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
Mar 12, 2021
Liz F.
Great food and great service. Highly recommend!
- 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
Jul 30, 2022
PAMELA C.
Once again everything was a 10. All 6 of our meals were amazing. We fought over the 4 desserts we ordered. The service was great. We love Vim!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 03, 2020
Nancy G.
Our server was exceptional; a true professional who knew exactly how often to visit our table, was knowledgeable about the food and drink pairings, and was friendly and accommodating.
- 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
May 14, 2021
thea r.
we were a group of 4 females .
to make it short: rating in all categories 10
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 08, 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
Jun 22, 2020
Stacy S.
The best restaurant in Santa Cruz. The menu is always evolving and always amazing — unparalleled quality and creativity in every dish.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 26, 2020
Roberta L.
Our family had a fabulous experience @ Vim to celebrate my husband's birthday! We will definitely return for more special occasions in the future. Thank you!
Roberta Lipson
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 5/10
Feb 19, 2022
renwick c.
the food was average in execution and innovation, not what we have come to expect from VIM.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 6/10
Jun 27, 2021
laura l.
The wine list needs to be improved. It’s great to support local wineries, but a balance of decent wines his very much needed here. Your food is a 10, your wine list a zero. Get rid of the Armitage Chardonnay. It tastes like chenin blanc. Undrinkable.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Mar 06, 2021
Rose C.
The food was amazing, and so beautifully presented. I wish I had taken a picture of my plate. Each bite was incredible, the combination of herbs and spices in the lamb spiced meatballs was absolutely delectable, with greens and cucumber adding the perfect texture to my meal. The portion size was perfect.
The only thing I would add is the music was not that conducive to enjoying a fine dining meal and conversation. The waiter was slightly lacking in a warm/welcoming sense, although certainly kind enough.
Hands down a most delicious meal from sight to palate
- Overall: 6/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 3/10
May 30, 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 03, 2020
Margaret H.
Always love the food and the people of Vim.
It is very noisy in the outside eating area because of 4 lanes of traffic on Mission St. but that is not something they can do anything about and the food and the staff more than make it worth being there.
Thank you for hanging in there with us during the pandemic. It can't be easy.
- 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
Jul 29, 2022
James L.
Excellent repast
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 04, 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
Mar 05, 2021
Morgan L.
Great food & great service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 24, 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 26, 2020
Jacqueline V.
Really lovely all around! I'd say the only thing I would suggest is to dim the lights a bit inside, it's so bright!!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 15, 2021
Farid Z.
Pretty great experience and restaurant.
Overall food, and cocktails we're great.
I really liked our waiter and the deserts we're A+
We sat outside and the ambiance was perfect.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 13, 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 17, 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
Apr 16, 2021
Kathy M.
From the cocktails to the appetizers to the dinner to the desserts, we couldn't have been more happy! The complex and balanced flavors of each and every drink and dish were top notch, and, on par with the wonderful food quality, the owners Jesikah and Erik are terrific hosts and their team works with them to perfection. Highly, highly recommend VIM if you want to have a tasty and fun time!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Jul 03, 2021
David I.
As ALWAYS, food and service were outstanding. Jesikah and staff deliver a wonderful blend of flavors and textures to the table.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Oct 22, 2021
James S.
Our patio server (Isa???) was excellent.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 07, 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: 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
Jun 17, 2022
Susan F.
I don't usually say OMG, but OMG. Vim may be the best restaurant in Santa Cruz County and the service was over-the-top!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 21, 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: 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
Aug 02, 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: 10/10
Feb 04, 2022
Trish P.
Vim was fantastic! The cocktails, Brussel sprout appetizer, black garlic steak, ahi were all delicious. Wine pairings were spot on and finished with bread pudding and port.
- 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 04, 2020
devin b.
great experience especially considering the circumstances (corona times)
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 04, 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: 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: 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: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 07, 2022
Robin M.
They are always outstanding. My favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz. Great on all levels.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 09, 2020
Jennifer T.
Our first time dining at VIM and we will be back!! Incredible food with such a beautiful blend of flavors and the service was impeccable. We felt very safe with all of the precautions in place. Definitely will be supporting this gem on the Westside.
- 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: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Jul 03, 2022
john m.
Everything was excellent. Complimentary bubbly to start off our anniversary dinner.
Waitperson was excellent! Food exceeded our expectations. Thank you!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 5/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Feb 12, 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 13, 2022
Sigfrid G.
I’ve been here twice in the last month. VIM is all-around and consistently excellent! The outdoor area is well heated and very cozy. There is quite a bit of street noise, which is why I didn’t give it top rating for ambiance.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 17, 2020
Drew B.
Amazing
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 11, 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: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 7/10
Jan 22, 2022
Virginia C.
We ended up having a lovely birthday meal.
Suggestion: Update menu on web to allow for range of actual options, or suggest calling ahead to learn what is actually on offer on a given night.
Given the world, I understand a limited menu, but then you have to allow for customer preferences, allergies, and things they can't eat.
Our server made is all work out with flexibility and charm. We spent more than we wanted to and had a fabulous meal. Just something to consider....
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 22, 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 30, 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: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 04, 2022
Nancy D.
Loved everything from the ambiance, the professional and friendly service, and the delicious food and drink. We will be back!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 13, 2022
Dean M.
Amazing , can’t say enough about VIM feels like home with way better food
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 26, 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: 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 25, 2022
Madelyn M.
Exquisite food, outstanding service. We'll be back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 21, 2020
Michael T.
Great food, very great cocktails, outstanding service. Trying to think of something less than perfect and all I can come up with is that, outdoors, you can hear the traffic on Mission. That is, until you have your first cocktail and start eating that delicious food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 17, 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
Apr 01, 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
Jun 28, 2021
Roger C.
Wonderful dinner, as always.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 03, 2021
Carolyn K.
Our first visit was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the food was delicious! I look forward to returning again in the future!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 11, 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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 30, 2021
Bethany C.
The food was amazing and the service was excellent. We sat on the patio and it is loud with road traffic and doesn't have much ambiance. I'd recommend sitting inside and enjoying the fantastic food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 08, 2022
Carole S.
We had a fantastic dinner at Vim on Wednesday night. Isa was our server-she was very knowledgeable about each of the dishes. The passion fruit tart was out of this world.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 19, 2022
Roger C.
Wonderful meal, as always.
- 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
Jul 18, 2022
Shaunah S.
This is BY FAR the best restaurant in Santa Cruz!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 26, 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 18, 2022
Leslie K.
Excellent food, attentive service, spotlessly clean, and thorough attention to Covid protocols. We will return!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 02, 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: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 25, 2021
Cheryl M.
The food is always interesting and delicious!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Mar 27, 2021
Chad M.
Awesome joint. We'll def be back.
- 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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 26, 2022
Amy N.
Excellent but pricy. Need more heaters outside.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2021
Jay M.
Great food, great service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 07, 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 17, 2021
Larry B.
Food and service were both great. Innovative cuisine, well prepared. Good wine list. Only improvement would be a quieter patio. Noise from street, but probably beyond control of restaurant to move the patio. In normal times, one would eat inside and there wouldn't be any noise problem from the traffic. Overall an excellent experience.
- 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 !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 22, 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
Jul 06, 2020
Johnny E.
Our favorite place in Santa Cruz. The menu is limited at this time, but we are okay with that, we were just glad we got to dine in. Thank you again VIM!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 22, 2021
Heather D.
The food, the specialty drinks and the staff were all first class all the way. What a truly wonderful dining experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 26, 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
Jan 14, 2022
Juan D.
Great !!!
- 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
May 08, 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
Sep 08, 2021
Kelli B.
Vim was an outstanding experience all around!! Lovely patio ambience, superb food & impressive service! I’ll be back as soon as physically possible!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 25, 2022
Veronica L.
VIM has delicious food. It's thoughtful and creative. They have great craft cocktails as well.
- 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: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2021
Carole C.
It’s all very, very good!
- 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: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 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: 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 11, 2021
Jessa S.
We had a wonderful anniversary dinner here . The server was knowledgeable , and attentive . The ambiance was lovely and warm on the patio . The highlight of the experience was the dinner and dessert
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 03, 2022
Mark J.
Happy New Year … Thank you VIM for making ours delicious!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 01, 2021
Kathleen G.
Fantastic meal amazing service! Can't wait to return!
- 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 20, 2020
David I.
Jesikah and her crew provide an unparalleled level of excellence every single time we go. Her brilliant blending of flavors and textures is stunning. Every course was an event in itself, and the combination delicious.
Great service, it starts at the top.
Love love
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 09, 2022
Jon B.
The best meals and service we’ve ever had a restaurant! Highly recommend to anyone.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 14, 2022
Wayne C.
We were thrilled to find a restaurant of this caliber in S. Cruz!!!
Dishes are innovative, delicious and presented with justified pride.
We’ll be back and we’ll also make sure our friends know about VIM.
THANK YOU for making the birthday dining so special!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 03, 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: 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 23, 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.