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Obsidian Bar

Shenzhen

Shenzhen's shining star bar

Choose your own adventure at this steampunk-style, multi-storey bar high inside one of the world's tallest towers. Large tables overlooking the buzzing open kitchen make for convivial, boozy meals on the expansive main floor. Climb higher and you'll find sweeping views of Shenzhen's skyline through riveted windows, high-backed armchairs and a huge whisky display that includes autographed bottles of Highland malts and rare Japanese spirits, with vintage flights stretching to a 72-year-old offering. There are plenty of guest shifts too, so check Obsidian's socials for a line-up of cocktail crossovers led by Asia's top bartenders.

The 2025 menu takes Victorian London as its muse, drawing on the ritual of afternoon tea and the elaborate banquets of the era, then routing both through Asian ingredients. Into the Forest pairs Scotch whisky with citrus jam, agave, lemon verbena and a Dancong oolong tea foam, while the Black Manhattan plays bourbon and Italian vermouth against smoked plum, black garlic, bohea tea and black vinegar for something darkly savoury. A Forgotten Cocktails section recreates drinks from period sources, among them the Morning Glory from Jerry Thomas's 1887 Bartender's Guide, built on calvados, Irish whisky, Earl Grey, amaro and absinthe. The programme comes from beverage director Paul Hsu working alongside Chris Wu, formerly of Shanghai's Speak Low, and the kitchen keeps pace with succulent dishes including Boston lobster risotto and pan-fried lamb chops. A debut entry on Asia's 50 Best Bars at No.51 in 2025, Obsidian shows just how far Shenzhen's drinking scene has travelled.

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