Fresh Mexican-inspired food at Costa Vida
Our Story

Where Every Bite Tells
a Story

Rooted in coastal Mexican tradition, Costa Vida brings bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and genuine hospitality to Salt Lake City.

Order Now View Menu
Costa Vida restaurant interior with warm ambiance
15+ Years of Flavor

Our Beginning

Born from a Love of
Coastal Mexican Cuisine

"We set out to bring the soul of coastal Mexico — its colors, its warmth, and its extraordinary food — to the heart of Utah."

Costa Vida was founded with a simple but powerful belief: that everyone deserves access to food that is both delicious and made with integrity. Our founders traveled extensively along Mexico's Pacific coast, studying the techniques, ingredients, and culture that make coastal Mexican cuisine so uniquely vibrant.

Back in Salt Lake City, they turned those experiences into a restaurant where quality is never compromised. Every tortilla is handmade daily, every sauce is crafted from scratch, and every dish is a tribute to the artisans who inspired us.

15+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Guests
40+
Menu Items
Order Now View Menu

Our Guiding Principles

Mission & Core Values

Everything we do flows from a set of values that were instilled from day one — values that guide how we cook, how we serve, and how we grow.

Our Mission

To serve vibrant, scratch-made Mexican-inspired food that nourishes both body and community, one plate at a time.

Fresh Ingredients

We source local and seasonal produce, partnering with trusted farmers to ensure every ingredient meets our uncompromising standards.

Community First

We believe restaurants are more than places to eat. We strive to be a gathering space that strengthens our Salt Lake City neighborhood.

Craftsmanship

Every recipe is refined through years of culinary exploration. We take pride in the details — flavor, texture, presentation, and care.

What We Stand For

Transparency

We list every ingredient openly. No hidden additives, no shortcuts.

Sustainability

From compostable packaging to minimal food waste programs, we act responsibly.

Inclusivity

Our menu caters to diverse dietary needs — vegan, gluten-aware, and more.

Joyful Hospitality

Every guest deserves warmth. We train our team to create memorable moments.

Fresh ingredients prepared daily at Costa Vida kitchen

"Quality is not an act, it is a habit — and at Costa Vida, it starts fresh every morning."

How We Got Here

Our Journey Through Time

From a humble taqueria dream to a celebrated Salt Lake City dining destination — here is how Costa Vida grew.

2009

The Founding Vision

Our founders, after a life-changing culinary trip through Baja California, returned to Salt Lake City with a vision: to open a restaurant that truly honored coastal Mexican cuisine.

2010

Doors Open on Rio Grande

Costa Vida officially opened its doors at 171 S Rio Grande St. The first week sold out within hours, and the line hasn't stopped since.

2013

Catering Program Launches

Responding to overwhelming demand from local businesses and events, we launched our full-service catering program — bringing Costa Vida flavor to every gathering.

2016

Best Restaurant Award

Salt Lake City Living Magazine named Costa Vida "Best Mexican Restaurant" — a recognition we cherish and work every day to continue earning.

2020

Community Resilience

During a challenging year for everyone, Costa Vida pivoted to contactless delivery and community meal donations, feeding over 2,000 families in the SLC area.

2025

New Menu & Digital Ordering

We launched our revamped seasonal menu and online ordering platform, making it easier than ever to enjoy Costa Vida wherever you are.

The People Behind the Plate

Meet Our Team

Our team is the heartbeat of Costa Vida. Each member brings passion, expertise, and genuine love for great food to work every day.

Marco Delgado, Executive Chef at Costa Vida

Executive Chef

Marco Delgado

Trained in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Marco brings two decades of culinary mastery to every dish. His passion for authentic coastal flavors defines the Costa Vida menu.

Sofia Reyes, Co-Founder and General Manager at Costa Vida

Co-Founder & GM

Sofia Reyes

Sofia co-founded Costa Vida with a vision for community dining. With a background in hospitality management, she ensures every guest experience exceeds expectations.

David Kim, Head Pastry Chef at Costa Vida

Head Pastry Chef

David Kim

David's desserts and fresh-baked items are legendary in SLC. He blends Mexican confectionery traditions with modern technique to create unforgettable sweets.

Amara Osei, Catering Director at Costa Vida

Catering Director

Amara Osei

Amara leads our catering division with precision and creativity. She has orchestrated hundreds of events, from intimate dinners to large corporate gatherings across Utah.

Best Mexican Restaurant
SLC Living Magazine, 2016
4.9/5 Average Rating
Based on 3,000+ reviews
Sustainability Certified
Utah Green Business, 2022
Community Choice
City Readers' Poll, 2024

Ready to Experience It?

Taste the Story Behind
Every Dish

From handcrafted tacos to slow-roasted meats — every meal at Costa Vida is a chapter worth savoring.

Order Now View Menu