Costa Vida

An extra star because the food is always delicious, but i am paying for it today. The things I noticed were: The first person to help me, changed her gloves. The scooping utensils were the same as the ones used for burritos and everything else, with no cleaning in between. Nobody announced the gluten allergy to anyone else, and after my bowl went through the toaster, the employee grabbed it without letting me finish my sentence about having celiac, and him needing new gloves at a minimum. This is not exactly his fault as he didn’t know, and he did change his gloves after. (I know I can ask to have it remade but it was dinner and I didn’t want to be that guy. I know. I am still new to this and trying to find my voice to speak up for the way my food is prepared.) My food was then placed on the same tray as all of the other orders from my group. The cashier had kept her gloves on while processing the order and putting cups on the tray as well.

I don’t know why I thought this was a safe choice, it’s a cross contamination playground. You’re better off playing cafe Rio in your own kitchen.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I was nervous because the reviews for this location weren’t great, but I also saw that no one had submitted a review in over a year—and a lot can change in a year. When I went, I mentioned an allergy to gluten (in case they didn’t know what celiac meant). And the one employee immediately changed his gloves without being asked, and I saw the other employee washing his hands. The first employee also said, “Gluten Free!” to the other, and he seemed pretty knowledgeable about what was gluten free. I got the steak salad with everything but the tortilla. Basically everything on the menu is gluten free except the tortillas and the desserts (except I think the flan is gluten free). Even the tortilla strips that go on top of the salad are gluten free, as in no cross contamination in a fryer. Everything was delicious, and I’m so glad. I’d heard that basically everything at Cafe Rio has gluten, and I was so sad—but in the gluten free community, everyone says Costa Vida is the way to go. I’ll definitely be back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Edit 2019: no longer safe. Requests to redo mistakes was met with hostility

as long as I watch them and remind them not to touch my food without changing their gloves, this is safe. most the time I don't have to say anything. If they do touch it on accident without changing gloves, they will remake it.

Celiac friendly?

No

Not impressed. I’ve been there a few times and asked for gluten free. The staff did change their gloves but didn’t wash their hands or take any special care of my food. It seems like some employees do and some don’t know how sensitive someone can be. I don’t see employees communicate to each other that my dish is gluten free. My regular Costa Vida is Tooele and I’ve always been happy, never been sick but each time I visit West Jordan I am sick.

Celiac friendly?

No

The staff is always great. When I say I need gluten free they always go wash their hands and put on new gloves. They also make sure anyone who handles my food knows it’s GF. Never had a problem at a Costa Vida. I love that I can eat almost everything here and it’s yummy!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The tortilla stone is used for both wheat and corn tortilla so that is not gluten free but a definite CC for a celiac. Change gloves but not spoons so I didn’t eat there

Celiac friendly?

No

I love this place. It's my go to restaurant. I just let them know I'm gluten free. They wash their hands and change their gloves without any issues.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Our 9 year old has celiac disease, ate at this location, and threw up a few hours later. The kitchen staff didn't seem to take it seriously when we asked for gluten-free due to celiac disease.

Celiac friendly?

No

You have to watch them and say gluten allergy. They will change their gloves and are good about it if you are watching them. I love costa vida though.

Me: "I have celiac disease, can you accommodate that?" Staff: "What's THAT?"

Celiac friendly?

No

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I do not know what is wrong with this particular Costa Vida...but I have been cross contaminated 2 times now. Beware of the workers at this establishment, they do not speak English and they do not care that you have Celiac Disease and can get very ill.

Everything here is GF except for their flour and wheat tortillas. They wash their hands and switch their gloves and are very careful. The food is delicious and addicting!

Everything on their menu, except their desserts, can be made gluten free! So yummy!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great experience. All GF except flour Tortilla, pie and cookies. Goes through oven in individual container.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This is my go to place wherever I am. Everything is GF except flour tortillas. They change gloves and are very knowledgeable about crosss contamination. Very safe herr.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Staff was kind and knowledgeable. Changed gloves and washed their hands without being told. They also let us “tweak” the side of chips to have melted cheese instead of having to order a huge order of nachos for a child.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Server immediately changed gloves and washed hands when I mentioned a gluten allergy, in addition, he pulled my tray from the back and used the serving counter in the back to prevent cc, and walked my tray himself through the rest of line, communicating with other team members that he had an allergy order. Very impressed with how he handled everything! Everything is gf except for the flour tortillas.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

When I asked for a GF meal the staff immediately stripped out of their gloves and washed their hands without me asking. Food was flavorful and safe to .

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent