Vim Dining & Desserts
2238 Mission St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
$$
New American
Recommended
New
Editor's Pick
Outdoor Seating
Vim Dining & Desserts is a restaurant located in Santa Cruz, California, at 2238 Mission St. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They also serve a selection of craft beers and wines.
The interior of Vim Dining & Desserts is modern and sleek, with a mix of booth and table seating available. The restaurant features an open kitchen concept, allowing diners to see their food being prepared.
In addition to their food and drink offerings, Vim Dining & Desserts also hosts various events throughout the year, including wine tastings and live music performances.
Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 2238 Mission St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
- Cross Street: Fair Ave
- Location: Santa Cruz County
- Cuisine: American | California | Desserts | New American |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Upscale Casual
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Required
- Dress Code: Casual Elegant
- Meals Served: Dinner |
- Parking: Street | Private Lot |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
- Corkage Fee: 15.00 | Corkage fee will be applied on a per bottle basis.
- Website: https://www.vimsantacruz.com/
- Phone: (831) 515-7033
- Features: Full Bar, Organic Ingredients, Outdoor Seating, Tasting Menu, Happy Hours, Healthy Options, Farm-to-table,
- Occasion: Romantic Dining, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Date Night,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.76 out of 5 stars based on 1280 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 08, 2020
Kimberly B.
We had a wonderful brunch on Sunday! Very unique and flavors blended to make a wonder pallet experience. The cardamom whip cream was especially delightful.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 04, 2021
Tom H.
The best meal in our three-day weekend in Santa Cruz, by far. Service was wonderful, and funny, food was truly impressive (I'm a chef by trade, so I know a little bit about it), all in all quite enjoyable. I've seen Turkish Eggs go by as videos and recipes but it was the first time I tried them. Adding them to my repertoire, for sure. Only distractor was the traffic noise, but what are you gonna do. Will definitely be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 18, 2020
Nanci L.
What a lovely place! We felt very welcomed and pampered for our special, anniversary dinner! The service was professional and the food was excellent!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 23, 2021
Neil B.
One of the best restaurants in the county, Jesika is remarkably creative at the helm, creating just all sorts of fantastic delicious goodies for your mouth! Great bar too, you gotta try it!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2020
Christina V.
Excellent service last night!!! Thank you to our server with the blonde hair in a ponytail. Loved the special touches of my name on the menu and the delicious cupcake! Staff even got a new tank for the heater for us. The fig salad was fantastic and the social distancing on the patio was perfect. Would only change the weather (ha ha) and the Mission Street traffic (impossible to change, of course). Maybe some music on the patio? I don’t think there was music. But then it’s impossible to hear when you’re all wearing masks... such a conundrum!! Thank you for making my birthday special!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 18, 2021
renwick c.
We ordered cocktails and and appetizers first, but the appetizers came out at the same time as the cocktails
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 12, 2021
David H.
As usual, VIM provides a unique and amazing dining experience. We had Mother's Day Brunch and the Pre Fixe was delicious.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 24, 2020
Jane P.
Our wait-staff was excellent. This place is a gem.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 06, 2021
Morgan L.
Great food & great service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 01, 2021
John J.
We had a terrific time and our waiter was very personable. The food and his personable service warranted the 20% tip. The personalized birthday menu was an unexpected treat as was the candle on the incredibly rich ( good) cupcake as best I can describe it. WRT parking we did have a little uncertainty where to park and where the actual entry door was located. And yes, we were sober upon arrival. Old but sober!
We had a terrific experience overall. The manna much.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2021
Dean M.
Such awesome people and awesome food thank you once again Jessica Eric and Ashley and all of their employees involved and thank you for sticking it out during Covid and surviving It was great to support you during that time
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 06, 2020
Julia D.
They did a very good job with the outside dining, plenty of unused space, felt very private if a little noisy from traffic. Waiter Brighton (?) was attentive, pleasant, efficient and personable, food was amazing and we had several dishes, don’t usually do cocktails but enjoyed trying a couple because they made a point of them being special, and they were very fun. All in all a great evening and one we hope to repeat.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 15, 2021
William B.
Thanks for making my wife's birthday special with a Happy Birthday wish at the top of the menu and a birthday cupcake with s candle.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 30, 2022
Anatole L.
Excellent restaurant, creative menu, wonderful staff.
- Overall: 4/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 0/10
- Value: 5/10
Apr 16, 2022
Harry D.
Quality of food and service were very good. However the entre that I ordered came with no sides like veges, etc. All I got was the fish. Than doesn't make a very good main course.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 01, 2020
Maria M.
great food and service, love the bartender and the waiter and the food is always excellent! Appreciate that you have vegan options also.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 9/10
Aug 28, 2021
Dawn D.
We ate out on the patio. The atmosphere was lovely, but the noise of the traffic on Mission was awful! The cocktails, food, and dessert were delicious!! So fresh and inventive.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 03, 2021
Corrina D.
Vim is a perfect special occasion restaurant. Every single thing about it feels like it was done with love. The food is beautiful and the staff are some personable. 5 stars.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 15, 2021
Barbara K.
Outstanding service, food and ambiance. Our new favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 11, 2020
Steve B.
Excellent food and even that much more in the dessert category. Highly recommend this establishment. Staff was very welcoming and engaging. Will be nice when things get back to normal and it’s buzzing with life.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 16, 2022
Karen C.
Ever since I saw the menu at VIM I have been dying to go! They certainly did not disappoint
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
Jul 16, 2022
Nick G.
It was our fourth time there and my girlfriend's choice for her birthday dinner.
They celebrated her with custom menus and a free dessert treat.
Although the food was delicious as always, we both did get quite sick the following day (me to the point of being bedridden.)
We had skipped lunch & did share a few plates @ VIM, so I suspect (but can't prove) we ingested something that caused the illness.
However, I feel it'd be irresponsible to post on a public website that our dining experience gave us both food poisoning.
But me may wait a while before returning.
Business Response:
Hello Nick, Thank you for your feedback. We're really sorry that you didn't feel well following your visit. We take food safety very seriously and take stringent precautions to ensure the quality of the food we put out. On the day that you dined with us we had just prepped everything fresh (we discard all of the previous weeks food on Saturday) and we taste every dish that we prepare. None of our staff that tasted the food or any other customers (that we know of) have experienced adverse effects. There is a slightly higher risk with shellfish such as scallops since they are processed at an outside facility and we can only control what happens once they arrive here but we do check them for freshness and refuse or discard any that do not meet our standards. There is also a possibility that norovirus could be a culprit as it is very contagious and can be communally aquired. Thank you again for reaching out to us with your concern, we will be extra cautious and triple check all of our food storage temps. We hope you are both feeling better and are willing to give us another try in the future. Best wishes, Jesikah and Erik- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 0/10
Sep 14, 2020
Bob C.
Very satisfying experience start to finish. In this time of COVID, the ventilation made us feel safe inside, and the patio outside is a nice option as well. Entrees were lovely, quite creative but not overly trendy, well prepared and presented, good portions. Dessert was heavenly- raspberry tiramisu. Service was very good. Nice selection of wines and draft beers. Highly recommended.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
May 21, 2022
Beverly M.
Menu is a bit limited, but interesting choices. Food was tasty. Would go back again.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 12, 2021
Liz F.
Great food and great service. Highly recommend!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 23, 2022
Cadja W.
I loved it all!! It was so nice of them to print a menu acknowledging my husband’s birthday and celebrating at the end with a delicious cupcake and bday candle! The food was so good and the presentation beautiful!! Loved the idea of offering pairing wines. Everyone was very nice and professional. Will definitely recommend and come back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2020
Brian M.
To begin COVID requirements allowed us to come down from Santa Clara county.
VIM was a dream come true all things considered.
There was a warm welcome
Attentive service
We had the Sweet Potatoe Chickpea Fritters, Slow Braised Short Rib, and the Mushroom Ragout with spaetzle!
Phenomenal!
Thank you team... We look forward to seeing you again
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 23, 2021
Amy G.
Definitely the best restaurant in Santa Cruz!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 20, 2021
Stan W.
Always the best. We have become regulars. Pricy and not much on ambiance,
but terrific food and service.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 24, 2020
Christina P.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Cruz. The food is stunning, the service is attentive, and theyre adapting to the current pandemic with style, common sense, and grace.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 14, 2021
William P.
Just amazing, how VIM does it...superb food, cheerful wait staff, a marvelous dining experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 14, 2022
Samantha F.
Very good!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Mar 01, 2022
Hope K.
Great food- thank you!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2021
Roger C.
Wonderful dinner, as always.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Jul 11, 2022
Brendan R.
Truly excellent dining experience, simply superb food. Everything item we had was a standout.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 01, 2021
Jay M.
Great food, great service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 07, 2022
miranda d.
Amazing place! Great food, excellent service provided by Eric, and really fun vibes. Our birthday boy was very happy and I really appreciate all the personalize touches Vim added to make it a special evening. Thank you all!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 01, 2022
Janet B.
Excellent food and great service.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 25, 2022
Deborah L.
Fabulous food! Delicious drinks. I can’t afford to come often, but saving up for next time!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 09, 2021
Lee S.
We LOVE VIM !
It's one of our very favorite restaurants anywhere.
The food is terrific and fresh and creative and "fun" to try everything on each menu that changes with the seasons.
***Highly recommend going hungry + with friends & sharing everything !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 27, 2022
alicia s.
Vim is hands down our FAVORITE restaurant!!! From the personal touches (printed menu saying happy birthday for my hubby) to the waitress remembering our favorite table, it's the BEST! And the desserts and food are out of this WORLD!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 05, 2021
Penelope H.
A lovely meal.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 23, 2021
Henry S.
VIM is one of the best, and most innovative, restaurants in Santa Cruz.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 31, 2022
Cody M.
Delicious meals perfectly portioned and the best desserts ever, thanks for the happy bday wishes on the menus
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 14, 2021
Melinda L.
Our server was very communicative which I greatly appreciate. They did seem very busy and a little stressed by that. As for ambiance, we sat outside which was lovely except for the many propane tanks behind our table. Perhaps there is another place or way to store those that doesn't detract from the view.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 25, 2021
Cheryl M.
The food is always interesting and delicious!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 08, 2022
Julia D.
Always a treat to eat at Vim - food, service, all top notch. Only reason for lower score on ambience is the starkness, due, I’m guessing, to Covid protocols, for which I applaud you.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Apr 07, 2021
Stan W.
Food and service were superb. Best food in Santa Cruz, but pricy and not the comfort and scenery of other restaurants in this price range. Willing to live with it for the high quality. Desserts are a specialty but everything else is also creative and very skillfully prepared.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 21, 2020
Steven G.
The food was great. Every dish was a perfect balance that made my mouth want to keep going back for more. The waiter was wonderful. It's a pleasure to go a restaurant and have the waiter be professional, attentive and friendly. The COVID rule following was spot on. Tables were distanced and completely cleaned and de sanitized. The overall experience was very good. I would highly recommend this establishment.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 28, 2020
Leona P.
Love the popcorn idea but for anyone who cannot handle high spice, not so good. I am allergic to red pepper in any form, so don't have it, but another member of our party who loves spice, said for him the almonds in the salad were too spiced and overwhelmed the other more delicate flavors.
Also, the dessert menu might include something yummy that is not chocolate beside the somewhat heavy doughnut holes.
Waiter was very attentive. Ribs were beyond excellent!! Pierogi's to die for.Thanks, good job.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 02, 2021
Claire W.
We had such a wonderful time. The food was amazing and the service was excellent. I overheard the table next to us giving our waiter a hard time because the dish they wanted to order was not available anymore. I thought the waiter handled it well and want to remind everyone out there that the restaurant industry has been through hell this last year. Be kind. Be thankful and I highly recommend eating at Vim!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 09, 2022
Nancy Z.
It is, always, lovely to go to Vim.
Every drink and sauce I have had, has had it's own unique combination of flavors.
The flavors are, always, exciting.
The staff are very gracious and well-trained.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 29, 2021
STEVEN G.
I don't know how they do it. Each dish was a stand alone 10 and yet we had one dish after another. In Santa Cruz we're happy if a part of the meal is outstanding. Vim succeeded in making each and every portion from the appetizer to the main course to the dessert outstanding. And absolute oral explosion of flavor. Such a wonderful experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 18, 2020
Gail R.
The food was absolutely delicious!!! Can't praise the chief highly enough. The service fantastic. We were comfortable outside with the heaters and felt safe in these Covid times.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 03, 2020
Elaine T.
First time to try this restaurant. Small but very nice patio for enjoying the beautiful weather. The food was thoughtful, fresh, creative! Portions were good. All the desserts were also delicious...get the chocolate cheesecake. Definitely hope to see this restaurant survive these COVID times. We will be back and tell others about this wonderful restaurant.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Apr 11, 2021
Elaine T.
Our group of 5 had amazing meals and will recommend this place to other friends and definitely return. The servers were knowledgeable, friendly, professional. The space appeared very clean yet vibrant and inviting.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 16, 2021
Lorraine C.
Everything was perfect--the food, the service. Also, appreciated the customized menu printed for a special occasion.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 27, 2020
Amy G.
The staff is amazing. The food is amazing. We had an incredible time and would highly recommend to anyone. Prices are appropriate for the quality and quantity of food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 26, 2020
Bruce L.
We love the food! It is homey, delicious and very upscale comfort food. The people who work there are young and vibrant and fabulous. The chef is all of that and more! Thank you for being here to open up, again. We will be back, again and again!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Jul 04, 2020
Dave Y.
Loved the place. Food and service was excellent! All very fresh and seasonal
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 20, 2021
angelique s.
Such a great meal! Everything was delicious and we had a great birthday dinner celebration!
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 3/10
May 31, 2022
Ken B.
Our second visit. The first visit was much superior. This visit the pasta entree was poor, and the pork chop was pink in the center. First visit all three entrees were excellent and there wasn't a scrap left. Presentation is very nice. We don't care for the popcorn instead of bread, feels like cheaping out at what is otherwise and expensive, up-scale restaurant. We'll probably go back eventually, hoping for a repeat of our first visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 22, 2021
Linda C.
Food is fantastic. Service is superb. I went with 8 on ambiance because of the traffic noise from Mission Street when you eat outside which we love to do. It is our 5th time there and the food and service is worth the noise. Desserts are heaven.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 15, 2022
Pamela S.
 Tonight I went back to VIM. It’s a wonderful restaurant down towards the end of Mission. I brought a friend that I knew would be willing to split their dinner with me as I would split mine with her! The food is so good there I can’t stand not trying whatever it is you’re ordering- So I make sure I only go with people who like to share!
We started by sharing the chili brussels sprouts with cashew cream. It was so yummy, creamy, crunchy and Brussel sproutie yet spicy. We were both enthralled with the taste.
We then both ordered salads. It was a salad with butter leaf lettuce with apples, dried cranberries, blue cheese and these crunchy spiced things (pepitas)that were really fun to eat. The dressing amount was perfect.  I was glad we got two because there was not enough to share and anyway I wouldn’t have wanted to!
For dinner my friend had a pork tenderloin with mint chimichurri and delicata squash and I ordered the butternut squash curry. I wasn’t too excited about the pork tenderloin because I’m not a big fan of mint but it was excellent! I am a great fan of Delicada squash and altogether it was Scrumptious!. I’m so glad I made her share!
The butternut squash curry was really good with a side of cilantro mint hummus. We both liked it a lot!. It came with garlic naan that was warm and fresh and good.
So good! 
Then came desert. VIM has such good desserts. Period. Here we made a mistake in the choosing. They had something on the menu called chocolate chip cookie dough stack. My friend wanted that bad. I was celebrating an anniversary and wanted the vim chocolate cake which has strawberry jam and malted cream cheese icing. So of course we got both and shared. The mistake was in having so much chocolatey dessert. They had passion fruit tart and Brûlée banana cream cheese cake. I think either one of these fruit desserts would’ve contrasted better than the two chocolate items.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 23, 2023
Anonymous User
I would like buy a gift card for my sons birthday. Please contact me with information. Thanks Dick Fisher
[email protected]
805.844.5519
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 12, 2022
Beth L.
The food was unique and delicious and the service was friendly and efficient. We paired the suggested wines with our entrees which was great. We enjoyed our evening so much!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 08, 2020
Rinley D.
One of top 5 restaurants in Monterey bay area. The food is exceptional. The short ribs and the pork loin were as great. Brighten is a very helpful and friendly server.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 08, 2022
CONSTANCE K.
Service was excellent, and it's exciting to have a restaurant in Santa Cruz serve just delicious food. The brussels sprouts were amazing! We had the chocolate chip cake dessert and that was our least favorite. The bottom chocolate layer was too granular and the flavor was lacking. Even so, this is my new favorite restaurant!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2022
Shaunah S.
This is BY FAR the best restaurant in Santa Cruz!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 17, 2022
Victoria G.
Awesome place!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 24, 2020
Michelle B.
Vim never disappoints and continuously overwhelms our expectations. Food, cocktails, service, ambiance are all above and beyond. I love to cook and enjoy going out and eating food I could not imagine or create and Jessica and her team do this.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
May 05, 2022
Linda C.
Always great.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 04, 2020
Timothy S.
Vim Dining & Desserts is one of my all-time favorite spots to eat in Santa Cruz. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic and the food is amazing. The menu rotates regularly and I have never had a dish that wasn't excellent. The desserts are a high point, and the wine, beer, and cocktail pairings for each menu item are spot-on. 11/10 I highly recommend.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 21, 2021
Carol M.
We had a wonderful experience dining at Vim . The service was great. The food was unique and delicious.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 12, 2022
Spencer H.
One of the best dinners we have had! Our family loves Santa Cruz, and the commitment to keeping everyone local. Vim has the same mindset. Everything on the menu was cooked to perfection! We have already been telling everyone that we know in the area to check this place out. I love that the menu changes with what is in season, so nothing will feel "stale" when we go next time. 10/10 would recommend! We had the pork belly appetizer, chicken, steak, and fish. Topped everything off with the signature vim chocolate cake and peanut butter torte. I also had the best old fashion of my life here!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2022
Heidi C.
What a fantastic experience every time we come. The food is always amazing. I can’t recommend this place enough
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2021
Carole C.
It’s all very, very good!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2020
Dean M.
its always a pleasure to dine at VIM everything is wonderful , we are so lucky to have such a place to go and take break from this crazy world .... cheers Dean :)
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 03, 2021
Janet R.
Enjoyed a wonderful meal at VIM last night. Both mains, chicken breast and pork tenderloin were perfectly cooked, with wonderful Fall sides to accompany them. It was a birthday dinner and Eric phoned ahead to make sure the birthday girl had no food allergies so they could prepare a small birthday treat and boy was it! A combination of chocolate and raspberry to swoon over. Excellent service and charming ambiance. Highly recommended.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 23, 2021
Anne T.
We loved everything about VIM Dining. The food is imaginative and delicious. We had great wait staff and the patio was perfect for an evening dinner. We will definitely go back and will recommend VIM to all our friends and family.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
Oct 10, 2021
Laura D.
To each her own. Lovely experience, but we cook and this wasn’t better than what we make. Still, no disrespect.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 23, 2022
Sheila G.
Perfect night! Food was amazing, service was excellent, and we will definitely be back! The Lemon cake was the best dessert I’ve ever had! Such an incredible dining experience… we loved everything !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 27, 2020
Susan V.
Service was excellent, waiter was very accommodating, and the food was exceptional!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 15, 2021
thea r.
we were a group of 4 females .
to make it short: rating in all categories 10
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 03, 2020
Dan I.
Excellent food as always, not cheap, but good quality and nice presentation. Ambiance leaves a bit to be desired, but mainly because of the pandemic, distancing and the inability to be with friends. Overall, a great restaurant and worth experiencing.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 27, 2020
Mary S.
Food was excellent. I will definitely come back. Servers came to the table too often though.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 27, 2020
Kelly C.
It was one of best dining experiences I have had in Santa Cruz for over a decade. The food was fresh, unique and delicious. We were treated with celebratory charm for our anniversary. It's a gem that hasn't had its parallel since Bittersweet opened on the west side over 20 years ago.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 10, 2022
Todd W.
Our visit was very rewarding. Our waiter was very informative and helpful.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 30, 2022
James L.
Excellent repast
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 25, 2022
Mark C.
VIM is one of our few GO TO restaurants. The owners and wait staff and food and place we seem to always meet friends and share our VIM experience with others are all reasons we love VIM. Whether inside or out, our experience is always one we can’t wait to go back and enjoy.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 1/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 11, 2021
Christina J.
Overall wonderful! There was no music inside which was kind of weird. The server never came to check to see how the food was-luckily it was excellent and we had no complaints. It was obvious the other 2 servers were picking up some of his slack which is actually very impressive on their part. When we had dined previously the service was excellent. We will definitely be back.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 5/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Feb 13, 2022
andy t.
Food was amazing, sadly the service and attention was lacking. 20 minutes to get a drink, 45 to get appetizer. I love their food as it is consistently amazing but they need to work on the service....hope last night was a one off and things get better.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2022
Laurie B.
Food is great
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 17, 2022
Jill J.
We love everything about VIM. Attentive service, great food and relaxed atmosphere. Your cooking techniques, exquisite attention to detail and your flavor profiles set you apart from all the other top restaurants in the county. It's been a rough few years and we know the challenge isn't over. Bravo! And keep it up!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 31, 2021
John D.
VIM is hands-down the best restaurant in all of Santa Cruz County and beats everything in Monterey and Santa Clara counties as well.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 27, 2022
Marion B.
We’ve always had awesome meals at Vim. This visit continued that with a wonderful meal.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 28, 2020
Leland S.
O.M.G. the food is really great and inventive, desserts too.
5* Mushroom soup and 5* Short Ribs were THE BEST ! ! ! (as good / better
than Prego's mushroom soup on Crystal or Seabourn's 72-hour short ribs)
The place is fun too! Great & helpful waiter: Dagan!
World class food in a nice, casual Santa Cruz setting.
BRAVO to the Chef / Owner. ***Her Almond Cornmeal Cake with (maybe)
almond paste and Roasted Nectarines (or Persimmons this time) served with Rosemary Whipped Cream IS INCREDIBLE ! ! !*** (if not on menu, try special ordering it for there or home) **WORLD CLASS FOOD**
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 13, 2020
Colleen B.
We love VIM! Always so delicious, cocktails are fab, chef Jesikah & the crew are the best!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 16, 2022
Johanna B.
A lovely evening, great food and we felt very well taken care of
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Apr 08, 2022
Lee S.
***WE LOVE the food at VIMs*** !
*It's always so fresh & in-season & DELICIOUS !
*It's also really creative & really interesting !
*It's always a fun evening out !