If there’s one thing that Sarasota does right, it’s bringing coastal vibes to life. And when I heard that Pura Vida—Miami’s beloved brunch spot—opened a location in Sarasota, I knew I had to check it out. Who could resist a beachy, aesthetic place serving up fresh food and good vibes? (Spoiler: Not me!)
The Vibe:
Walking into Pura Vida, I immediately felt like I’d been transported to a tropical oasis. With its light, airy decor, a coastal vibe that’s so Sarasota, and plenty of aesthetic photo opps (hello, Instagram!), this place knows how to capture the relaxed, beach-town energy. The staff? Super friendly, like they genuinely wanted you to have a good time—and trust me, I was there for it.
Now, let’s dive into the food and drinks because that’s what you’re really here for, right?
The Order Rundown:
Iced Banana Latte: 10/10
Okay, this was the MVP of the day. I didn’t even know I needed banana in my coffee until this moment. Sweet, refreshing, and just the right amount of “banana-y” (yes, that’s a word now). Every sip was pure bliss, and I’m already dreaming of my next one.
Beef Empanada: 10/10
Crispy, flavorful, and packed with tender beef that tasted like it had been slow-cooked by an empanada whisperer. I could eat these daily and never get bored.
Chicken Empanada: 10/10
If the beef empanada was a home run, the chicken was a grand slam. Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and just… wow. I was genuinely impressed by how much flavor they managed to pack into these tiny pastry pockets.
Side of Tzatziki Sauce: 100/10
Yes, you read that right. This tzatziki sauce is what dreams are made of. I’d put this on everything if I could. I don’t know what kind of sorcery they used, but it took the empanadas to a whole new level.
Perfect Egg Sandwich: 8/10
Solid sandwich, for sure. It was well-made with fresh ingredients, and the egg was perfectly cooked. However, in a world where banana lattes and empanadas are blowing my mind, this sandwich was more of a sidekick than the star of the show.
Veggie Omelet: 7/10
The veggie omelet was good, but it didn’t have that “wow” factor the other items did. This was definitely something I could have made at home. The veggies were fresh, and it was cooked well, but I’m probably going to stick to their heartier options next time. Solid, just not as memorable.
The Verdict:
Was it a little pricey? Yeah. But for the overall experience—gorgeous coastal vibes, incredibly nice staff, and food that was mostly chef’s kiss—it was totally worth it. Plus, that iced banana latte and tzatziki alone are enough to make me a repeat customer. If you’re ever in Sarasota, swing by Pura Vida for a brunch that’ll make you feel like you’re on a mini tropical getaway.
Happy brunching!