Pura Vida Creative Kitchen — Restaurant in Isabela

From the moment we walked in we were greeted with a smile by the bartender and server. The owner who is the chef was on site and we were lucky enough to get his personal recommendations on menu items!

We ordered:

spinach and cheese empanadas (creamy and rich) with a pico de gallo salsa (they came with 4 per order and are smaller than your average empanada 2-3 bites each, so order more for a bigger group)

Ceviche (fresh shrimp and good lime without being overly acidic) served with light and crispy seasoned chips (Costa Rican - approved)!

The special - jerk chicken (my mouth is watering just thinking about it) served with jasmine rice, tostones and salad, has an excellent smooth coconut sauce. And if you ask for hot sauce - take it easy - that is fire (spicy AND good)!

The salmon was mind-blowing: perfectly cooked and with a glaze that had the perfect mix of Smokey sweetness with an after-kick spice that sits at the back of your palate. It was served with mango salsa and jasmine rice. I usually never order salmon, and the chef nailed this with the recommendation!

Lastly, have you ever had cornbread for DESSERT?! Chef created an exceptional ending to the night with caramel glazed cornbread (without the grit of typical cornbread) topped with vanilla icecream and berries.

Sangria, a watermelon margarita, and - of course - cold medallas rounded out the meal. Could not be happier with our restaurant choice! Do not skip Pura Vida on your visit...

From the moment I stepped into this Costa Rican gem nestled in Puerto Rico, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance exudes warmth and authenticity, setting the stage for a delightful culinary journey. Each dish showcases the richness of Costa Rican flavors, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that tantalize the taste buds.

But what truly sets this restaurant apart is the exceptional service provided by Erica. Her coconut mojito is nothing short of divine, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, with a refreshing hint of coconut that transports you to paradise with every sip.

And let's not forget the corn bread dessert – a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Moist, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, it's the perfect ending to a memorable meal.

But what truly impresses me is the fairness of their prices. Despite the exceptional quality of the food and service, dining here won't break the bank. It's a rare find indeed – a culinary gem where you can indulge in gourmet delights without worrying about your wallet.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Puerto Rico craving authentic Costa Rican cuisine, look no further than this hidden treasure. With amazing food, fresh ingredients, fair prices, and the best coconut mojito crafted by Erica, it's an experience you won't...

Erika and the rest of the staff are absolutely wonderful. We called in advance to see if they used vegetable oils (Canola, soy, etc), which are known to be very bad for your health. Erika talked to us on the phone and was very honest about how they could modify their cooking to use olive oil or butter. She clearly explained what dishes had vegetable oils and which ones did not. We decided to give them a chance and went there. The food was delicious and the drinks (lemonade with ginger and a Parcha Mojito) were also delicious. We ate a few different dishes because we were very hungry. We have gone to all kinds of very upscale restaurants around the world and Erika’s professionalism, the absolutely yummy food and her unwavering commitment to giving us the best food, drinks and experience really made our day! We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant and we...