As college students everywhere escape to Miami for vacation, it seems as though Pura Vida has become everyone’s favorite wellness-based cafe. To try this yummy hotspot, choose from one of ten locations sprinkled throughout South Florida. Pura Vida’s expansive menu includes a range of vegan dishes, fresh-squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, canned kombucha, free-range egg sandwiches, fresh bagels, smoothies, wraps, and acai bowls. During spring break, I went to Pura Vida so many times that it's safe to say that I’ve tried almost everything on the menu. Keep reading to find out my Pura Vida must-haves.
1. Breakfast: The Avocado Smash and Almond Berry Toast
The Avocado Smash is the perfect breakfast, serving up mashed avocado on toasted multigrain sourdough seasoned with fresh lemon juice, radish, and red pepper flakes. To step up your classic avocado toast, add smoked wild salmon or eggs.
For all of you toast lovers who are not fans of avocado, indulge in the almond berry toast: all-natural almond butter, strawberries, blueberries, and chia seeds served on toasted gluten-free bread, drizzled with honey and cinnamon. I promise you will not be disappointed!
2. Sandwiches/Wraps: Pesto Chicken Sandwich and Sobe Salmon Wrap
You’ll discover your new go-to lunch order once you try the Pesto Chicken sandwich. This savory sandwich comes with free-range grilled chicken, arugula, tomato, and goat cheese served on toasted sourdough – finished off with rich drizzles of balsamic glaze and pesto.
My all time favorite wrap is the Sobe Salmon. Inside you'll find avocado smash, quinoa, mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and oven-roasted salmon. Topped with scallions and sesame seeds, and served with soy ginger dressing, it’s the perfect combo of sweet and savory – and even includes a lean protein and lots of veggies.
3. Salads: Ahi Asian and Jen's Herb
Pura Vida has, undoubtedly, the tastiest and freshest salads in Miami. After careful deliberation, I’ve decided that my go-to order is the Ahi Asian salad. Join me in ordering this hearty salad, which includes wild ahi tuna, green cabbage, kale, cucumber, scallion, micro cilantro, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds served with a spicy soy ginger dressing.
For a lighter option, order the Jen’s Herb salad. The Jen’s Herb salad contains arugula, kale, mint, Italian parsley, cilantro, organic quinoa, spiced walnuts, crumbled feta, and scallions, topped with an apple cider vinaigrette. It truly covers all the green bases!
4. Bowls: Vegan Lentil and Spicy Tuna
Pura Vida has perfected their bowls, combining a variety of fresh and nutritious ingredients with local proteins. The Vegan Lentil is a dreamy bowl filled with the best of the best: a lentil-based protein, arugula, quinoa, avocado, radish, cabbage, carrot, and sunflower seeds served with vegan, gluten-free green tahini. You can also never go wrong with the Spicy Tuna bowl which is served as wild seared ahi tuna, cilantro rice, avocado, cucumber, radish, cilantro, scallions, sesame seeds, soy ginger, and spicy aioli. Either of these will leave you feeling good about your choice – and totally satisfied.
5. Smoothies: Mocha Smoothie and Welcome to Miami
You can't visit a Pura Vida without trying one of their iconic smoothies. My favorite smoothie is the Miami Mocha; it’s the perfect blend of espresso, banana, almond butter, cacao, date, almond milk, and organic grass fed vanilla protein. For a more refreshing, fruity take, try the Welcome to Miami smoothie. Welcome to Miami includes passion fruit, mango, banana, and honey. While these are my top two orders, all of their smoothies hit the mark and will definitely fulfill your smoothie craving.
With its healthy and delicious menu, friendly service, and inviting space – featuring natural tones and oversized wooden tables to accommodate big groups – Pura Vida has climbed to the top of the charts! Try ordering online to save time and avoid the line. I hope you enjoy these menu suggestions the next time you head over to Miami’s newest go-to wellness restaurant. I have no doubt that whatever you order will leave you craving more!