Nestled in the bustling Loop Street in Cape Town, Butter has quickly become a beloved spot for the city’s locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s concept is simple, yet irresistibly nostalgic: butter and all-day breakfast!
The idea behind Butter was born out of a love for the comforting ingredient and a desire to create a space that feels just like home. “Butter is our happy place and want it to be for others too. We wanted to create something that people can relate to and I think the simplicity of it, does just that. It’s cosy and comfy and the food tastes like more,” says Aninke van Antwerpen, co-owner of Butter All-day Breakfast & Bistro Bar.
Butter opened in May 2021 on Loop Street, and now with a second location in Sea Point, the cafe has become synonymous with the joy of a leisurely breakfast, no matter the time of day. “Everything is better with butter—no exceptions,” Aninke adds. This philosophy is evident in every dish they serve, from their signature buttery flapjacks to the rich and creamy butter benedicts.
Everything is better with butter
The menu at Butter was developed with a clear focus: celebrate butter in all its forms, while offering a variety of all-day breakfast options that are as satisfying as they are indulgent. The butter benedict, with its extra-buttery hollandaise, and the Buttermilk Blues, featuring fluffy buttermilk flapjacks topped with homemade blueberry coulis, are just a few of the standout dishes that keep customers coming back for more. “The menu is also complimented by a fun all-day cocktail menu that is perfect for brunch. From mimosas, and bellinis to bloody mary’s and morning mule’s. There’s something for everyone to enjoy,” says Aninke.
The breakfast bistro also offers a few options that are not so butter-focused but are quite popular as well, which are their famous Hashbrown Stacks made homemade hashbrowns topped with two poached eggs, avocado, bacon, feta, peppadews and rocket, Av’ an Egg – which is a delicious slice of avocado served on sourdough with heirloom tomatoes, feta, and a soft poached egg. The Fun Guy is made of hearty sautéed mushrooms on a croissant topped with two poached eggs and parmesan cheese and Hot Buns – Buttermilk fried chicken, jalapeños, crunchy tangy slaw & hot sauce on a buttery bun.
Keeping it sustainable
When it comes to sourcing ingredients, Butter is committed to supporting local and organic producers. They work with a variety of small-scale suppliers to ensure that every dish is made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. From free-range eggs from Solitaire to sourdough from Woodstock Bakery, the emphasis is always on keeping it local and sustainable.
The experience at Butter is designed to make every customer feel welcome. With a mantra that reads “We are butter together,” the restaurant aims to create a cosy, communal atmosphere where people can come to work or relax and enjoy good food. This sense of community extends beyond their doors, as they actively engage with local suppliers and small businesses.
Opening during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic was no easy feat, but the team’s dedication to their vision saw them through. “We opened around the time when COVID restrictions were just coming to an end which was a very risky start and people did not want to go out in public, much less visit restaurants so that was definitely our biggest challenge in the beginning but we are very happy we went with our gut and stuck with it,” explains Aninke.
Their eco-friendly practices, from sustainable packaging to minimising food waste, further reflect their commitment to doing things the right way.
Looking to the future, Butter is excited about the possibilities. With a new store in Sea Point and seasonal menu changes on the horizon, there’s always something fresh and exciting to look forward to. And for those who can’t get enough of Butter, the team is even considering launching some merchandise.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or a buttery treat, Butter offers a warm, welcoming space where everyone can indulge in the simple pleasures of life—because everything truly is better with butter.
ALSO SEE: Get acquainted with one of Cape Town’s newest cafés
Feature image: Butter All Day/Instagram
