Lima just cemented its place on the global drinks map. In The 50 Best Bars 2026 ranking, announced in Milan on October 7, two of the Peruvian capital's bars landed in the top 50: Lady Bee at No. 9 and Sastrería Martínez at No. 37.
Lady Bee had the stronger climb, moving up from No. 13 in 2025 to No. 9, making it the second-highest-ranked bar in South America behind only Alquímico in Cartagena (No. 3). Founded by bartender Alonso Palomino and chef Gabriela León, with Alejandra León running service, the bar blurs the line between kitchen and cocktail counter. Its menu leans hard into Peruvian produce - Amazonian fruits, Andean crops and local spirits - and puts the spotlight on the farmers and producers behind them. The awards keep coming, too: a Campari One To Watch prize in 2023 and Michter's Art of Hospitality in 2025 already sit on its shelf.
The newer name on the list is Sastrería Martínez, a speakeasy in the Miraflores district founded by Diego Macedo. Its whole concept draws on Peruvian textiles and tailoring, which shows up in both the decor and the drinks. At No. 37, it gives Lima a second entry in the top 50 and reinforces the city's reputation as one of the world's great food-and-drink destinations.
Latin America had a strong year overall, with 13 bars in the ranking. Mexico leads the region with four entries, including Handshake Speakeasy at No. 6, while Colombia places Alquímico at No. 3 plus Mamba Negra in Medellín and Bar Carmen - a newcomer that leapt from No. 100 to No. 39. São Paulo, Buenos Aires and others fill out the list, with six more Latin American bars on the extended 51-100 ranking.
Globally, Hong Kong's Bar Leone held the top spot for a second year, followed by Moebius Milano and Alquímico. The 2026 list spans 26 cities with 14 new entries. Special awards went to Line in Athens (Sustainable Bar), New York's Schmuck (Best New Opening, entering at No. 11), Barcelona's Paradiso (Legend of the List) and Melbourne's Three Horses (One To Watch), among others.
Why it matters for travellers: if you're heading to Lima for the food scene - and plenty of people do - the city's cocktail bars deserve their own evening, not a post-dinner afterthought. Lady Bee and Sastrería Martínez offer two very different ways in: one a produce-driven tasting experience, the other a tucked-away neighbourhood speakeasy. Both book up, so plan ahead.
