Passion for Fresh Food
From a single kitchen dream to a beloved community restaurant — Costa Vida was built on the belief that great food brings people together.
Who We Are
A Kitchen Born From
Love & Flavor
Costa Vida began with a simple conviction: food should be honest, vibrant, and made with soul. Founded in Salt Lake City, our journey started in a small kitchen where every recipe was crafted by hand, every ingredient sourced with intention, and every dish served with pride.
What started as a neighborhood gathering spot quickly grew into a community institution. Today, Costa Vida stands as a testament to the power of real cooking — no shortcuts, no compromises, just fresh food that feeds both body and spirit.
- Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in every dish
- Recipes passed down and perfected over a decade
- A welcoming space for every guest, every occasion
- Committed to sustainability and reducing food waste
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Values
Every decision we make is guided by these principles — from the farmers we partner with to the way we welcome every guest who walks through our doors.
Fresh First
We never compromise on freshness. Every ingredient is carefully selected and prepared daily to deliver the best possible flavor and nutrition.
Community Love
Costa Vida exists because of our community. We give back through local partnerships, charitable events, and by creating jobs that matter.
Excellence Always
From kitchen prep to your table, every step meets our highest standards. We believe excellence isn't an event — it's a daily practice.
Sustainability
We protect what we love. Our sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and waste reduction initiatives reflect our responsibility to the planet.
How We Got Here
Our Journey Through the Years
The First Kitchen
Costa Vida opens its first small restaurant in Salt Lake City with just 8 tables, a devoted team of five, and a hand-written menu that changed daily.
Community Recognition
Voted "Best New Restaurant" by Salt Lake City food critics. Our signature burrito bowl and fresh salsa became local favorites, drawing guests from across the state.
Catering & Events Launch
We expanded beyond our dining room to bring Costa Vida's flavors to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations throughout Utah and beyond.
Resilience & Innovation
Navigating challenging times, we launched our online ordering system and contactless delivery — ensuring our community stayed nourished and connected.
Sustainable Kitchen Initiative
We partnered with local farms, switched to 100% compostable packaging, and launched our zero food-waste program — reducing our environmental footprint by 40%.
The Next Chapter
Now stronger than ever, Costa Vida continues to grow with an expanded menu, a new loyalty program, and deeper roots in the communities we love to serve.
The People Behind the Plate
Meet Our Team
Our team is the heart of Costa Vida. Each member brings unique expertise, genuine passion, and an unwavering commitment to your experience.
Marco Rivera
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
With 18 years of culinary experience across Latin America and the Southwest, Marco brings bold, authentic flavors to every dish he creates at Costa Vida.
Sofia Delgado
Operations Director & Co-Founder
Sofia's organizational brilliance and warm leadership style keep Costa Vida running seamlessly — from supply chain to the smiles at the front of house.
James Nakamura
Head Pastry Chef
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, James crafts Costa Vida's beloved desserts — each one a delicate balance of tradition and creativity.
Amara Johnson
Guest Experience Manager
Amara ensures every visitor feels like family. Her passion for hospitality transforms a meal into a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back.
What Guests Say
Stories from Our Table
"Costa Vida has been my family's go-to for years. The freshness and care in every dish is unlike anything else in Salt Lake City. Truly a community treasure."
Rachel M.
Salt Lake City Local
"The catering team made our company event unforgettable. Professional, punctual, and absolutely delicious. Every single guest was raving about the food."
David K.
Corporate Client
"I've tried restaurants all over the country and Costa Vida holds its own against the very best. Chef Marco's passion comes through in every single bite."
Lena P.
Food Enthusiast