THE BEST FILIPINO RESTAURATEURS 

As a chef and restaurateur I truly idolize the people who molded the entire Philippine restaurant industry, their restaurants have been the trendsetter for design and excellence. This is a tribute for the best restaurant operators in the industry. 

GAITA FORES 

1.    MARGARITA FORES " GAITA" 

Her successful restaurant business includes Cibo, Pepato ( Closed ), Lusso, Cafe Bola she may not be a classically trained chef but her work experience in Italy is the strong foundation of her cuisine, she re introduced the lighter side of Italian cuisine beyond the usual tomato and pesto sauce. When she opened the first Cibo at the Greenbelt mall it trail blaze the craze for panini or Italian style pressed sandwiches. Its light but a meal in itself. 

A survive the worst health conditions and dubbed as the Giada de Laurentis of the Philippines. Her uncanny smile is so pleasant and warm beyond her surname Araneta.

2.   GLENDA BARRETO 

She started her career with a fabulous dinner with First Lady Imelda Marcos from then on she would do all the caterings of the late President, her unprecedented record as the most successful caterer of all time due to the countless state dinners served and inauguration of Philippine Presidents, no one surpassed her record for serving the most number of meals at a given meal period. She is a prime mover of Filipino cuisine promoting the flavors of the island in different expositions abroad. Right now she manages the Via Mare Group. Having several restaurant and maintaining its loyal clientele. 

LARRY J. CRUZ

3.   LARRY J. CRUZ (+)

Among the successful restaurateurs he is the one who has build the most number of brands in the Philippine restaurant industry. His untiring zest for building new concepts in the country is both patronized by the locals and foreigners. If you want to experience the true culture of the restaurant he can give the complete touch and authentic identity. His restaurants has character beyond the meals being served. His vibrant personality is often reflected in his company the LJC Group. Famous restaurants include Cafe Havana, Bistro Remedios, Fely J's, Abe, Ang Hang (closed)

4.  RAYMUND MAGDALUYO 

Among the junior restaurateurs Raymund established different concepts, he created successful restaurant chains that has a very good marketability. A former professor at AIM he created brands such as Red Crab, Flying Pig, Heaven and Eggs

5.  JOHNLU KOA 

He founded the French Baker Group found in Malls his uncanny management savvy brought him to great heights although he came from a family of bakers but with the management training he incurred as an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines he created the First French Style bakery in the Philippines.