Few places interpret Mediterranean cuisine with the quiet confidence and clarity found at Forde. Each plate is a canvas, where regional ingredients and culinary restraint paint a picture of both heritage and innovation. The dishes embody a careful orchestration of colours—the shimmer of olive oil catching the light, the ruby intensity of ripe tomatoes, the piercing green of fresh herbs—capturing not only the vibrancy of the cuisine but also its seasonality. At Forde, every element is thoughtfully composed, reflecting an evident respect for culinary traditions that span the coastlines and villages of Southern Europe. The establishment’s acclaim in the Michelin Guide adds gravity to its standing among Yorkshire’s gastronomy-minded diners, yet Forde’s presence is understated. There is no excess, no flamboyance to distract from the ingredients themselves. Plump seafood arrives with a clarity that lets natural sweetness and brininess command attention. Lively citrus zest punctuates a dish with brightness, while charred vegetables and grains ground the menu in the earthiness so central to Mediterranean fare. Attention to detail emerges in the sequencing of antipasti, where each bite seems to evoke a sense of place—be it a bustling Adriatic quayside or a sunlit Provençal terrace. The mains traverse a delicate balance between land and sea, incorporating tender poultry and robust garden vegetables, all harmonized by the ever-present nuance of olive oil. There is a discernible discipline in the cooking, an elegance that speaks to the chef’s assured technique, even as the team remains intentionally behind the scenes. At Forde, the kitchen’s voice is most pronounced in its refusal to overcomplicate; rather, it’s the harmony of flavours and the discipline of execution that linger longest. Dishes arrive with a certain quiet beauty—neither forced nor ostentatious—celebrating the honest ingredient-led philosophy at the restaurant’s heart. For those drawn to the authenticity of Mediterranean gastronomy, Forde stands apart, offering a refined perspective where regional British produce and Southern European inspiration meet in thoughtful, memorable harmony.