Beloved Filipino Chef Margarita Fores Dies Unexpectedly at 65

MANILA, Philippines — Celebrated chef and restaurateur Margarita Fores has passed away at the age of 65, a loss confirmed by her son, Amado Fores, on February 11, 2025. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Amado described his mother’s death as ‘sudden’ and ‘unexpected,’ but did not disclose a cause of death.

‘Dear Friends and Family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time,’ Amado wrote. The announcement elicited condolences across social media from fans and notable figures, including 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Kakki Teodoro and Aika Robredo, daughter of former Vice President Leni Robredo.

Margarita Fores, affectionately known as Gaita, was recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, a title awarded by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Born into the influential Araneta clan, she began her culinary journey in 1986 after a life-changing trip to Italy where she studied the language and cuisine. She opened her first restaurant, Cibo, in 1997, which has since expanded to 20 locations across the Philippines.

Beyond Cibo, Fores established several acclaimed dining establishments, including Lusso, Grace Park, and Loggia. Her impact on the culinary scene was amplified with her catering business, Cibo de M, and her reputation for championing local produce and the ‘farm-to-table’ movement.

Fores’s innovative approach and commitment to quality earned her several accolades. In November 2024, Cibo was ranked 44th on the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains. Renowned for her creativity, she often combined Italian and Filipino culinary traditions, as seen in her recent creation of ‘Batchoy Ramen.’

In addition to her culinary achievements, Fores actively supported local farmers and artisans throughout her career, showcasing her dedication to uplifting Filipino cuisine on a global level. Her legacy endures through her restaurants and her influence on aspiring chefs.

Her last public Instagram post featured a collaborative dish with Chef Miko Calo on January 27.

As the news of her passing continues to reverberate through the culinary community, tributes echo the sentiment: ‘Thank you, Margarita, for introducing us to good food and feeding us delicious fare every single time.’