Yummm! Got to check this place out on a drive through Calgary recently. I got the sweet pork enchiladas. They were so filling I could only eat one of the 2 enchiladas that were on the platter. The sweet pork was tasty but I could see people not liking it if they are looking for a more authentic Mexican flavour. I finished off my meal with a refreshing horchata. Tastes like the milk in the bowl after you have Cinnamon Toast Crunch It's a bit of a confusing system to order but I think it will go more smoothly next time. My sister who lives in Calgary also makes use of their loyalty program which seems to pay off really well. Would definitely check it out before ordering. I will be craving this place until the next chance I get to come through Calgary. Hey Costa Vida! I think it's time to expand to Edmonton! read more

Stopped in here about a month ago for the first time and ordered the Chicken Enchilada meal. It was so tasty and flavourful!!! You can choose your sides and condiments; I don't like beans so he offered to give me extra Mexican rice. The sauce and cheese and extremely goooood (I can't emphasize GOOD, enough) pico de gallo and just all of it was unbelievable! My man ordered the exact same thing and the total was about $24. Will be going back for sure! read more

Costa Vida - Enchilada meal @ Costa Vida in Royal Oak - Mexican Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

We ordered lunch this past Saturday from Costa Vida in Royal Oak. All 3 of us (my daughter, her boyfriend, and I) ended up with bad stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. We figure it was from the chicken as the only thing that the 3 of us had that was the same was chicken and cheese. We won't be eating at Costa Vida again. read more

We tried their chicken & beef burrito and a taco for the first time. Very disappointing. Almost no taste in their food. Rice was the worst I ever had. 1/2 the food went waste, unfortunately. Paired $15 for a taco of one piece! Wont get back there. Sorry. read more

#187 We had been waiting to try this place for a few months and for me, after visiting Texas and California, I have certain expectations when it comes to Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Cali-Mex but I realized it is vastly different in (western) Canada (disappointingly). That being said, here we row (they show a wave in their logo). Pros: Tortilla chips are crunchy and best for dipping Grilled chicken is perfectly tender Flour tortilla seems made in store (tastes so good) Refried beans are just the way I like the Vegetables are fresh Crunchy ice instead of block ice (small kind is a throwback to the 70's) Neither: Customer service seems okay but nothing to write home about. Cons: Sweet queso as Cori B. said which is a sin! Skimps on the cheese in/on the burritos (another sin) Usually burritos come with a side or two such as your choice of beans or rice or something else (besides pico de gallo or salsa) Parking is a nightmare (but that is the same for many restaurants in this area) Given the cons, I can still eat there I guess. read more

Every time I come to this location the customer experience is exceptional. The staff is always so friendly and smile constantly. The food is prepared fast and as ordered. Anytime you can leave a business with a smile on your face, you know it's been a great experience! read more

Usually good food but I went with the beef enchilada rather than my usual burrito. The enchilada is one third the size and almost the same price. Stick with the burritos. read more

Costa Vida - The whole enchilada for $10.49. It was the special. - Mexican Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

I wasn't a fan of Costa Vida when it first opened and I hadn't been back for some time until recently. Perhaps they hadn't got into the groove of things because when I returned it was quite tasty. I'm a big fan of the enchiladas (for the hungry days) and the smothered burritos (for the not as hungry days). The medium sauce seems to have a bit more kick to it than the hot for some reason (and it's not exactly hot by any authentic measure but at least they have shelf of hot sauces) Calgary doesn't have really good Mexican food that i've found but this is pretty all right and good based on a Calgary standard. Some cool things: You can order from their app or online and pick up your order (I haven't tried this or seen anyone do it), they have loyalty points and you can get a free chips and salsa with every completed survey from your receipt. All and all it's a pretty good place that's quick and reasonable. (Just don't eat the Queso because it's SWEET and that's just wrong... ) read more

Great food!! Wonderful customer service. It annoyse so much when people complain about a restaurant in CALGARY not being 'authentic'. Lol seriously go to Mexico if thats your issue. But love the food here. Keep it up! read more

This review is for Costa Vida. No idea why it is listed simply as Royal Oak as that is not what was originally entered for this new business. I have seen huge line ups here on the long weekend and wondered what all the fuss was about! Well, it is a new NW Restaurant (whoohoo!) and it is Mexican! It boasts itself as a 'Fresh Mexican Grill'. Is it like Mucho Burrito? Yep! Just with more seating. And not as friendly. Came in at 3pm on a weekday. Not busy. Staff were just kind of standing around which is not acceptable really as I could see as I went along here so many things my staff would be doing if this were my place. IE almost no forks in the self serve area, the bin for cilantro for topping selections was out which bummed me out as I love it! The tables needed to be wiped down, floors, that kind of thing. There are daily specials which I liked and so I got the Tues special - 2 sweet pork enchiladas. Extra of course for guac but for sour cream too? C'mon!!!! Gouge! There are the usual tacos, salads, enchiladas and a whole bunch of sides. I was disappointed that there were no specialty drinks at all, only pop to choose from. The hottest enchilada sauce (red) is NOT at all hot but there is Tobasco right around the corner to help yourself to. The only thing served warm on my plate were the black beans, unfortunately. And they needed seasoning. You can tell they try to cut costs as they are stingy with absolutely everything they put on the plate. I asked for a wedge of lime and staff had to ask someone else there behind the counter if I could have one!? My meal with drink was $9. Check out the Specials to save cash for sure. The guy ahead of me ordered a nice looking salad which I would consider for next time. This time, I went for my fave Mexican dish though. It was just ok, nothing special about it but I did like the whole wheat tortilla option. I would not make a special trip here if you live across town or if there is a huge line I would say skip it. Mucho Burrito has warmer food that will fill you up more for the same price and the ingredients are just as fresh. And their sour cream is included there. read more

Today, my first visit, I received excellent service from David. I even saved $4.00 by downloading their app! The food was fast, fresh and very flavourful! read more

Costa Vida - a plate of food on a blue tray - Mexican Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

I agree with the other reviews, unfortunately not authentic :( Taco Bell is actually better bang for your buck! I would compare it to a sub par Chipotle- but completely bland. The space is large and well laid out, friendly guys behind the counter and a lot of options to choose from. I was optimistic when I saw them making fresh tortilla shells which is a plus! However, the gouging started with the tiny kids meal and small salad I ordered. Hubby had the burrito and it was huge but there was extra charge for 'smothered' and sour cream and guac. My son had the two taco meal and it was really small for the $12 price tag, then tack on the extra guac and drink he was well above $15. Everything was terribly soggy and just not seasoned well. Mucho burrito puts this place to shame. The amount of meat in my salad prob had only 2 ounces and the amount of guac they give you isn't substantial and part way through the meal the tortillas were soaked through. The raspberry chicken salad I had was terribly sweet, almost jam like. I barely got through it and had enough. Had I known it was that sweet I wouldn't have ordered it, booooo. Thankfully there was a fountain of horscheta to wash it down. It's an acquired taste but I really was pleased to see that option! 1 star for the fresh tortillas and another for the horscheta. I should have went with my gut and went to Paros souvla next door, chicken on the spit had me salivating as I walked by. OPA! read more

Excellent service! We came in 2 minutes after close but he didn't turn us away. Instead we were welcomed and served with a big smile! This has been the service we receive consistently, always very positive (all staff). The last couple times we've been here we have been given very generous portions. It's true what other reviewers have said about it not being authentic... But honestly hardly anything available that claims to be Mexican is (especially in this price range). Seems to be hardly a reason to give a bad review... This is Calgary... Overall, I would say to go for the great atmosphere the staff create! And give that guy David a raise ;) read more

Good and quick Mexican food. I ordered a burrito type of lunch combo. It had a bit of everything (burrito, beans, veggies and guacamole on the side) The service was friendly and the staff provided some recommendations since I had no idea what to order? They also provided me with some sort of Costa Vida card to use next time. Food tasted good and fresh. Will be back again to try something else out. read more

This is so good!!! Always go with my sister and friends. Today we went after my cousins hockey game with my grandma. Always extremely friendly staff. Too bad it's so far from where I live. I'd go everyday if i could haha. Way better than mucho burrito. read more

Costa Vida - Mexican Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

This place is delicious! I always get two chicken enchiladas with mild sauce. Great positive staff that checks in on you, and delicious and fresh food. I really recommend it to anyone who's interested in Mexican food. Keep it up Costa Vida!! read more

there system sent are order to the wrong location and they refused to refund ya ir make the meal at the correct location. Definitely not going back to such a poorly run company. read more

Figured I would try this place as I love Mexican food and have been waiting for it to open. Turns out I have been here twice on the same day... MY FIRST AND LAST TIME! The staff seemed uninterested in helping me out. Then I noticed that the bean buckets were caked with a cement like substance that looked like VERY old product. I ordered the fish tacos, and when they were finally done, the price seemed to be almost 50% more than I anticipated. The tacos were much smaller than the burrito's that are half the price. I had to leave without taking the product, or paying for it. It just seemed too sketchy and way too expensive for what was made. A fresh grill, it is not. Mucho Burrito, I'm sorry I ever doubted you. I will be back soon, and often. This place, on the other hand, needs to up their game considerably or face the dire consequences that other low quality, high priced operators face... read more

This place is in Royal Oak. Good Mexican food, an alternative to Mucho Burrito. I ordered the Chicken Burrito, and got it smothered. It was extremely tasty and filling. A bit pricy though, but there was a deal as it as a combo, and for $9.99, not too bad. The service was friendly and the staff seemed to be talkative on this one Friday evening. read more

My husband and I always visit this place because I do believe it's better than mucho burrito. The food is really good. The meat is juicy and they do cook it in front of you. However sometimes they give me two pieces of chicken and I feel like I'm just eating bread. They need to weigh their chicken and make sure they are actually giving enough meat. I also want to mention for any salads or any burritos make sure you get them to drain your beans or you will end up with soggy food. read more

Worst "Mexican" Food Ever!. Very bland (no taste) and Way too Expensive. Was my first and last time to go. Will never recommend to anyone its very disappointing. I wouldn't be surprised if the place shuts down. read more

Food is very good. Service is slow and gets backed up. Price is too high. Expect to pay 12 or more a person. Food is slightly better than mucho burrito bit 25% more expensive read more

Not good. Would not go here again. The quality of mexican was very dissapointing (worse than fast food taco bell).

Costa vida - more like Cost-a-lot. The staff were unhelpful on what was included in the meal and what cost extra, adding 6 dollars to the meal cost - totally overpriced. We left confused on if they missed half the ingredients or if that is all the meal came with. Won't go back read more

I don't mind this place, keep in mind it is not "authentic" in any way. I would compare their food to mucho burritos but I would much rather choose mucho. Costa Vida are extremely stingy on their serving sizes and practically count each individual piece of chicken or beef they give you. They are also relatively over-priced, gouging for every penny they can get out of you. They even charge extra for salsa or sour cream, which is usually always included at every other Mexican place I have been to. I would eat here again but not very often to save my wallet and especially when I'm not that hungry. read more

I would give them a 10 STAR if it were possible! Food is delish! No surprises, once you go a few times you can easily pick your favorite meals...we would often go here as a family after a long day working at Showhome furniture (our business) IT WAS OUR KIDS FAVORITE CHOICE! The meals are pretty big and my kids could never eat one meal by themselves...I seriously love COSTA VIDA!!! read more

Well we decided to give Costa Vida another try (had a coupon). The portion size of the enchilada meal has reduced since the opening. The sweet pork could have been a bit more. The corn tortilla was tough. The Refried beans were like gravy. The lettuce and salsa were minimal. The food was tasty but the quality and quantity is not where it should be. The funny thing is they show a video on their in store tv's and the meal you get doesn't look like what you get. read more

Good food every time we go. Good service too. A bit too expensive and I don't like that they don't offer crisp taco shells (even though I know they're not authentic). I prefer Mucho Burrito but will still go to Costa Vida because it's closer. (That being said, parking here as well as any restaurant in this Royal Oak area is a NIGHTMARE. Poorly planned, but not the restaurant's fault.) I'd recommend it. read more

Its not authentic. But it tastes like food! I arrived and they were out of rice. It turned into a 30 minute wait for rice and steak to be cooked. Which I gather would be a peak experience for this place in terms of FRESH. It was a sopping mess as enchilada ahould be. Everything was premade and besides steak and I believe chicken. ..it is not xooked on premesis or by any employee or i dare say even in this country... The price is expensive, just as expensive as other Mexican places in calgary...but they are authentic...this place is not. I almost died from tacotime so I have sworn off the massive chain taco places as death pits...this is a "no other choice" mexican place for me. Ill go to los chilitos or el barrito before I g3t desperate enough to come back here. 15$ for two enchiladas or 1 burrito or a salaf or nachos of bland mexican compared to 4 of the most amazing mini tacos made by old mexican grannies...cant compare. read more

Very good place to go for Mexican food. The service is quick and even when there is a lineup for lunch it moves fast. The Horchata is a fun drink to get and the food is packed with flavour! Smothered burritos and enchiladas are great! They make everything with fresh ingredients right in front of you and honestly one of the more overlooked things is that the open kitchen is very clean! Hoods and surfaces are all stainless it's clear that the place is well maintained! read more

This is a much better alternative than mucho Buritto. Tastes homemade vs. fast food. Very authentic flavor with fresh ingredients. I had the shredded beef Buritto with the habinero sauce and it was delicious. I will definitely come back. Nice festive atmosphere, very clean. read more

First time in. Won't be the last. Food is fantastic, fresh and flavorful. Had the steak burrito. Price was reasonable, I'm full for 12 dollars. Way better than the other places. read more

I have been to this Costa Vida around 8 times now and I have to say I love it. I would highly recommend the sweet pork burrito especially on a Saturday as it is on special. The amount of food you get for $8.79 is amazing I can barely finish it and it is so good. Two things that make this a four star review and not 5, the ordering process is slow and unorganized and the drink situation is unorganized. Instead of an ice machine there is a bucket on the counter filled with ice. Not a huge deal just wish the people behind the counter would be more organized. Other than that I would recommend this place to anyone I love it. read more

Good, fresh food where you can pick everything....kind of like Chipotle. Burriots are huge and enchiladas are good as well. We'll be back here read more

I have been to this location before and was really happy with my food which is why I went back. However I was so disappointed this time. I got a chicken quesadilla. The previous time I went here they put all off the fixins in the quesadilla. This time I only got chicken and cheese in the tortilla. They didn't even offer if I wanted more inside. They asked me about my side and I asked for rice and black beans. The rice is well UNDERCOOKED. Very hard. And the black beans were bland. I had to ask for pico de gallo, guac and sour cream. Of which they charged me for all three. Last time I was only charged for the guac. I felt rushed like the employees had better things to do and were trying to rush me out of the door. The quesadilla was not cut well and it all fell apart as I tried to eat it. Their fountain drinks were watery and for the price I paid... almost $18...it was not worth it at all. I will make the drive to beacon hill for mucho burrito. More worth my money. I was so looking forward to a good quesadilla and not I'm left so disappointed. read more