21a Foley Street,
Titchfield Village,
London,
W1W 6DS

0871 971 7196

Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.

add to my map

Location and Punters:
Situated on an attractive corner site, a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, Back to Basics is a delightful seafood restaurant, that more than lives up to its name. Its "Today’s Catch" menu is a particular attraction. The nearest tube station is Oxford Street.

Atmosphere and Décor:
The ambience is unpretentious and informal and the décor – well, basic! Simplicity is the key - stark, bright coloured light bulbs dangle from metal shades and the plain tables are closely packed and the pace in this café-style eaterie can get quite hectic. Children are genuinely welcome and this adds to an atmosphere of easy-going informality. In fine weather, there is outside seating for up to fifty people. Service is friendly and efficient.

Nosh and Drinks:
The seafood menu changes daily and is dependent upon availability, weather and the whims of the local fish market. Daily purchasing by the kitchen, is carefully controlled in order to guarantee absolute freshness, but a word of caution – if you leave dining until late in the day, you may find that some of the dishes have been crossed off the chalkboard by the time you get there!

The cooking makes a virtue of simplicity - even the basic side order of bread is superbly presented and comes in the form of half a warm loaf with tasty garlic butter. Today’s Catch might list Langoustine, Grilled Fennel and Saffron Mayonnaise, Swordfish Loin Steak, Mediterranean Potato Salad, Pesto and Pine Nuts, or Fillet of Salmon, Sour Cream, Chives, Dill and Cucumber. Typical options, from the regular menu, include starters of Mussels Steamed in White Wine with Garlic and Herbs, or Smoked Fish Platter.

Although the main thrust of the menu is seafood, it also encompasses several excellent meat dishes. For main course, you may wish to plump for the 3/4lb Scotch Rib Eye Steak with Fresh Horseradish and Mustard, or the Chicken Breast with Red Wine, Bacon, Shallots and Mushrooms. Desserts, too, are predictably basic, but perfect in every detail. The Bread and Butter Pudding with Whiskey Sauce, or the Apple Tart are both simply delicious. Complementing the food is an impressive selection of international wines. House wine starts at around £10.

The Experience:
A seafood lover’s paradise – the success of Back to Basics lies in its simplicity.