About Costa Vida
Bringing authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality to your table since our founding, with a passion for fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Our Story
From humble beginnings to a beloved local favorite
Our Beginning
Costa Vida started as a dream to bring authentic Mexican flavors to our community. Founded by passionate food lovers who believed that great food brings people together, we began our journey with a simple mission: serve fresh, delicious Mexican cuisine with genuine hospitality.
Our Philosophy
We believe in using only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. Our recipes are inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, passed down through generations and refined to create the perfect balance of flavors that our customers have come to love and expect.
Our Community
More than just a restaurant, Costa Vida is a gathering place where families and friends come together to share great food and create lasting memories. We're proud to be an integral part of the Berkeley community, supporting local events and causes that matter to our neighbors.
Our Journey
Key milestones in our Costa Vida story
The Dream Begins
Costa Vida was founded with a vision to bring authentic Mexican flavors to Berkeley. Our founders, passionate about traditional Mexican cuisine, opened our first location on Shattuck Avenue.
Community Recognition
Within our first year, Costa Vida was voted "Best New Restaurant" by the Berkeley community. We introduced our signature dishes that have become local favorites.
Expansion & Innovation
We expanded our menu to include vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone in our community can enjoy our authentic Mexican cuisine. We also launched our catering services.
Sustainability Initiative
Costa Vida committed to sustainable practices, partnering with local farms and implementing eco-friendly packaging. We became a certified green business in Berkeley.
Today & Tomorrow
We continue to serve our community with passion and dedication, always innovating while staying true to our authentic Mexican roots. The future holds exciting possibilities for Costa Vida.
Meet Our Team
The passionate people behind Costa Vida
Maria Rodriguez
Head Chef & Co-Founder
With over 15 years of experience in Mexican cuisine, Maria brings authentic flavors and innovative techniques to every dish at Costa Vida.
Carlos Martinez
General Manager & Co-Founder
Carlos oversees daily operations and ensures every guest receives exceptional service. His passion for hospitality drives our customer-first approach.
Sofia Chen
Sous Chef
Sofia brings creativity and precision to our kitchen, specializing in our vegetarian and vegan menu items while maintaining authentic Mexican flavors.
Diego Morales
Bar Manager
Diego crafts our signature cocktails and manages our beverage program, creating the perfect pairings for our Mexican cuisine with expertise and flair.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Authenticity
We stay true to traditional Mexican recipes and cooking methods, using authentic ingredients and time-honored techniques to create genuine flavors that transport you to Mexico with every bite.
Freshness
We source the freshest ingredients daily, working with local suppliers whenever possible. Our commitment to freshness ensures every dish is prepared with the highest quality ingredients.
Hospitality
We believe in treating every guest like family, providing warm, genuine service that makes you feel welcome and valued. Your experience at Costa Vida should be memorable for all the right reasons.
Community
We're committed to supporting our local Berkeley community through partnerships, events, and charitable initiatives. Costa Vida is more than a restaurant – we're neighbors and friends.
Sustainability
We practice responsible business operations with eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction programs, and partnerships with sustainable suppliers to protect our environment for future generations.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in every aspect of our business, from the quality of our food to the warmth of our service. Continuous improvement and attention to detail define our approach.
Our Mission
To bring the authentic flavors, warmth, and joy of Mexican cuisine to our Berkeley community, creating a welcoming space where friends and families gather to share exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and lasting memories.