Since I’m in Japan, of course I must visit the only butler cafe in Japan, and most probably in the world, Swallowtail Butler Cafe. It’s not easy to secure a reservation since tables are snapped up fast. Yes, this restaurant is that popular. And we managed to get a table! And time to get ready to enjoy the royal treatment.
The service is top notch, with the service staff aka the butlers overseeing everything and attending to everything. Carrying the bags? They will handle it. Pouring tea? They will handle it. The cafe has that lovely English royal charm in the service crew’s etiquette and the interior of the restaurant.
On top of these, there is an air of mystique that makes the experience feel so exclusive. And the food here is delicious. This cafe is a definite must-visit.
Plush sofas with florid patterns on dark green background, heavy velvet dark red curtains layered with translucent curtains, wooden doors with ornate glass panels, lots of blue roses, large English porcelain vases, beautiful huge chandeliers, English teapot sets and wine glasses display, accessories adorned with pearls, motifs of rose and butterfly, the cafe is so meticulously set up to be a ultimate dining hall of the dreams. It is such a treat to immerse myself in this atmosphere.
The items featured in the high tea menu aka Anna Marie are delicious and unique. I’m so impressed. Best high tea on the basis of the food? Yes! Best high tea on the basis of service? Without a doubt!
Marinated Scallops and Mushrooms impresses me with its tastiness. The briny sweetness of scallops works so well together with the earthy taste of mushrooms.
Prosciutto and Mashed Potato Bruschetta surprises me by how good it tastes. Prosciutto ham has a lace of nutty aroma, soft taste profile with light taste of meat, going perfectly with the mashed potato and crunchiness of the bruschetta.
Salmon Shrimp Terrine is surprisingly good since I usually don’t think good of Salmon dishes due to the strong taste. The salmon is quite mellow in taste, tempered by the briny sweetness of shrimp, which actually works wonders.
Scorns here are softer, more moist, more buttery than usual scones. I totally love them. Especially Earl Grey scone, which carries the light floral spicy aroma that makes the scone taste even better. Sweet Potato one is nice too. There are unique creams to go with scones, like chestnut cream cheese that I opt for. It’s so good, exploring a different taste profile. I also go for the classic clotted cream since I miss this cream so much.
Sangria Jelly is soft and very refreshing, with a slight hint of alcohol. Nice! Perfect to have after the buttery rich scone
Since chocolate and blackcurrant are heavier in taste on their own, I’m pleasantly surprised by how light and well-balanced Chocolate Blackcurrant Mousse.
Parmesan and Basil Sable that tastes so unique and awesome, full of savoury goodness and pungency of herbs. Goes perfectly with the Rosé wine.
T2 sherbet is made right on spot by pouring in liquid nitrogen to freeze the fresh Kogyoku Apple Juice to make sorbet. Lots of mist flows out of the mixing bowl, drawing the “wow” from us. It is a treat for the eyes and the mouth since the apple sherbet is natural and delicious.
Thoughts: Amazing Experience
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−12−12 正和ビル B1F
