Our Story

About Costa Vida

Discover the heart behind costa vida — a passion for fresh, bold flavors and a commitment to crafting every meal with quality ingredients sourced with care. We're more than a restaurant; we're a community.

Costa Vida restaurant interior with fresh food being prepared

15+ Years of Freshness

Who We Are

The Costa Vida Story

Costa Vida was born from a simple belief — that fresh, vibrant food should be accessible to everyone. Founded in Gilbert, AZ, our restaurant began as a neighborhood kitchen with a big dream: to bring coastal-inspired, costavida-style flavors to the heart of the United States.

Over the years, we've grown from a small family-run kitchen into a beloved destination, but our values have never changed. Every ingredient is chosen with intention. Every dish is crafted with love. Every customer is welcomed like family.

Today, Costa Vida stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. We serve hundreds of guests daily, offering a menu that celebrates bold, fresh flavors inspired by coastal cuisine and made for everyday life.

2009 Founded

50K+ Happy Guests

120+ Menu Items

4.9 Avg Rating

What Drives Us

Our Mission & Principles

At Costa Vida, everything we do is guided by a set of core principles that shape how we cook, serve, and connect with our community.

Fresh First

We source the freshest ingredients daily from trusted local and regional suppliers. No shortcuts, no compromises — only quality that you can taste.

Community First

We believe food brings people together. Costa Vida is committed to being a positive force in our neighborhood, supporting local causes and fostering connection.

Sustainability

From eco-friendly packaging to reducing food waste, we take our responsibility to the planet seriously. A healthy environment means better food for everyone.

Excellence Always

We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do — from kitchen prep to customer service. Your satisfaction is the measure of our success.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

The costavida experience is built on values that go beyond the plate. These principles guide every decision we make — from hiring our team to designing our menu.

Honesty & Transparency

We're upfront about our ingredients, sourcing, and practices. You deserve to know exactly what goes into your food.

Respect for Every Guest

Every person who walks through our doors is welcomed with warmth and treated with dignity, regardless of background or preference.

Continuous Improvement

We never stop learning. Our chefs experiment, our team trains, and our menu evolves — all in pursuit of an even better experience for you.

Joy in Every Bite

Food should make you happy. We put care and creativity into every dish so that each meal at Costa Vida is a moment worth savoring.

Costa Vida kitchen team preparing fresh costavida-inspired dishes

Our Journey

A History of Fresh Flavors

From a single kitchen to a thriving community destination — here are the milestones that shaped Costa Vida into what it is today.

2009

The Beginning

Costa Vida opens its first location at 3175 S Market St, Gilbert, AZ. Founded by two food-passionate siblings with a dream of bringing fresh, coastal flavors to their community.

2012

Growing the Menu

After overwhelming demand, we expanded our menu to over 60 items, introducing our now-famous handcrafted bowls, wraps, and seasonal specials sourced from local farms.

2015

Community Recognition

Costa Vida wins the "Best Local Restaurant" award in Gilbert three years running, and launches its catering service — bringing fresh food to events across the region.

2018

Sustainability Initiative

We committed to 100% compostable packaging, partnered with local regenerative farms, and reduced food waste by 40% through smarter kitchen operations.

2021

Digital Expansion

Launched online ordering and delivery, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy costa vida flavors from the comfort of their home across the United States.

2024

Franchise Launch

Costa Vida opens its franchise program, inviting passionate entrepreneurs to bring the costavida experience to new communities nationwide.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Every great meal starts with great people. Our dedicated team brings expertise, creativity, and genuine care to everything they do at Costa Vida.

Co-Founder & Executive Chef

Marco Rivera

With 20+ years of culinary experience, Marco brings coastal Mexican cuisine techniques to every dish. His passion for fresh ingredients is the heart of Costa Vida.

Co-Founder & CEO

Sofia Rivera

Sofia built Costa Vida's culture from day one. A champion of community and sustainability, she leads operations with vision and an unwavering commitment to guests.

Head of Culinary Innovation

James Chen

James drives menu evolution at Costa Vida, blending global culinary trends with local flavors. He leads our seasonal menu launches and cooking workshops.

Community Relations Manager

Aaliyah Torres

Aaliyah is the bridge between Costa Vida and its community. She manages partnerships, events, and ensures every guest feels at home with our costavida family.

Passionate about food and community? We'd love to have you on our team.

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Taste the Difference

Ready to Experience Costa Vida?

From our kitchen to your table — every dish is crafted fresh, every day. Join thousands of guests who've made Costa Vida their go-to for bold, fresh food.

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