French bistro Chérie is set to open Thursday on Congress Street in the former Quanto Basta pizzeria space.

Co-owners and chefs Melody Medina and Quinn Williams have put together a streamlined menu of casual bistro classics like steak frites, roast chicken, escargot, beef tartare and leeks vinaigrette. Medina is also baking fresh baguettes daily in the venue’s wood oven.

“We’re keeping as many (ingredients) as local as possible, while still keeping the French feel,” Medina said. She and Williams road-tested the concept for Chérie during a series of pop-ups in Greater Portland starting last August.

The couple met while working at acclaimed Manhattan French bistro Frenchette. Medina helped launch Frenchette’s bread program, and Williams helped open its sister restaurant, Le Rock. 

Chérie has a full bar program, with cocktails, a French-leaning wine list and beer. Medina and Williams have kept the interior layout mostly the same at the space at 249 Congress St., which seats about 20, with another 25 seats on the back patio. They changed upholstery on the benches, painted trim and added kitchen tile and wall art.

“It kind of looks like a small bistro in Paris,” Williams said.

Chérie will be open Thursday through Monday from 5-10 p.m. The owners plan to launch lunch and brunch services later in the summer.