CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – If you’re looking for authentic, traditional Italian cuisine but don’t have time for a trip to Italy, Casa D’Italia in Clarksville has got you covered.

The new restaurant is now open at 1345 Fort Campbell Blvd., offering fresh Italian dishes. They have several lunch and dinner options along with appetizers, desserts and sides.

Getting started

The restaurant opened on Christmas Day, which was a big success, according to owner and new Clarksville resident Buki Murati.

Murati, 26, was born in Yugoslavia but has also lived in Croatia and Albania. Murati came to America in 2017 working in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at hotels and kitchens. He later moved to New York, where he worked as a bartender in Little Italy and had the chance to sample Italian foods.

“I stayed in New York for about four years. I went to college there to work as a bartender. In the meantime, on the weekends, I worked behind the kitchen, where I learned all the recipes.”

Murati and his partners later left Little Italy to open a restaurant, Luigi’s, in Madison, Alabama. About two months ago, they began setting up shop in Clarksville at the old Sakura Japanese Steakhouse building.

“It’s been amazing. I’ve been here a month and a half. It’s just been a great experience,” Murati said. “I love it here.”

After an extensive remodel, the restaurant is now open for business with a variety of made-from-scratch dishes.

Choosing Clarksville

Murati said he chose Clarksville for two reasons: one being that the city had no local traditional Italian restaurant, and the other being that Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell.

He explained that those who have been stationed in Europe previously seem to have a longing for Italian food and that Casa D’Italia is here to satisfy that appetite. The restaurant offers a 5% discount to military personnel and veterans.

When asked what the most popular items were on the menu so far, Murati said there are two that have been ordered the most over the last week.

“Because of the design and how it tastes, and how it’s made fresh, I would go for lasagna and chicken parmesan. These two items are the most sellers,” he said.

Casa D’Italia is working on getting their liquor license so they can set up their bar. The bar will serve as a waiting area, where guests can order drinks while they await their table on busy nights. Additionally, the bar will be stocked with wines made in Italy to top off the cultural experience.

Casa D’Italia offers dine-in and carryout and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about Casa D’Italia, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.