in London and Paradiso in Barcelona. As for Italian cocktail bars, the ranking confirms Drink Kong in Rome (33rd position), Locale in Florence (36th), and Milan's 1930 (50th). New on the list at 38th place is another Milan venue: Moebius.

What is Moebius?

Something was in the air: at the start of 2024, the venue was included in the 50 Best Discovery List, a sort of map of must-watch spots across five continents. For months, the bar has been hosting guest bartenders from the most important Italian and international bars and, in turn, participates in events worldwide. In Milan's fiercely competitive scene of architecture and design, Moebius ranks among the top. A stunning venue, opened in 2019 in a former fabric warehouse, with carefully designed décor and volumes, all highlighted by an 8-metre-tall ancient Spanish olive tree—a deity in such a modern space, with its transparent glass walls.

The concept

The venue (which pays homage to the French comic artist Jean Giraud) has long been making waves for the bold creativity of Enrico Croatti, a 42-year-old chef from Rimini. After earning accolades abroad, he returned to Italy as the star of this project just steps away from Milan's Central Station (via Alfredo Cappellini, 25). It launched just before the pandemic madness and is now fully expressing its personality. Tapas and cocktail bar on the ground floor, street level; a floating mezzanine houses the "experimental" restaurant (with twelve seats, six at the counter, open only in the evening from Thursday to Saturday). The venue is also a haven for audiophiles: with vinyls, DJ sets, and live jazz or bossa nova evenings, the atmosphere is a perfect blend of youthful vibrancy and sophistication that appeals greatly to both Milanese and international crowds.

The Tapa Bistrot

Croatti leads the culinary offerings at the tapas bar, serving fun small plates often with fusion inspirations, such as bao with oxtail *alla vaccinara*, celery, and pine nuts, or Parmesan gnocchi with green beans and sand herbs. On the beverage front, alongside a minimalist wine list, the cocktail bar takes centre stage, impressing the jury of the World's 50 Best Bars, and is located right at the entrance.

The team, led by Bar Manager Giovanni Allario, offers a multifaceted experience that blends culinary concepts with mixology, featuring both classics and highly personal reinterpretations like the Gremolada Negroni (with extra virgin olive oil, rosemary, parsley, and lemon zest) and the Pesto Martini (with homemade pesto and white balsamic vinegar). With an impressive concrete back bar boasting hundreds of spirits, guests can sit at the counter and enjoy the show.