Review of Costa Vida

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