When it comes to Filipino cuisine, few names command the same reverence as Margarita Forés. More than a chef, she was a visionary, a steward of tradition, and a relentless innovator whose passion for food reshaped the country’s dining landscape. With nearly three decades of culinary excellence, she not only introduced authentic Italian flavors to Filipino palates but also championed local ingredients, artisans, and sustainable gastronomy.

Forés’ culinary journey began not in a traditional kitchen but in the intimate world of catered dinners and private events, where her passion for food first took root. What started as a small-scale endeavor quickly flourished into a full-fledged culinary empire.

In 1997, she opened Cibo, a restaurant that made high-quality Italian cuisine accessible to everyday Filipinos. Inspired by the modern cafés of New York, Cibo introduced a fresh, authentic take on Italian dining — one that was both high-end and welcoming.

But Cibo was just the beginning. Over the years, Forés built an impressive lineup of restaurants, each with its own unique identity:

– Grace Park Dining embraces the farm-to-table concept, ensuring that fresh, local ingredients take center stage.

– Lusso offers a taste of luxury, with its elegant French-Italian dishes and signature champagne selections.

– The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria blends Italian and Filipino flavors in a stunning, historical setting.

– Museya Kafé at Ayala Museum provides a cozy, culture-rich dining experience.

Beyond restaurants, she also ran Margarita Signature Caterer and Margarita Floralscapes, seamlessly merging food and aesthetics.

 

 

Her dedication to the culinary arts has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef, a prestigious title that cemented her influence in the industry. In 2018, she received the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia, an honor from the Italian government recognizing her efforts in promoting Italian cuisine in the Philippines. By 2019, she was named a United Nations Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism, further proving that her impact extended far beyond the local dining scene.

But what truly made Margarita Forés special was not just the awards or the success of her restaurants — it was her commitment to uplifting Filipino food and the people behind it. She was a strong advocate for local ingredients, working closely with farmers, fishermen, and artisans to showcase the beauty of homegrown produce. She believed that great food isn’t just about taste; it’s about where it comes from and the hands that make it possible.

Now, with her entire F&B empire rebranded under Margarita, including a signature fine dining restaurant at Ayala Triangle, Forés continued to push boundaries while staying true to her roots. Her journey is proof that food is more than just sustenance. It’s an experience, a way to bring people together, and a way to honor culture and tradition.

Margarita Forés was not just a chef. She was a visionary who transformed the way Filipinos dine, appreciate food, and support local ingredients. Her legacy isn’t just in her restaurants or the awards she won. It’s in every meal that brings joy, every ingredient that gets the recognition it deserves, and every young chef she inspires. Through her work, she proved that food isn’t just about flavors — it’s about having genuine passion, purpose, and the love that goes into every dish.

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