Passion on Every Plate
Born in Colorado Springs and built on bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an unwavering love for food — welcome to the world of Costa Vida.
How It All Began
Costa Vida was born in the heart of Colorado Springs in 2012, when chef and founder Marco Rivera decided to bring the vibrant, soulful flavors of coastal Latin cuisine to the Rocky Mountain region. What started as a small food stall at the local farmers market quickly became the talk of the town.
Inspired by his grandmother's recipes from the Oaxacan coast, Marco combined time-honored techniques with locally sourced Colorado ingredients — creating a menu that felt both deeply rooted and excitingly fresh. Every dish tells a story of heritage, creativity, and an obsessive commitment to quality.
Today, Costa Vida is a beloved culinary destination, serving thousands of guests each month from our home at 122 Tracker Dr. We've grown from that single stall into a full-service restaurant, but our founding philosophy has never changed: real ingredients, real care, real flavor.
Our Mission & Vision
We exist to prove that fast, casual dining can be extraordinary — nourishing in both body and spirit, and worthy of the people we serve.
Fresh Ingredients
We source produce locally whenever possible, partnering with Colorado farms to deliver the freshest flavors to your plate every single day.
Made With Love
Every recipe is crafted with intention and passion. We don't cut corners — each dish gets the attention it deserves, from prep to plating.
Community First
We are rooted in Colorado Springs. We give back to our neighborhood through partnerships, events, and supporting local causes close to our heart.
Relentless Quality
From kitchen hygiene to presentation standards, quality is non-negotiable at Costa Vida. We hold ourselves to the highest bar, every order, every time.
A Decade of Bold Flavors
From a farmers market stall to a thriving Colorado Springs institution — here's how Costa Vida grew into what it is today.
The Humble Beginning
Marco Rivera launches Costa Vida as a weekend stall at the Colorado Springs Farmers Market, serving his grandmother's signature tacos and fresh salsas to an instantly devoted crowd.
First Brick & Mortar
Demand outgrows the stall. Costa Vida opens its first brick-and-mortar location on Tracker Dr, complete with a full kitchen, 40 seats, and a menu that expands to 30 items.
Local Sourcing Pledge
We formalize partnerships with six Colorado farms, committing to 80% locally sourced produce. The move earns us a "Best Farm-to-Table" recognition from Colorado Springs dining guides.
Online Ordering Launch
We launch our first online ordering system, making Costa Vida accessible to the entire Colorado Springs community for takeout and delivery, doubling our monthly order volume within six months.
Renovation & Expansion
The dining space is fully renovated, capacity grows to 120 seats, and a dedicated catering kitchen is added. We also introduce our beloved weekend brunch menu, which sells out weekly.
50,000 Guests Milestone
Costa Vida celebrates serving its 50,000th guest — a testament to the loyalty of our community and the dedication of every team member who has been part of this journey.
Meet Our Team
Every great dish starts with a great person. Our team brings talent, heart, and years of culinary passion to everything we do.
Marco Rivera
Founder & Head ChefColorado native with deep Oaxacan roots. Marco's culinary vision created the bold, coastal-inspired menu that defines Costa Vida's identity.
Sofia Delgado
Sous ChefA culinary institute graduate with a passion for precision, Sofia oversees daily kitchen operations and ensures every dish leaves the pass perfectly.
James Okafor
Operations ManagerWith 10+ years in restaurant management, James keeps Costa Vida running like clockwork — from supplier relationships to the guest experience on the floor.
Priya Nair
Pastry ChefPriya brings artistry and sweetness to Costa Vida's dessert menu, blending tropical influences with classic technique in every handcrafted creation.
Our Core Values
These aren't slogans on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make at Costa Vida, big and small.
Sustainability
We reduce waste, compost food scraps, use recyclable packaging, and prioritize eco-conscious suppliers who share our respect for the planet.
Integrity
We are transparent about our ingredients, our sourcing, and our practices. Honesty with our guests and our team is the foundation of everything we do.
Passion
We never stop experimenting, refining, and pouring our love into the craft. Cooking is not just a job here — it is a calling we embrace fully.
Inclusivity
Our table is for everyone. We celebrate diverse tastes and backgrounds, offering options for all dietary needs and welcoming every guest with equal warmth.
Excellence
We hold ourselves accountable to constant improvement. Mediocrity has no place in our kitchen — we chase excellence in every recipe and every interaction.
Joy
Good food should bring joy. We design our menu, our space, and our service with one ultimate goal: to make every visit a memorable, uplifting experience.