About Costa Vida

Discover our passion for authentic Mexican cuisine, our dedicated team, and the values that drive us to serve the best food experience.

Our Story

Founded in 2015, Costa Vida began as a small family restaurant with a big dream - to bring the authentic flavors of Mexico to our community.

What started as a humble kitchen in West Hollywood has grown into a beloved destination for food lovers seeking genuine Mexican cuisine. Our founders, Maria and Carlos Hernandez, immigrated from Guadalajara with cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

Every dish we serve tells a story of tradition, passion, and love for Mexican culinary heritage. We believe that great food brings people together, creating memories and building community one meal at a time.

Today, Costa Vida continues to honor our roots while embracing innovation, always maintaining our commitment to fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and exceptional service.

Costa Vida restaurant interior

Our Mission

To serve authentic Mexican cuisine that celebrates tradition while creating new memories for our guests.

Authentic Flavors

We use traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through generations to ensure every bite is authentically Mexican.

Fresh Ingredients

We source the freshest local ingredients and authentic Mexican spices to create dishes that burst with natural flavors.

Community Focus

We're more than a restaurant - we're a gathering place where families and friends come together to share great food and create memories.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Costa Vida's success

Maria Hernandez - Founder & Head Chef

Maria Hernandez

Founder & Head Chef

With over 20 years of culinary experience, Maria brings authentic Mexican flavors to every dish. Her grandmother's recipes are the foundation of our menu.

Carlos Hernandez - Co-Founder & Manager

Carlos Hernandez

Co-Founder & Manager

Carlos manages our daily operations and ensures every guest feels welcome. His warm hospitality reflects our commitment to exceptional service.

Sofia Rodriguez - Sous Chef

Sofia Rodriguez

Sous Chef

Sofia's creativity and expertise help develop new dishes while maintaining our traditional roots. She's passionate about sustainable cooking practices.

Diego Martinez - Kitchen Manager

Diego Martinez

Kitchen Manager

Diego ensures our kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. His attention to detail and quality control keeps our standards high every day.

Our Values

Quality

We never compromise on the quality of our ingredients or the preparation of our dishes. Excellence is our standard.

Integrity

We operate with honesty and transparency in all our relationships - with customers, suppliers, and team members.

Tradition

We honor Mexican culinary traditions while respectfully adapting to local tastes and dietary preferences.

Sustainability

We're committed to sustainable practices, from sourcing local ingredients to minimizing our environmental impact.

Our Journey

Key milestones in Costa Vida's history

2015

The Beginning

Maria and Carlos Hernandez opened the first Costa Vida location in West Hollywood with just 6 tables and a dream to share authentic Mexican cuisine.

2017

Recipe Perfection

After two years of refinement, we perfected our signature recipes, including our famous mole sauce that takes 3 days to prepare.

2019

Community Recognition

Costa Vida was voted "Best Mexican Restaurant" by the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and featured in LA Food Magazine.

2021

Expansion & Innovation

We expanded our kitchen, added online ordering, and introduced our popular catering services for local events and businesses.

2024

Sustainability Initiative

Launched our green initiative, partnering with local organic farms and implementing eco-friendly packaging for all takeout orders.

2026

Today & Beyond

Costa Vida continues to grow while staying true to our roots, serving thousands of satisfied customers and planning franchise opportunities.