The Wait Is Over: Chérie Is Set To Open May 21 In Portland, Maine

Chérie, Portland’s newest neighborhood bistro and café, is officially opening its doors on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant, led by chefs Melody Medina and Quinn Williams, is taking over the former Quanto Basta space at 249 Congress Street.

After building anticipation through several pop-up events around the city, Medina and Williams are now ready to welcome guests into their own restaurant and introduce Portland diners to Chérie’s seasonal approach to French and American-inspired cooking.

Guests can expect freshly baked breads and pastries alongside classic dishes including steak frites, roast chicken, whole fish, and pâtés. During previous Chérie pop-up events, the team impressed diners with standout dishes such as grilled lamb chops with cranberry beans and tomato galettes, creating excitement for what’s to come on the restaurant’s full menu.

Chérie will also feature a full bar offering wines, local and imported beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Medina and Williams have chosen to make only small changes to the former Quanto Basta space, preserving much of its familiar layout, including the Fiero Forni oven.

Dinner service is planned for Thursday through Monday, with hopes of expanding into lunch service and weekend brunch later this summer.

Portland locals can now officially mark their calendars and look forward to a warm, welcoming space focused on thoughtful food, drinks, and neighborhood hospitality.