In the heart of Pleasantville, Butter & Brie has quickly become one of Westchester’s most talked-about dining destinations. A warm, stylish gathering place where French and American cuisine come together in a way that feels both elevated and approachable.
At the center of it all is owner and operator Danielle and Henri Nasto, whose passion for hospitality, family, and community is woven into every detail of the restaurant. Alongside her husband, owner of Le Provencal in Mamaroneck, they envisioned creating a second concept that felt modern, relaxed, and welcoming while still carrying the soul of classic French dining.
“We wanted a place people could come to every week,” Danielle shares. “Somewhere contemporary, comfortable, and full of energy.”
That vision became Butter & Brie, a chic French-American café and restaurant where guests enjoy everything from leisurely brunches and cocktails to beautifully curated charcuterie boards and refined dinner plates. The atmosphere feels effortless yet polished, creating what Danielle lovingly describes as a “day-cation” experience.
Danielle’s culinary roots come from years in fine dining and hospitality throughout Manhattan and Westchester. After managing restaurants and helping grow successful concepts, she and her husband knew they wanted to create something that reflected both classic French influence and the lighter, fresher flavors people crave today.
The menu perfectly captures that balance. French-inspired staples meet seasonal American creativity, with dishes that feel comforting without being overly heavy. Guests have quickly fallen in love with favorites like the Croque Monsieur topped with a poached egg, the Prime Hanger Steak with house-made au poivre sauce, and the Spring Green Tartine layered with ricotta, asparagus, mint, and honey – alongside floral B&B martinis and overflowing charcuterie boards Danielle admits she could never live without. The Heritage Bacon appetizer has also become a standout favorite among guests. It is a thick-cut, locally sourced, and perfectly balanced between smoky, savory, and indulgent. Served with the elevated touch Butter & Brie has become known for, it’s the kind of dish that instantly turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Freshness remains at the center of Danielle’s philosophy. She speaks passionately about sourcing quality ingredients, from vibrant summer tomatoes and baby lettuces to local cheeses discovered through nearby farmers markets, including Letterbox Farm.
“The fresher the ingredients, the more they speak for themselves,” Danielle says.
Beyond the food, what truly makes Butter & Brie special is the sense of connection inside its walls. Danielle says one of the biggest surprises has been the overwhelming support from the Pleasantville community – especially from fellow women business owners and local families who continue to champion the restaurant.
“There’s such a strong sense of community here,” she says. “Guests become friends, and friends become family.” That feeling is intentional. Danielle wants every guest, women gathering for brunch, couples enjoying cocktails, families sharing dinner, or friends lingering over charcuterie boards to feel like they belong the moment they walk through the doors.
Even behind the scenes, Butter & Brie is deeply personal. Danielle and her husband designed the entire restaurant themselves, creating a space that feels stylish yet inviting. While raising two daughters and recently completing her Master’s Degree in Biostatistics, Danielle somehow continues balancing entrepreneurship, hospitality, and motherhood with grace and determination.
Danielle credits much of her hospitality inspiration to renowned New York restaurateur Danny Meyer, whose philosophy on creating memorable guest experiences helped shape her own approach to restaurant culture. She often reflects on the importance of hospitality feeling genuine, personal, and relationship-driven – same values that are deeply felt throughout Butter & Brie.
And, if Butter & Brie were ever transformed into a movie scene? Danielle laughs that Jennifer Aniston would perfectly fit the vibe – relaxed, timeless, effortlessly cool, and enjoying a glass of wine while soaking in the ambiance.
What motivates Danielle the most, you ask? It is the moments guests walk out smiling, already planning their next visit. “There’s something really beautiful about creating experiences for people,” Danielle says. “When someone leaves happy and says they can’t wait to come back, you know you’ve done your job.”
In many ways, Butter & Brie represents the new wave of Westchester dining – sophisticated but welcoming, trendy yet heartfelt, rooted in French tradition while embracing modern American flavors. It’s not simply a restaurant. It’s a place where people gather, celebrate, connect, and create memories around the table.
This summer, Butter & Brie is your new favorite French-American restaurant!
Butter + Brie
68 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville
914-449-6240
info@butternbrie.com
www.butternbrie.com
IG: butterandbriewestchester