Another Land truly is its own little world, a specialty coffee shop secreted away above a strip mall of fast food joints.

Previously vacant, the space has been completely renovated with a DIY/shabby chic aesthetic. 

Apparently, three central colours of pink, grey and blue represent dreams, land and sky respectively. A small balcony overlooks the street.

As soon as you scale the stairs leading to the cafe, you're greeted by an impressive SanRemo espresso machine outfitted in leather.

Rotating coffee providers are always local; offerings during my visit are obtained from Monogram. 

Monogram's Guatemalan San Pedro Necta is the default espresso on deck while I'm here, and all dairy-based beverages like lattes ($4) use Organic Meadow 3.8 per cent organic whole milk, as it's very light and not overwhelmingly sweet.

Mochas ($5) are made by mixing a chocolate sauce made using Soul Chocolate's 66 per cent Dominican powder with steamed milk, and combining that with espresso.

The combination of toasty artisanal coffee and acidic local chocolate puts other mochas to shame.

Smoked salmon toast ($8.50) has a base of Blackbird white sourdough with a crispy crust and tangy, almost moist centre, topped with cream cheese, radish, cucumber, nicely furled smoked salmon, Maldon salt, black pepper and balsamic.

Pour over is actually market price as Another Land likes to offer up whatever they can get their hands on, rare varietals that people bring them from all over the world like a Geisha Village coffee from Ethiopia.

With a floral taste and notes of citrus and earthiness, pour over is brewed in a Chemex and served in adorable cups obtained from thrift stores and antique fairs, just like much of the furniture.

A flower honey ricotta toast tops Blackbird brioche with ricotta and honey infused with osmanthus for a subtly floral and citrusy flavour.

Jam and butter toasts ($3.50) see organic unsalted butter spread over brioche and topped with jams that are often from Kitten and The Bear, though I try a fragrant rose jam from a farm in China.

Almond butter banana toast ($4) is topped with almond butter, sliced banana, the same Dominican chocolate sauce used in the mocha, and Maldon salt that brings everything together.

Avocado toast ($6.50) subs in pesto and avocado for salmon and cream cheese with all other elements the same, and I like how the herby sauce combines with the creamy avocado.

They also serve special organic black teas from China that are aromatic and roasty in Chinese "sharing cups."

If you're less into caffeine, try a healthy signature chamomile and chrysanthemum tea.

Apparently the name is a reference to the Rolling Stones song "In Another Land."