Third Wave Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that hopes to be as ethical as possible while serving great coffee. From the beans they buy, to the compostable packaging they use, every detail has been well thought out.

Located just a short walk from St. Lawrence Market, the cafe's housed in a lofty space with high windows that fill it with lots of natural light.

Owner Imad Al Safi decided to open up his own coffee shop after failing to find one he liked when he moved here from the UAE. While he comes from an engineering background, his passion for coffee has ushered in a new chapter in his life. 

Al Safi hopes to do his part in being a socially responsible consumer and provider of coffee by inspiring others to adapt the same mindset during their visits. 

"We should be adopting change, no matter how small, because to drink coffee ethically is the future of coffee," he explains. 

While there are tables perfect for doing some work, you won't be able to find any outlets or WiFi here because Al Safi insists on keeping the focus on coffee. 

"Our whole team geeks out on coffee. We want to provide an exceptional experience to those who also appreciate coffee as much as we do." 

But the most interesting detail about this space is that you won't see any espresso machines. In order to remove any barriers between the customer and baristas, Al Safi has placed them underneath the counter.

Shots are pulled through a hydraulic pipe system, bringing the water up to be trickled out from sleek silver taps. The steamer also has its own separate pull.

Fair-trade single-origin beans are sourced from Columbia, Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatamala, Mexico, and Yemen. You'll even be able to find Geisha coffee from the esteemed Hacienda La Esmeralda plantation.

Al Safi insists on only using Sheldon Creek's non-homogenized milk and magnesium-boosted demineralized water for the best taste. Lattes come in two sizes: 12 0z. ($5.75) or 16 oz. ($6.25). You can find all the staple espresso-based drinks here, too.
However, I truly feel the simple espresso ($4.25) is where Third Wave shines. Exceptionally pulled, you'll get a lovely crema on top while trying some great beans that have been locally micro-roasted. 

It comes served on walnut wood off-cuts left over from the crafting process of the bench that runs along the windows. Indents have been carved to perfectly fit your drink, water, and a spoon.If you prefer cold brew ($6.50), it comes out of a nifty tap.

Most drinks are available iced, with plant-based milk, vanilla syrup, or decaf options.

If you're not a caffeine drinker, you can enjoy a "comfort" menu item that has Middle Eastern influences from Al Safi's memories.  

The Orange Blossom Pistachio Latte ($5.95) is strained before serving for the smoothest of sips.

The Espresso Lemonade ($6.95) is a seasonal offering meant to evoke the bittersweet notes of a gin and tonic.

The Blue Matcha is a sparkling drink with a stunning house-made purple and pink concentrate.

All the pastries are from Noctua and Geste — and this pistachio rose croissant paired with the pistachio latte well. 

In the warmer months, you can also find cold brew-based affogatos — we tried it with a house-made vanilla lavender ice cream.

Perfect for home coffee lovers, you can also buy the beans you like in store.

Third Wave Coffee is located at 42 Church St.