Pura Vida brings Costa Rica's cheery mantra to life through a vitalizing menu of fresh, delicious food. Bright and tropical, the restaurant transports diners to somewhere considerably more beachy than its St. Clair Avenue address.

"I left Costa Rica 20 years ago, but Costa Rica never left me," says Jaime Molina, a born-and-bred Tico who opened Pura Vida with his wife, Yana Balabanova, in March.

As petite as the country that inspired it, Pura Vida is also as verdant, with a profusion of artificial plants bringing the feel of the tropics to the simple space.

Costa Rica's unofficial slogan, pura vida translates to "pure life." It's a saying that captures the essence of what it means to be Tico. "Pura vida is a lifestyle," explains Molina. "Don't worry. Go with the flow."

At Pura Vida restaurant, that carefree attitude permeates the charming room. Here, salsa music sets the tone, service is friendly and fast, servings are generous, and everyone feels at ease.

On the menu, the team offers guests the flavours of a country known for its wholesome diet. "What is Costa Rican food?," says Molina, "It's simple but good quality. It's real food. Lots of fish, rice and beans. It's the healthiest food you can find."

With dishes boasting the building blocks that make meals square — lean proteins, leafy greens, whole grains, and fruit — eating at Pura Vida feels like shoring up on the type of homemade sustenance abuelita herself might have made. 

From gallo pinto (a breakfast dish of seasoned rice and beans so ubiquitous in Costa Rica that even McDonald's sells a version) to tamales, ceviche and more, the menu hits all the must-haves that anyone familiar with Costa Rican food will recognize.

"I want to bring back good memories for people," explains Molina. "People who have been and loved the food, the place, the atmosphere. I want people to feel like they're on vacation."

Even if you've never set foot south of Toronto, Pura Vida's menu is bound to appeal. It's also sizeable, meaning that it's hard to read without something catching your eye.

Tropical Shrimp Paradise ($16.00) is an appropriately coastal spot to start.

Each order includes four fried plantain cups stuffed with a sweet and spicy jumble of salad shrimp and mango, onion, avocado and cilantro. If vacation-mode is the goal, this crisp, crunchy appetizer feels just right.

Pair it with a Watermelon Mint Lemonade ($4.50) for the ultimate in refreshment.

A tasty trio of Shrimp Tacos ($17.75) can be shared — or not.

To make them, the kitchen begins with house-made tortillas. Soft and slightly pudgier than store-bought, their masa flavour is deliciously pronounced. Onto that, the team layers succulent shrimp, cilantro, onion, mango sauce and a tangle of fried sweet potato strips. If each is gone in two mouthfuls, the order promises six bites of bliss.

Also built around fresh seafood, Avocado and Tuna Fiesta ($21.50) is a prettily-portioned tower of tuna tartare encircled by saucer-sized rounds of patacon, or fried green plantain. Listed as a main, this is another dish you'll want on the table for everyone to share.

On a menu that promotes salad at every turn (all mains are served with a side one), the Taste of Summer Salad ($15.90) is a satisfying lunch or dinner order.

Though not strictly Costa Rican, with greens and watermelon, feta, cucumbers, pistachios and lime dressing, it's the type of loaded bowl Toronto diners devour without hesitation.

In a country where lunch is often the main meal of the day, a typical casado is a fortifying combo of rice and beans, protein, salad, sweet plantains and tortillas. Here, dubbed the Pura Vida Special ($19.50), it's made with diners' choice of grilled chicken breast, fish, beef stew, or jackfruit.

Overflowing with goodness, it's a dish that pairs sweet with tart, crunchy with creamy, savoury with the inky earthiness of black beans. A meal that would take hours to prep at home, it's a bargain that'll have you feeling as spry as the centenarians in Costa Rica's blue zone.

Based on a family recipe, Pura Vida Ceviche ($19.50) is a little different to typical Costa Rican ceviche, says Molina.

It's made of large chunks of white fish that are marinated in lime juice, then combined with onion and cilantro. Served with sweet potato, patacones, corn and salad, it's another substantial find.

With sweet and silky Tres Leches ($6.50), Traditional Costa Rican Coffee ($3.75) is an obvious choice. Brewed with the help of a traditional chorreador, imported Café 1820 beans become the type of rich, fragrant brew that's integral to Costa Rican culture.

One of few Costa Rican restaurants in Toronto, Pura Vida offers diners a relatively rare taste of this paradisiacal country. "I have Costa Rica in my heart," says Molina. "I want to express that to other people."

Pura Vida is located at 750 St. Clair Avenue West.