New York Tomato is one of my long time loves. I used to be lucky enough to live in the building that houses this wonderful cafe and both my tummy and I had never been so fulfilled.

Two adjacent carports turned one large courtyard make up the majority of New York Tomato. Pot plants nestle around the tables and chairs, which look out to the surprisingly sleepy York Street. It's hard to believe that notoriously busy Punt Road is only metres away.

New York Tomato prides itself on its fresh food and there is even a herb garden growing in a large pot plant next to the customers. You can smell the mint, thyme and Vietnamese mint- a reminder of the close proximity to Melbourne's Little Vietnam on Victoria Street.

Fresh ingredients are whipped into dishes like polenta and mushrooms with a parmesan glaze, poached eggs, herb salad and paprika oil, or free range eggs baked in Napoli sauce with split green olives, fetta, roasted red peppers, chilli, dukkah and toast. 

It's not just the convenient street corner that makes New York Tomato's name so fitting but also its aesthetic, reminiscent of a New York style loft or converted warehouse. It's places like this that make urban living so worthwhile.