Pura Vida Miami — Restaurant in Kendall

Pura Vida has some truly puzzling policies. I’ve been a regular at this location since it opened, visiting about once a week, and nearly every time, I discover yet another arbitrary rule.

For instance, if you want a bagel but can’t eat cream cheese, you’re out of luck—they won’t offer butter because, according to them, they simply don’t have any. Today, I encountered another baffling rule: if you order a plain croissant to go, they’ll only provide it in an open paper bag that covers just half of it, leaving the other half completely exposed. When I asked for a small box (which I always receive when ordering an almond croissant), Dani informed me that boxes are reserved exclusively for almond croissants and raspberry tarts. So, if you order a plain croissant, you have no choice but to accept the half-wrapped bag. When I questioned this inconsistency, Dani insisted on arguing instead of offering a reasonable explanation.

What kind of policy is this? Are they cutting costs to absurd levels, or do they just enjoy enforcing nonsensical rules? On top of that, they refuse to accept cash yet impose a mandatory 5% service fee.

This place operates in the strangest way, seemingly prioritizing arbitrary restrictions over customer satisfaction—even for loyal patrons. It’s clear they’re more focused on saving pennies than respecting...

During my visit to Pura Vida at Dadeland Mall, I had the pleasure of interacting with Jorge, a standout staff member who truly enhanced my experience. The café itself is cozy and inviting, perfect for a quick coffee or a relaxed bite.

I ordered a dirty chai, which was absolutely fantastic, and while the pastries on display looked incredible, I was too full from an earlier meal to try them—though I definitely wished I had room!

What made my visit even more special was Jorge’s exceptional attention to detail and thoughtfulness. He noticed my curious expression when he mentioned pistachio milk and, without me saying a word, kindly offered me a sample. It was such a thoughtful gesture that really showed how attentive he is to customers.

Jorge’s warm personality, patience, and genuine care made the experience unforgettable. I’ll absolutely be returning to Pura Vida and recommending it to friends—not just for the great food and drinks, but for the outstanding service from amazing...

I came to Pura Vida because I value healthy eating, and out of all the restaurants in this mall, it seemed like the perfect choice. But what happened next completely ruined my experience. I was with a few friends who grabbed food from another restaurant and joined me at my table. While I was peacefully eating my meal, which I paid for, a staff member—possibly the manager—approached us. What he did left me completely shocked.

He asked us to leave. Yes, you read that right—he asked us to leave because my friends’ food wasn’t from Pura Vida. He even had the audacity to offer to pack up my food so that I could eat it somewhere else with my friends. Imagine being told to leave a place where you’ve already paid for your food, simply because others at your table made a different dining choice.

This was beyond rude—it was humiliating. As a paying customer, I felt disrespected and unwelcome. Is this really how Pura Vida treats its patrons?...