Chef’s Table: Filipina Chef-Owned Restaurants in Araneta City
It’s International Women’s Month! Among the many dining choices, Filipina chef-owned restaurants truly stand out as they break barriers in a male-dominated field.
Here in Araneta City, we’re proud to celebrate the skills, brilliance, and creativity of remarkable women who continue to prove that women are more than capable of achieving culinary recognition. With over 300 restaurants to choose from in the #CityOfFirsts, here are some Filipina chef-owned spots you should definitely visit with the special women in your life.
Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 – Chef Margarita Forés
CIBO, Coliseum Plaza, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
Grace Park, Restaurant Collection, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
Chef Margarita Forés was more than just a chef — she was a pioneer and an inspiration in the Filipino food industry. She was the creative mind behind the popular restaurants Cibo and Grace Park, where she brought her passion for Italian cuisine and love for local, fresh ingredients.
Cibo is perfect for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist. From savory pasta to flavorful paninis, each dish reflects Chef Margarita’s creativity and attention to quality.
Grace Park, on the other hand, offers a farm-to-table experience, serving fresh and hearty meals made from locally sourced produce.
Chef Margarita’s passion and dedication earned her the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 — a huge achievement that reflects her talent and influence. Dine at 📍CIBO, Coliseum Plaza, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2 and 📍Grace Park, Restaurant Collection, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2.
L’Assiette d’Or awardee – Chef Jessie Sincioco
Chef Jessie, World Kitchens, Level 4, Gateway Mall 2
Her journey to culinary stardom started when she won the Great Maya Cookfest in 1983. Since then, she’s become one of the most respected Filipina chefs, known for adding elegance and heart to every dish.
At Chef Jessie, you’ll find European-style dishes with a touch of Filipino warmth. From perfectly grilled steaks to her award-winning sisig, every plate is prepared with passion and precision. Chef Jessie’s world-class talent was recognized when she had the honor of cooking for Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in 2015 — a testament to her exceptional skill.
Celebrate Women’s Month by dining at Chef Jessie 📍World Kitchens, Level 4, Gateway Mall 2, and savor dishes made with skill, love, and elegance.
Culinary Icon Awardee – Chef Glenda Rosales Barretto
Via Mare, Upper Ground A, Gateway Mall 2
Chef Glenda Rosales Barretto has been a pioneer of Filipino cuisine for over five decades. Through her restaurant Via Mare, she’s kept the spirit of Filipino heritage alive with classic and contemporary dishes loved by generations.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional bibingka and puto bumbong or savory favorites like kare-kare and pancit palabok, Via Mare serves comforting flavors made with love and tradition. Chef Glenda’s dedication to promoting local flavors has made her a true icon in the industry, showing that women can lead and innovate in the culinary world.
Take your loved ones to 📍Via Mare, Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2, and enjoy the taste of home, crafted by the hands of a culinary legend.
Women’s Month is about recognizing every woman’s brilliance, strength, and creativity, and these Filipina chefs prove that women can spark change. By dining at their restaurants, you’re not just treating yourself to incredible food — you’re supporting women who continue to inspire and break barriers.
Invite your family and friends to visit Araneta City and celebrate Women’s Month by visiting these amazing Filipina chef-owned restaurants.
Here are some of the women-led restaurants at the #CityOfFirsts:
- Nono’s – 📍Coliseum Plaza, Gateway Mall 2
- Manam – 📍Coliseum Plaza, Gateway Mall 2
- Cafe Adriatico – 📍Courtyard, Ground Floor, Gateway 1
- Goto tendon – 📍Farmers Market Arcade
