Haute Secrets Boston: Carla Gomes of Terramia, Cobblestone & Antico Forno

Carla Gomes knows what it takes to make a restaurant in Boston stand out. After all, the North End native has been doing just that since she first opened Terramia in 1993 giving Bostonians an authentic taste of Italy.

Since then, she has the beloved restaurant known as Antico Forno to her credit along with the recently opened Cobblestone Cafe on Hanover Street.

We caught up with Gomes recently to find out what she loves most about Boston.

Where were you born?  North End, Boston

How long in Boston?  Most of my life, pretty much

Where do you live now?  Canton, MA

Occupation?  Restaurateur: Owner of Terramia, Antico Forno and Cobblestone

Favorite restaurant  I don’t have a favorite because I like so many…but if I had to choose because I love steak I would choose The Capital Grille

Best Sushi:  Douzo

Best Italian: Terramia

Best dessert:  Bread Pudding

Best place for a romantic date:  Bastille Kitchen

Best Sunday brunch: Ward 8

Best place for a power business meeting:  Antico Forno or Terramia

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Boston Yacht Haven which is right on the Harbor…just beautiful

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Love it all… whether it’s boutique shops in the North End or Charles St. or South End. But my all time favorite is Twilight on Fleet St. North End

Best place to buy Jewelry/Watches:  E.B. Horn

Best Spa:  Mirbeau Inn and Spa at The Pinehills in Plymouth, MA

Favorite Charity Event:  Joslin Diabetes Center High Hopes Gala

Favorite Cultural Event:  North End Feasts…A tradition close to my heart and my upbringing and also watching football on Sundays if you can call that cultural

Favorite Cultural Institution:  Isabella Gardner Stewart

Best Steakhouse: The Capital Grille

Best Pizza:  When I’m not eating it at Antico Forno, I’d say Volturno in Worcester and Keste in New York

Best Gym/Athletic Facility:  Elite Health and Fitness Center in Stoughton, MA

Best Massage:  Bella Sante…the absolute best massage ever

Best Driving Service:  Myself, I love to drive

Best Museum/Exhibit:  Isabella Gardner Stewart

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: I have 2…Fenway Park and Boston Public Library…1st public library with a wealth of knowledge and original artwork

Describe Boston in three words: Three words is difficult….I love everything about Boston, and it being a “Walking City,” but I especially love the people…the way Bostonians band together in good times and bad is the best thing about this city.

All-around favorite locale in Boston, whether a neighborhood, restaurant, venue, or other: North End is definitely my favorite neighborhood

Best Aspect of Boston….The ocean…growing up in the North End and always having the ocean two blocks away. Now since its redevelopment you can walk the “Harbor Walk” on the waterfront which I love to do with my dog.