Co-Founder and Beverage Director of Martiny’s in New York, has been named the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026. Voted for by the bartenders featured on the list of The 50 Best Bars 2026, each is asked to nominate the peer they believe most embodies excellence and continues to redefine the craft of bartending.
Recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the global bar industry during the voting period, the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award celebrates those who have demonstrated leadership and influence within the international bar community. This marks the second of two special awards announced ahead of the live awards ceremony in Milan on 7 October 2026.
Watanabe’s journey behind the bar began in Tokyo at age 20. Shortly after, he met renowned mixologist Shuzo Nagumo, who was his first mentor and helped him hone his craft. His breakthrough came in 2012, when a standout performance at Diageo World Class propelled him onto the international cocktail stage. A year later, Shingo Gokan, founder of SG Group, encouraged Watanabe to move to New York City to join the team at Angel’s Share. Watanabe worked at Angel’s Share until 2021, where he learned and refined his skills under Gokan’s guidance. The following year, he launched his first venture, Martiny’s, bringing his vision of Japanese cocktail hospitality to Manhattan.
Known for his craftsmanship and pursuit of perfection, Watanabe has translated Japanese bartending traditions for an American audience, bringing a meticulous approach to cocktail making and service. Rooted in the principles of omotenashi, his philosophy emphasises anticipating guests’ needs and delivering exceptional care at every touchpoint. At Martiny’s, that vision comes to life through a carefully curated environment where exceptional drinks, thoughtful design and an elevated food offering comes together to create a truly distinctive destination.
Watanabe’s achievements have earned him widespread respect across the global bar industry. Under his leadership, Martiny’s has quickly become one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail destinations, ranking No.75 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, and No.23 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, while cementing Watanabe’s reputation as a leading voice of his generation.
Emma Sleight, Director of Content and Creative for The 50 Best Bars, says: “Takuma Watanabe has
had a remarkable impact on the global bar community, combining extraordinary technical skill with a
deep commitment to hospitality and craft. Through Martiny’s and his leadership as one of New
York’s most respected bartenders, he has redefined excellence in modern cocktail culture while
remaining a generous and influential figure among his peers. The fact that this award is voted for by
bartenders makes this recognition especially meaningful, and we are delighted to name Takuma
Watanabe the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026.”
Takuma Watanabe, Co-Founder of Martiny’s, says: “I am incredibly honoured to receive the Altos
Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026. I am so grateful that my peers recognise my passion and
dedication to this industry over the last 20 years. I will continue to strive to live up to the honour of
this award and I hope to be a bartender who can lead by example for the next generation. I may be
the person who is receiving this award, but it is also for my team, my customers, my peers, my
mentors and everyone who has supported me.”
Danny Gil, USA Altos Brand Ambassador at Altos Tequila, says: “It’s an honour for Altos Tequila to
celebrate Takuma Watanabe of Martiny’s as the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.
Takuma embodies the true essence of classic New York City, an incredible host who makes everyone
feel welcomed and at home. His passion for hospitality, dedication to the craft and ability to bring
people together are a true reflection of what makes New York’s bar community so special. We’re
proud to celebrate his talent, generosity and lasting impact on the industry.”
The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was introduced to The 50 Best Bars in 2017 and the
inaugural winner was Iain Griffiths of London’s Dandelyan. Subsequent winners include Joe
Schofield, then of Tippling Club in Singapore, in 2018; Monica Berg of Tayēr + Elementary, London, in
2019; Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni, of Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, in 2020; Lynnette Marrero of
Llama Inn, New York, in 2021; Jean Trinh of Alquímico, Cartagena in 2022; GN Chan of Double
Chicken Please, New York in 2023; Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh in 2024; and Uno
Jang of Jigger & Pony, Singapore in 2025.
The countdown of the list of The 50 Best Bars 2026, will also be broadcast live
to a global audience. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through The 50’s YouTube channel