Start here
Order at the counter
Pick a format, then a protein, then toppings and salsa. The line builds it in front of you.
Provo location help
Costa Vida questions, answered
What to order, how to order it, heat levels, hours, and the salsa bar. Specific to the Provo restaurant. For anything time-sensitive, call the line.
Build it your way
Bowls are made to order, so leaving off cheese or crema is part of the normal flow.
House pick
Sweet pork first
Slow-cooked signature
How Costa Vida ordering works
You order at the counter and move down the line while your food is assembled. If you would rather not wait, order ahead and pick up at 1205 N University Ave in Provo. No separate process for customizing — the build-your-own structure is the default.
Ordering basics
Pick format first
Burrito, bowl, tacos, or salad. Format decides how wet ingredients behave, so choose before toppings.
Then protein
Changing protein changes the dish more than changing toppings does. Start with sweet pork, chicken, steak, shredded beef, or barbacoa.
Finish with salsa
Add salsa at the line, then adjust at the salsa bar after your food is built. Tasting a small amount first is the easiest way to judge heat.
Proteins at a glance
Start with the meat, not the toppings
Sweet pork — the house specialty, slow-cooked with a sweet-savory finish.
Grilled chicken — lighter and neutral, works with brighter salsas.
Steak and shredded beef — firmer bite, plus barbacoa and vegetarian builds.
Costavida builds are assembled to order, so a bowl instead of a tortilla or no cheese on top takes no extra step.
Diet and heat
Easy swaps, clear heat choices
Because food is put together in front of you, requests like no crema, no cheese, or rice and beans with vegetables are simple to make. Vegetarian builds are available. Salsa heat varies by option, and you can add more after the build.
Keep it light
Bowl base, grilled chicken, extra lettuce.
Skip dairy
Ask for no cheese or crema on the line.
Allergy note
Tell staff before ordering so they can explain what is possible.
Salsa bar options
The bar runs from mild to hot. Staff can point you to milder costa vida salsa options if you want low heat.
Hours and visiting
Plan a Provo visit
The restaurant is at 1205 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604, near the campus side of the city. Regular hours are Mon–Sun 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM, but hours can shift around holidays and busy periods.
Lunch is the busiest stretch. Mid-afternoon is usually calmer if you want to eat in.
Parking and seating vary by time of day. Call before a special trip.
Catering and group orders
Feed a group without the line
Catering uses a self-serve burrito or bowl bar, so guests build their own plates. Two proteins usually cover a mixed group, with at least two salsa heat levels.
Group orders need more lead time than a walk-in, especially on weekends. The most common slip is waiting until the last minute — contact the restaurant with your date and headcount to start.
Keep the build simple
Too many wet ingredients at once makes a burrito hard to roll and a bowl watery. Start lean, add salsa after.
Match salsa to the table
One hot salsa rarely fits a mixed group. Bring a mild and a medium so everyone can adjust.
Confirm early
Confirm group and catering orders early, with headcount and pickup time written down.
Quick answers
Five questions we hear daily
Short answers for how to order costa vida, what to pick, and when to visit. Still unsure? The contact page has hours, address, and phone in one place.
Go to contact detailsHow do I order at Costa Vida?
Order at the counter and move down the line: pick a format, a protein, toppings, and a salsa. You can also order ahead for pickup at the Provo location.
What is the signature protein?
Sweet pork is the house specialty, slow-cooked with a sweet-savory profile. Grilled chicken is the lighter pick and steak is the heartier one.
Can I customize a bowl?
Yes. Bowls are built to order, so you can choose rice, beans, protein, toppings, and salsa, and leave off anything you do not want. Costavida bowls work well when you keep wet ingredients balanced.
What are the Provo restaurant hours?
Regular hours are Mon–Sun 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM, but hours can shift around holidays and busy periods. Call +1-801-373-1234 or check the contact page before a special trip.
Are there salsa options for low heat?
Yes. The salsa bar has a range, and staff can point you to the milder options. Tasting a small amount first is the easiest way to choose.
Still deciding what to get?
Look through the full menu, start a catering request, or call the Provo team. Address is 1205 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604.