2 Best Bars in Downtown Macau, Macau

This Mandarin Oriental bar-restaurant serves Cantonese during the day and Italian at night, and it merits a visit whatever the occasion, be it a business lunch, pizza dinner, or glass of champagne. It shines brightest at “The Counter,” a semi-private, 10-seat bar overlooking Nam Van Lake that can be closed off to the rest of the venue. Here, bartenders serve Mandarin Oriental signatures using interesting local ingredients, like salted plum-infused gin. They are also more than happy to tailor drinks to customers, who sit in tufted leather chairs propped up against a sturdy dark wood bar.

Tucked away on Rua Central near St. Augustine’s Square, Wood House epitomizes the independent cocktail bar scene slowly growing outside the confines of Macau’s casinos. Founded by a local who cut his teeth in Taiwan, this cozy bar fills up fast, especially on weekends, when guests often have to find space on the second floor. The menu features around 20 original cocktails, many made with homemade infusions. Not sure what to order? The bartenders will gladly craft something to suit your taste.