By Graham Sweeney
While local chef Michele D’Oto is already known for his mastery of Italian cuisine, his newest restaurant offers a much more broad taste of Europe.
Café Europe, D’Oto’s third restaurant, opened last month next to Dillard’s and Collierville Taekwondo in Carriage Crossing.
A French, Italian and Spanish-inspired restaurant, it occupies 3,482 square feet, with seating for 70 guests indoors and additional outdoor patio seating.
The menu features a variety of options, such as gnocchi, paella, beef carpaccio and fish ceviche, as well as cheese and dessert carts.
Known for restaurants like Pasta Italia and The Pasta Maker, which were previously located in Cordova and Germantown, respectively, D’Oto crafted the new menu based on his life in Europe.
“I was born and raised in Italy,” D’Oto said. “I’m actually bringing all those dishes I learned and ate in the different countries of Europe.”
Those countries include Spain, France, England and, of course, Italy.
“The purpose of this is that it feels like home,” he continued. “Some of the dishes that I’m bringing here are dishes that my mom made. Our vision is to provide a fusion of authentic French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. We hope to create a unique dining experience.”
Since he was 14, D’Oto has worked and trained in various restaurants across Europe.
In 2006, D’Oto moved to Collierville when his Biloxi, Miss. home was hit by Hurricane Katrina. He quickly got involved in the Mid-South restaurant scene and owned and operated Pasta Italia and then The Pasta Maker until 2018, garnering praise for his “authentic Italian dishes.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Michele and his team,” said Greg Slowiak, general manager of The Shops at Carriage Crossing. “He is bringing a truly authentic experience to Collierville, and we’re excited visitors will get to enjoy it at Carriage Crossing.”
Café Europe, which opened on July 17, will host Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner hours are Monday to Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5-9:30 p.m.
The Shops at Carriage Crossing features a mix of national retailers, select local merchants, specialty restaurants and 128-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel.
Carriage Crossing is accessible from all major thoroughfares, located at Highway 385 and Houston Levee Road, just two miles south of Poplar Ave. and provides store-front parking in an open-air setting.
For more information about Carriage Crossing, visit ShopCarriageCrossing.com or facebook.com/shopcarriagecrossing.
