With Pura Vida being on Public Square and walking past numerous times, I've been wanting to try Pura Vida for quite a while, especially with it being highly rated. It was good, but I'm not sure it is high up on my list of restaurants to return to.
The decor is classy and contemporary with good ambience. The ceiling has a neat light installation that slowly changes color. It's subtle and not obnoxious. It's a nice touch.
My partner and I started off with a cup of the African peanut stew and the butternut squash bisque. Both were excellent, but I preferred the peanut stew over the bisque. The butternut squash bisque legit tasted like melted cheese (which you might absolutely love, or absolutely hate).
We then shared the pimento cheese croquettes. These were good, but nothing special. They pair the croquettes with pickled cauliflower.
My partner had the beef tenderloin for his entree and I the roasted Atlantic cod. His dish was definitely better. The tenderloin was served with a smoked onion jam which really gave the tenderloin flavor. The cod was alright, served with a squash risotto. It was very salty, to the point where I couldn't finish it. I didn't really enjoy the squash risotto either.
For dessert, we had a scoop of marshmallow gelato and a dark chocolate cake peanut butter mousse trifle. Both were excellent, but even better when eaten together.