Our Flavorful Journey

At Costa Vida, we're not just serving food – we're sharing our passion for fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors with every bite!

How It All Started

What began as a dream in a tiny kitchen has blossomed into something amazing! Our founders, Maria and Carlos, started Costa Vida with a simple mission: bring authentic, fresh Mexican flavors to families everywhere.

Every recipe tells a story, every ingredient is chosen with love, and every meal is crafted to make you feel like part of our familia. We believe food should be an adventure – colorful, exciting, and absolutely delicious!

Explore our fresh menu
cozy mexican restaurant kitchen with fresh ingredients

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

To create memorable dining experiences by serving fresh, flavorful Mexican food that brings families together and brightens every day with authentic taste and joy.

Vision

To become the most beloved Mexican food destination, known for our fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the warm, welcoming spirit that makes everyone feel at home.

Meet Our Amazing Team

maria gonzalez chef owner smiling in kitchen

Maria Gonzalez

Co-Founder & Head Chef

Maria brings 20+ years of culinary expertise and a passion for authentic flavors. Her secret? Love is the most important ingredient!

carlos mendoza manager friendly smile restaurant

Carlos Mendoza

Co-Founder & Operations

Carlos ensures every guest feels welcome and every meal exceeds expectations. His infectious smile brightens everyone's day!

sofia rodriguez sous chef cooking fresh ingredients

Sofia Rodriguez

Sous Chef

Sofia's creativity shines through every dish. She's constantly experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients to surprise our guests.

diego torres general manager customer service

Diego Torres

General Manager

Diego keeps everything running smoothly while maintaining our commitment to exceptional service and quality in every detail.

What Makes Us Special

Fresh Always

We source the freshest ingredients daily and prepare everything from scratch because you deserve nothing but the best!

Family First

Every guest is part of our extended family. We create a warm, welcoming environment where memories are made over amazing food.

Passion Driven

Our love for authentic Mexican cuisine drives everything we do. It shows in every bite, every smile, every interaction.

Community Love

We're proud to be part of this amazing community and actively support local initiatives that make our neighborhood stronger.

Our Flavorful Timeline

2018 - The Dream Begins

Maria and Carlos started experimenting with family recipes in their home kitchen, dreaming of sharing their passion with the world.

2019 - First Location Opens

Our first Costa Vida location opened its doors in Wilmington, NC, with a simple menu and big dreams!

2021 - Community Favorite

Voted "Best Mexican Restaurant" by local food lovers! Our fresh approach to Mexican cuisine gained a loyal following.

2023 - Catering Excellence

Launched our catering services, bringing Costa Vida's fresh flavors to special events and celebrations across the region.

2026 - Growing Strong

Today we continue to innovate while staying true to our roots – fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and familia first!

Ready to Join Our Story?

Come taste the passion, feel the warmth, and become part of the Costa Vida familia!

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