Margarita Fores is a celebrated Filipino chef and restaurateur, best known for the Cibo Italian chain and being named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016.
Italian cuisine built on premium, farm-to-table Filipino ingredients. This profile looks at Margarita’s background, career and signature approach.
TL;DR
- Filipino, 1959 to 2025
- Known for the Cibo Italian chain and being named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016
- She opened her first Cibo restaurant in Makati in 1997, serving affordable traditional Italian food.
- She began her culinary career in catering before expanding into restaurants.
- Italian cuisine built on premium, farm-to-table Filipino ingredients.
Margarita Fores key facts
| Name | Margarita Fores |
| Nationality / origin | Filipino, 1959 to 2025 |
| Known for | the Cibo Italian chain and being named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 |
| Location | Manila, Philippines |
| Style | Italian cuisine built on premium, farm-to-table Filipino ingredients. |
Background and career
She was the first Filipino woman to win the Asia’s Best Female Chef award, in 2016. She opened her first Cibo restaurant in Makati in 1997, serving affordable traditional Italian food.
Recognition and legacy
Her restaurant Grace Park champions organically and sustainably grown Filipino ingredients. She began her culinary career in catering before expanding into restaurants.
Signature style
Italian cuisine built on premium, farm-to-table Filipino ingredients. It is an approach that has made Margarita a distinctive figure in the food world.
Margarita in context
Margarita Fores is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Isadora Chai and Raymond Tham.
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Margarita Fores FAQ
Who is Margarita Fores?
A celebrated Filipino chef and restaurateur.
Where is Margarita based?
Manila, Philippines.
What is Margarita known for?
The Cibo Italian chain and being named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016.
What is a notable fact about Margarita?
She was the first Filipino woman to win the Asia’s Best Female Chef award, in 2016.
What is Margarita’s style?
Italian cuisine built on premium, farm-to-table Filipino ingredients.
