It’s been less than a year since Chouette debuted Downtown, and it’s already making an impressive reputation for itself.
Located at the corner of Gay and High streets, Chouette was recently granted the World’s French Restaurant certification by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs. The French bistro opened its doors at 66 N. High St. in August of 2024.
“This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of the entire Chouette team, and we are incredibly proud of this achievement,” Culinary Director at Makeready, Chef Jacques Sorci, said in a press release.
The certification was created in 2020 to recognize French restaurants across the world that uphold high standards through quality food and service. Chouette is currently the only restaurant in the United States to receive the certification. There are only 21 other restaurants across four continents that hold the award.
“Winning this award showcases Chouette’s commitment to French cuisine and how we are contributing to the elevation of Columbus’s dining scene,” Sorci said.
Part of the certification process required the Chouette team to undergo an independent audit and a live-streamed kitchen and dinner service that was observed remotely by the World’s French Restaurant panel. During the service, the Chouette team answered real-time questions from the panel.
Chouette is a product of the hospitality company Makeready, which also owns Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar located across the street at 6 W. Gay St. CEO of Edwards Companies, Jeff Edwards, got the idea for Chouette from his own time traveling around France and decided to team up with Makeready to bring the idea to life.
“Chouette was born out of a desire to bring an authentic and accessible French bistro to the Columbus market, so receiving such a notable accomplishment after less than a year of operations underlines the immense hard work, quality and pride Chef Sorci and his team pour into the restaurant every single day,” Edwards said in a press release.
Chouette is located at 66 N. High St. and is open Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 – 10 p.m.
For more information, visit chouetterestaurant.com.