From Milan to Bologna and all the way to Pagani, the latest edition of The Pinnacle Guide crowns six Italian bars among the world’s mixology elite—marking a pivotal moment for the country’s cocktail scene.
Six Italian Bars Join The Pinnacle Guide
There’s a moment when mixing ceases to be a gesture and becomes a story—when the bar counter turns into a stage and each cocktail becomes an act of intent. The Pinnacle Guide, one of the world’s most coveted accolade in mixology, has just unveiled its latest selection. And Italy, with six venues newly inducted into this exclusive circle, makes a resounding entrance—claiming its place as a true force on the European stage.
Which Italian Bars Made It into The Pinnacle Guide
From Milan to Bologna, all the way to the province of Salerno, The Pinnacle Guide has awarded a PIN to these standout Italian cocktail bars.
- Backdoor43 in Milan, the smallest bar in the world
- Ceresio 7 Milan, with its stunning rooftop and two outdoor pools
- Cinquanta Spirito Italiano in Pagani, with a pop style and a deep connection to the Italian traditional bars
- Dry Milano, the first venue to break new ground by pairing pizza with cocktails
- Moebius Milano, the multi-award-winning cocktail bar with an industrial edge
- Sentaku Izakaya in Bologna, dedicated to the Japanese art of fine drinking
A Debut That Makes a Statement
For the first time, Italy joins the ranks of the Pinnacle Guide—and does so with impressive clarity: six bars selected, more than any other European country in this round. A powerful confirmation of what insiders have long known, the Bel Paese has become one of the world’s cocktail capitals, blending flair, hospitality, and creative depth with effortless grace.
The Guide, created to reshape how bars are assessed and celebrated, awards between one and three PINs based on criteria that go far beyond the glass. What counts is the concept, the team, and the care poured into every detail—both behind the scenes and across the counter.
A Holistic Vision of the Modern Bar
This wave of awards officially places Italy on the global mixology map. It’s not a stroke of luck, but the outcome of years of evolution, experimentation, and education. It shows that Italy’s bartenders and bar owners are not just masters of technique—they know how to craft experiences, welcome with poise, and breathe meaning into the act of hospitality.
At a time when bars are becoming places of reflection as well as pleasure, the Pinnacle Guide honors those who strike a delicate balance between form and substance, aesthetics and ethics. “A great bar is one that cares not only for its guests, but also for the people behind the bar,” reminds co-founder Hannah Sharman-Cox. “The venues selected prove that excellence can thrive on both sides of the counter.”
Italy Drinks Deep—With Awareness
This wave of awards officially places Italy on the global mixology map. It’s not a stroke of luck, but the outcome of years of evolution, experimentation, and education. It shows that Italy’s bartenders and bar owners are not just masters of technique—they know how to craft experiences, welcome with poise, and breathe meaning into the act of hospitality.
At a time when bars are becoming places of reflection as well as pleasure, the Pinnacle Guide honors those who strike a delicate balance between form and substance, aesthetics and ethics. “A great bar is one that cares not only for its guests, but also for the people behind the bar,” reminds co-founder Hannah Sharman-Cox. “The venues selected prove that excellence can thrive on both sides of the counter.”
Pinnacle Guide: The Future Is Already Stirring
Worldwide, 31 new bars have been awarded this year: 25 with one PIN, six with two PINs, and none reaching the coveted three PIN tier—still held exclusively by London’s Lyaness. A telling sign of how high the bar is set, and how rigorous the selection remains. Applications are still open across several countries—including Italy—until June 3, 2025. The Guide not only offers inspiration and direction for discerning travelers, but also aims to be a benchmark for an industry in flux.
Today, Italy raises its glass with pride, fully aware that this recognition isn’t an arrival point, but the beginning of a new, compelling liquid narrative. A story shaped by talent, passion, and above all, meticulous care.
Images courtesy of The Pinnacle Guide
