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: 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: 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
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: 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: 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: 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 23, 2020
Jane M.
Service, food, drinks were all excellent. Loved the personalized menus for our birthdays, our waiter was excellent and the complimentary birthday cupcakes were delicious. Thank you for making our birthdays so special!
- 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 27, 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
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: 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
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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 27, 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Feb 28, 2022
Hope K.
Great food- thank you!
- 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 06, 2021
Micah B.
Excellent Overall. Great food service and ambience. Looking forward to coming back for Sunday Brunch!
- 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: 10/10
- Value: 0/10
Sep 13, 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: 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: 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: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 29, 2021
Linda G.
Delicious, beautiful food and waitstaff that is attentive without hovering.
- 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 17, 2022
Julia A.
Vim is one of the many jewels of Santa Cruz. The chef is a master of flavor, combining different flavors in balanced and intriguing dishes. We couldn’t have enjoyed our meals more!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 22, 2020
Krista H.
The meal was delicious and portions were quite generous. Loved my brown butter chicken and the creamy potatoes & sautéed kale. The pork was served with a baked bread pudding that tasted like Thanksgiving stuffing and was out of this world delicious! Desserts were fantastic as well!
- 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 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: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 26, 2021
Larry J.
Everything was great as usual.
- 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
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
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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 20, 2022
Manny S.
Hi we loved everything. Thank you so much for the great food and service. My wife was very happy.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 05, 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
Aug 22, 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: 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
Apr 15, 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: 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
Jan 15, 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: 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: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 30, 2021
Angelique S.
Our waiter was lovely. I appreciated that the tables were spread far apart for safety. The room has high ceilings which makes for too much echo. It was hard to hear my husband, even with no one near us.
- 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: 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
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
May 19, 2022
Anne F.
As always, a creative menu and great food
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 19, 2021
Leland S.
VIM is our favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz.
LOVE the food ! ! !
Their Elote Shrimp is one of my all-time favorite dishes ANYWHERE !
Their salads are always delightful & delicious with interesting combinations.
Their Duck Confit is really, really wonderful & PERFECTLY cooked !
Desserts are always great & creative, so I take some to friends most visits.
- 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 16, 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: 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
Jan 26, 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
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
Dec 04, 2021
Penelope H.
A lovely meal.
- 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
Nov 28, 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
Jun 18, 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: 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 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 06, 2022
Frank K.
Great food and service, we'll be back for sure!
- 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
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: 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
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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 21, 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
May 07, 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: 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
Dec 20, 2021
Kiara M.
The food and cocktails were exceptional. I’m excited we found this local place to enjoy again. Is
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Jun 25, 2020
Ryan B.
Always fantastic food and service! I was sad to see more people are not out and supporting you and our local business. Hope it picks up for you all soon.
- 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
Oct 12, 2020
Brise T.
We had a delicious meal with good service on the small outdoor dining patio.
- 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: 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
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
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 10, 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
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
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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 18, 2022
Margaret H.
We love taking our guests to dinner there because each dish is always unique and special and oh, so delicious. This visit was exactly that way. Loved the spirit of the people serving and working there and the food. A solid "10" in all ways. Thank you!
- 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
Mar 05, 2021
Morgan L.
Great food & great service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 30, 2022
James L.
Excellent repast
- 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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 14, 2020
Heather L.
Wonderful food and service. We will definitely be back the next time we are in town. Highly recommend the pork, short ribs, pluot salad and corn chowder. So yummy!
- 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: 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: 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
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: 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
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: 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 15, 2021
page a.
Hi ,
We LOVED our Vim experience!!! The only thing we aren’t excited about is the popcorn instead of bread or some other appetizer. Popcorn is not a good dinner date food. It gets in your teeth and it’s weird to watch someone eat popcorn in front of you :) I think , it would be cool if there was some other food ti start and maybe an unusual one! Bread is great but for all of us gluten sensitive or diets popcorn is a great alternative. Just not at dinner. Ok That is my 2 cents.. Vims rocks!!!!
- 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: 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
Jul 01, 2021
Kathleen G.
Fantastic meal amazing service! Can't wait to return!