Our Story

Made with Heart,
Served with Soul

From a small coastal-inspired kitchen to a beloved community table — discover the passion and purpose behind every dish we create.

Fresh ingredients being prepared in the Costa Vida kitchen

A Love Letter to Coastal Flavors

Founded in Bountiful, Utah — inspired by the Mexican coast

Costa Vida was born from a simple but powerful idea: that food made with real, fresh ingredients — prepared with care and creativity — can bring people together in the most meaningful ways. We took the bold, vibrant flavors of coastal Mexico and brought them to the heart of Utah.

Since opening our doors, we've been committed to serving dishes that feel like a warm escape — burritos stuffed to perfection, tacos layered with house-made salsas, salads bursting with color, and sides that steal the show. Every recipe is crafted to honor the traditions that inspired us while celebrating the community that embraces us.

We're more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place. Whether you're grabbing lunch on a busy weekday or celebrating a special occasion, Costa Vida is where flavor meets family.

15+
Years of Flavor
500K+
Happy Guests
40+
Menu Items
100%
Fresh Ingredients

"To nourish every guest with food that's honest, vibrant, and made to be shared."

We believe the best meals are the ones that bring people closer — crafted with intention, served with warmth, and enjoyed with the people who matter most.

Our Core Values

Everything we do — from sourcing our ingredients to serving your plate — is guided by a clear set of values we never compromise on.

Fresh & Real

We use only fresh, high-quality ingredients — no shortcuts, no preservatives. Every ingredient is chosen with purpose and handled with care.

Community First

We're proud to be part of Bountiful's fabric. From local partnerships to community events, we invest in the neighborhoods that call us neighbors.

Culinary Craft

Our kitchen team takes pride in every detail — from hand-pressed tortillas to slow-simmered sauces. Great food takes patience and passion.

Genuine Hospitality

We treat every guest like family. Warm, welcoming, and attentive — because a great meal deserves an equally great experience around it.

How Costa Vida Came to Be

From a single inspired vision to a thriving culinary destination — here's a look at the milestones that shaped us.

2008
The Dream Begins

Founders visited the coast of Baja Mexico and fell in love with the bold, fresh flavors. The seed for Costa Vida was planted on that trip.

2010
First Location Opens

Costa Vida opened its doors at 501 W 2600 S, Bountiful, UT. The response from the community was immediate and overwhelming.

2013
Menu Expands

Inspired by guest feedback, we introduced our signature salad bowls, nachos, and house-made agua fresca drinks — now fan favorites.

2016
Catering Launch

We began offering full-service catering for events, weddings, and corporate gatherings across the greater Salt Lake area.

2019
Community Awards

Recognized as Best Mexican Restaurant in Utah Valley and honored for our contributions to local food culture and sustainability.

2023
Online Ordering Launches

We launched our full online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy Costa Vida from the comfort of home.

The interior of a warm, welcoming Costa Vida dining area
Fresh Mexican food being assembled with care
Colorful salad bowl with fresh toppings
Catering setup for a large community event

Meet Our Team

Passionate, skilled, and deeply committed to the Costa Vida experience — our team is what makes every meal memorable.

Portrait of Marcus Reyes, Executive Chef

Marcus Reyes

Executive Chef

With 20 years of culinary experience across Mexico City and Los Angeles, Marcus brings authenticity and innovation to every dish on our menu.

Portrait of Sofia Mendez, General Manager

Sofia Mendez

General Manager

Sofia ensures every guest leaves with a smile. A hospitality veteran with a gift for building community, she's the heart of our front-of-house operations.

Portrait of Daniel Park, Head of Catering

Daniel Park

Head of Catering

Daniel leads our catering division with military-grade precision and a chef's creative spirit. No event is too big or too small for his dedicated team.

Portrait of Lena Torres, Head of Sourcing

Lena Torres

Head of Sourcing

Lena travels the region to find the freshest, most responsible ingredient sources. Her relationships with local farmers keep our menu genuinely fresh.

Want to be part of the Costa Vida family? We're always looking for passionate people.

View Open Roles Order Now

Experience Costa Vida Today

Every plate tells the story of where we come from. Come taste it for yourself — dine in, take out, or order online.