Pura Vida

What is Pura Vida? Located along the bustling strip of St. Clair Avenue West in Wychwood, Pura Vida brings authentic Costa Rican cooking and laid-back tropical energy to midtown Toronto. Founded by Costa Rican native Jaime Molina and his wife Yana Balabanova, the intimate dining room is styled with verdant hanging greenery, warm lighting, and a focused cocktail bar alongside sidewalk patio seating in the warmer months.

Pura Vida Menu & What to Order Traditional *casados* and hearty plates anchor the menu, highlighted by the Costa Rican *chifrijo* stacked with crisp pork belly chicharrón, seasoned rice, red beans, and avocado over crunchy tortilla chips. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss the citrus-bright mahi-mahi ceviche served with sweet potato mash and golden patacones, or the whole Caribbean branzino casado. Plant-based diners are exceptionally well looked after with house-made jackfruit tacos and vegan ceviche, which pair effortlessly with fresh tropical rum cocktails and imported Latin sodas.

Know Before You Go Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings when live Latin musicians play acoustic sets and the intimate room fills up fast. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and opens for weekend lunch and brunch service from 11:00 a.m. Street parking along St. Clair can be competitive, so taking the 512 St. Clair streetcar straight to the door is your best bet.