Our Story

Crafted with Passion,
Served with Heart

From a seaside dream to Lone Tree's most beloved dining destination — discover the people, values, and flavors that make Costa Vida so much more than a meal.

Costa Vida restaurant interior with warm coastal atmosphere

A Coastal Dream Comes to Life

Costa Vida was born from a simple obsession: fresh, vibrant, coastal food made the way it was meant to be — with real ingredients, bold flavors, and genuine care.

It started with our founder's love for coastal cuisine discovered during summer trips along the Pacific. The bright citrus marinades, handcrafted salsas, slow-roasted meats, and the kind of food that makes you feel alive — that energy became the blueprint for everything we do today.

"We wanted to bring the spirit of coastal cooking to Colorado — food that's honest, bright, and made with the kind of love you can actually taste."

Since opening our doors in Lone Tree, we've served thousands of guests who've become part of the Costa Vida family. Every dish tells the story of where we came from and where we're going — always forward, always fresh.

Beautifully plated coastal cuisine at Costa Vida
10+

Years of Fresh Flavors

50K+

Happy Guests Served

80+

Unique Menu Items

4.9

Average Guest Rating

Our Mission & Vision

We're driven by a belief that great food should be accessible, honest, and crafted with purpose. Here's what guides every decision we make.

Fresh First

Every ingredient is sourced fresh and prepared daily. We never compromise on quality because you deserve the very best on your plate.

Community Roots

Lone Tree is more than our address — it's our home. We invest in our local community, support local suppliers, and celebrate what makes this place special.

Coastal Soul

Our recipes draw inspiration from coastal traditions around the world — bold, bright, and layered with flavors that transport you with every bite.

People Over Profit

Our team and our guests come first. We build lasting relationships through exceptional hospitality, fair wages, and a workplace that feels like family.

Chef carefully preparing fresh coastal dishes at Costa Vida

Our Kitchen, Our Standards

Every dish passes through hands that genuinely care about the result.

Core Values That Define Us

01

Integrity in Every Ingredient

We don't cut corners. From the farms we source from to the portions we serve, transparency and honesty guide every decision in our kitchen.

02

Relentless Hospitality

Warm, attentive service isn't just a goal — it's a non-negotiable. Every guest who walks through our door deserves to feel genuinely welcomed.

03

Sustainable Practices

We take responsibility for our environmental footprint — using eco-friendly packaging, minimizing food waste, and supporting sustainable agriculture whenever possible.

04

Continuous Improvement

We're never done learning. We listen to our guests, invest in our team's growth, and continuously refine our recipes and processes to be better tomorrow than we are today.

From Dream to Destination

Every milestone on our journey has shaped who we are — here's how Costa Vida came to be.

2013

The Idea Takes Shape

After years of traveling the Pacific Coast, founder Marco Rivera begins developing recipes inspired by coastal kitchens — sketching menus on napkins and testing flavors at home.

2015

First Location Opens

Costa Vida opens its doors at 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree. The first day sells out within hours. The community's response is overwhelming and immediate.

2017

Best New Restaurant Award

Recognized by Denver Metro Dining Guide as one of the top new restaurants in the region. The accolade cements Costa Vida's reputation for quality and originality.

2019

Delivery & Catering Launch

Expanding to meet growing demand, Costa Vida launches its delivery service and full-service catering program — bringing coastal flavors to events, offices, and homes across the Denver metro.

2021

Sustainability Pledge

Costa Vida commits to fully compostable packaging, zero food waste initiatives, and partnerships with local Colorado farms — reinforcing our promise to do business the right way.

2024

Digital Refresh & New Menu

Major rebrand, a redesigned menu featuring seasonal specials, and a new online ordering platform — making it easier than ever to enjoy Costa Vida wherever you are.

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

Our team is the heart and soul of Costa Vida. Each person brings passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to making your experience exceptional.

Marco Rivera

Founder & Head Chef

A culinary visionary with 18 years of experience along the Pacific Coast and a deep passion for bringing coastal flavors to the heart of Colorado.

Sofia Chen

Operations Director

Sofia ensures every aspect of the Costa Vida experience runs flawlessly — from sourcing the finest ingredients to training a team that truly cares.

James Okafor

Sous Chef

James brings inventive technique and a love of bold seasoning to every dish he crafts — constantly pushing the boundaries of coastal cuisine with creative flair.

Aria Patel

Guest Experience Manager

Aria has an incredible gift for making every guest feel at home. Her warmth and attention to detail have earned Costa Vida some of its most loyal fans.

Want to join our passionate team?

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Experience the Costa Vida Difference

Now that you know our story, come taste it for yourself. Fresh, bold, coastal cuisine — made with heart, served with pride.