French bistro Chouette coming to Downtown this summer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A French bistro is coming soon to Downtown Columbus, and it will set up shop at the corner of Gay and High streets.

Chouette will serve classic French cuisine all day in the heart of Downtown. The new restaurant from Makeready will be located at 66 N. High St.

The bistro is committed to having wide open doors to everyone, creating an atmosphere where customers are "embraced like old friends," according to Makeready. Chouette's menu will feature classic and favorite dishes, which Makeready said will celebrate the essence of and serve as an ode to the allure of French cuisine.

Dining at Chouette will begin with freshly baked bread, made in-house. The restaurant's bread will follow what they called a cherished tradition, with a "warm bread and butter ritual." Signature churned butter and warm slices of bread will make every moment a celebration of flavor and the joy of good company, according to Makeready.

In addition to its French cuisine and freshly baked bread, Chouette will offer a wine menu featuring mainly French wines, and a cocktail menu with French-inspired drinks.

According to Makeready, the restaurant's name translates to "owl" in French but is also used in casual conversation to mean "cool" or "nice." They said the name evokes age-old wisdom and boundless creativity found in France's cuisine.

Chouette will open in late summer 2024.