A Passion Born
By the Coast
Costa Vida began with a simple belief: that fresh, vibrant food inspired by coastal culture could bring people together in a meaningful way. Our founders, raised along the sun-drenched coastlines of the American West, wanted to recreate those flavors — the tangy ceviche, the wood-fired fish tacos, the zesty marinades — and share them with the heartland of the United States.
From a single location in Midvale, Utah, we grew into a beloved dining destination built on the pillars of quality, community, and culinary creativity. Every ingredient is sourced with care, every recipe refined through years of passion and expertise. Costavida is not just a restaurant — it is a coastal experience delivered fresh to your table.
- All proteins and produce sourced from regional, trusted suppliers
- Recipes crafted in-house by our culinary team — no shortcuts
- Committed to sustainable, environmentally responsible practices
- Deep roots in the local community through events and partnerships
Our Mission & Core Values
At Costa Vida, our mission is to deliver an honest, soulful dining experience — where every meal tells a story of craft, care, and coastal inspiration.
Freshness First
We source only the finest, freshest ingredients. No preservatives, no compromises — just real, honest food from farm to table.
Made with Heart
Every dish is crafted by people who love what they do. That passion is an ingredient in every recipe we serve.
Community Rooted
We give back to the communities that give us purpose — supporting local farms, charities, and neighborhood events year-round.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to zero-waste kitchen practices, we take our responsibility to the planet seriously every single day.
The Costavida Journey
The costavida story is one of growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to bringing fresh coastal cuisine to every table in the United States.
The First Location Opens
Costa Vida opens its doors in Midvale, Utah. A small kitchen, a passionate team, and a menu inspired by the Pacific coastline. Guests lined up on opening day and never stopped coming back.
Farm Partnerships Established
We formalized sourcing agreements with five regional farms, ensuring our ingredients would always be seasonal, traceable, and as fresh as the coast itself.
Catering & Events Launch
Growing demand led us to launch a full catering division, bringing Costa Vida's bold coastal flavors to weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings across Utah.
Online Ordering Platform
We launched our digital ordering experience, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy fresh Costa Vida meals at home, at the office, or anywhere they gather.
Sustainability Initiative
Costa Vida committed to fully compostable packaging, reduced food waste by 40%, and partnered with local composting programs — reflecting our care for the planet and future generations.
Expanding Across the U.S.
Now serving customers across multiple states, Costa Vida continues to grow — carrying the same founding spirit of freshness, community, and coastal inspiration to new cities nationwide.
Meet Our Team
Every great meal starts with great people. Our team brings diverse backgrounds and a shared love of food to everything Costa Vida creates.
Marcus Rivera
Executive Chef
With 18 years of culinary experience from coastal California to the heart of Utah, Marcus brings the soul of the ocean to every dish he crafts at Costa Vida.
Sofia Mendez
Co-Founder & Operations
Sofia co-founded Costa Vida with a vision of bringing coastal warmth to Utah's dining scene. Her leadership ensures every location delivers an exceptional experience.
James Okafor
Head Sous Chef
James trained in New Orleans and San Diego before joining Costa Vida, bringing a masterful technique and a flair for blending coastal flavors with bold, global influences.
Layla Chen
Pastry Chef
Layla creates the sweet chapter of every Costa Vida meal — from light citrus tarts to indulgent churro desserts — each one crafted with the precision of an artist and the warmth of a friend.
Values That Guide
Every Decision
From the ingredients we choose to the way we treat our team, our values are the compass that keeps Costa Vida true to its founding promise.
Integrity
We are honest about what goes into our food, how we source it, and how we treat the people who make it possible — guests, staff, and farmers alike.
Innovation
Our menu evolves with the seasons and with culinary trends, always rooted in freshness but never afraid to experiment with bold new ideas.
Inclusivity
The coast belongs to everyone. Our menu welcomes all dietary preferences — from gluten-free to vegan — because great food should be for everyone.
Excellence
We set high standards and hold ourselves to them — in flavor, in presentation, in service, and in every interaction our guests have with Costa Vida.
