Newcomer of the Year 2025
The 2025 opening that mattered.
The 2025 opening that mattered. Bar Gen Yamamoto arrived without fanfare and earned its rating the slow way — visit by visit, each one consistent. Our editors are unanimous: this is the room that defined the year's new openings.
How the vote works
All five barsforKings regional editors submit a shortlist after the year's final round of visits in early December. Shortlists are debated at the December editorial meeting; ties are broken by the senior editor for the relevant region. Final winners are ratified before the second Tuesday of January.
No bar can pay to appear on a shortlist. Sponsorships do not influence editorial decisions. Past winners are reviewed annually and may be moved to the Hall of Fame after a third consecutive top-five finish.