ABOUT US

An unexpected and hidden gem on Route 1 in Portsmouth, NH, Vida Cantina is a chef-driven restaurant celebrating modern Mexican cuisine. Chef/Owner Dave Vargas pushes Mexican cuisine to the limit, bringing bright, adventurous flavors and locally grown ingredients together on a plate. Inspired by his Mexican heritage, Vargas takes each dish to the next level with superb technique, product and creativity. Look for an array of tasty signature tacos, the pigs head carnitas platters with 20 tortillas, and margaritas with a choice of 40+ tequilas. Ask about the Salsa Flights and the Tequila Flights. A local favorite gaining national recognition, Vida Cantina is considered one of New England’s best Mexican restaurants. Honor and awards include Hot New Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, Best Mexican Brunch, Best Chef-Seacoast Nominee, Top Ten Restaurants in New England, and more. Chef Dave has also been nominated as a James Beard Best Chef Northeast Semifinalist, 2022, 2020 & 2019 and a Semifinalist Nomination for Outstanding Chef in the US, 2023. Co-Owner, Jay McSharry was also nominated as Outstanding Restaurateur, 2020.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Chef and owner David Vargas smiling with his arms crossed in front of a kitchen wall decorated with chili peppers, patterned wallpaper, and wooden shelves at Vida Cantina in Portsmouth, NH.

    Dave Vargas

    CHEF / OWNER

  • Betsy Townsend, a kitchen employee at Vida Cantina, standing indoors with long wavy hair wearing a black apron and shirt, in front of floral and bird patterned wallpaper with a lit marquee sign in Portsmouth, NH.

    Elisabeth Townsend

    CHEF DE CUISINE

  • John Mitchell, general manager of Vida Cantina, smiling and wearing a dark button-up shirt, sitting indoors with decorative wall art in the background, in Portsmouth, NH.

    John Mitchell

    GENERAL MANANGER

  • Caitlin Casper, assistant manager at Vida Cantina, black-and-white portrait of her smiling with long hair, wearing a dark top, in an indoor setting, in Portsmouth, NH.

    Caitlin Casper

    ASSISTANT MANAGER

  • Owen, sous chef at Vida Cantina, smiling with short curly hair and a light beard, wearing a "Rodeo Club" t-shirt, standing indoors near a window with large plants and floral patterned walls, in Portsmouth, NH.

    Owen Woollacott

    SOUS CHEF

  • A man with light-colored hair and a striped shirt standing with crossed arms next to a textured wall, with chairs and a table on the right side of the image, in black and white.

    Jay McSharry

    OWNER