Margarita Manzke is a Filipino-American pastry chef celebrated in Los Angeles, best known for the pastry programme at Republique in LA and winning the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award.
French-rooted pastry and baking infused with Filipino flavours. This profile looks at Margarita’s background, career and signature approach.
TL;DR
- Filipino-American
- Known for the pastry programme at Republique in LA and winning the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award
- Early in her LA career she worked at celebrated restaurants including Patina, Spago and Melisse.
- She is a founding owner of the Wildflour bakery chain in Manila and authored Baking at Republique.
- French-rooted pastry and baking infused with Filipino flavours.
Margarita Manzke key facts
| Name | Margarita Manzke |
| Nationality / origin | Filipino-American |
| Known for | the pastry programme at Republique in LA and winning the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award |
| Location | Los Angeles, USA |
| Style | French-rooted pastry and baking infused with Filipino flavours. |
Background and career
She won the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award in 2023 after eight consecutive nominations. Early in her LA career she worked at celebrated restaurants including Patina, Spago and Melisse.
Recognition and legacy
With her husband Walter Manzke she opened several Carmel restaurants before Republique. She is a founding owner of the Wildflour bakery chain in Manila and authored Baking at Republique.

Signature style
French-rooted pastry and baking infused with Filipino flavours. It is an approach that has made Margarita a distinctive figure in the food world.
Margarita in context
Margarita Manzke is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Glenda Barretto and Jessie Sincioco.
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Margarita Manzke FAQ
Who is Margarita Manzke?
A Filipino-American pastry chef celebrated in Los Angeles.
Where is Margarita based?
Los Angeles, USA.
What is Margarita known for?
The pastry programme at Republique in LA and winning the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award.
What is a notable fact about Margarita?
She won the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award in 2023 after eight consecutive nominations.
What is Margarita’s style?
French-rooted pastry and baking infused with Filipino flavours.
