Vim Dining & Desserts
2238 Mission St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
$$
New American
Recommended
New
Editor's Pick
Outdoor Seating
We are no longer on TableAgent. Please use our tock link on our website to make a reservation. https://www.exploretock.com/vimdiningsantacruz
Reservations
Booking Notes:
We are no longer on TableAgent. Please use our tock link on our website or visit this tock link to make a reservation. https://www.exploretock.com/vimdiningsantacruz
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
Jul 16, 2022
Victoria G.
Awesome place!!!
- 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
Jun 25, 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 20, 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: 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
May 13, 2022
Dean M.
Amazing , can’t say enough about VIM feels like home with way better food
- 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: 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: 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: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
Oct 09, 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
Feb 06, 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
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
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: 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
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: 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
May 14, 2021
thea r.
we were a group of 4 females .
to make it short: rating in all categories 10
- 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: 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 04, 2022
Mary C.
Always an amazing experience. Their desserts are the star of the show.
- 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
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: 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: 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 23, 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
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
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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 13, 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
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
Sep 07, 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: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Feb 28, 2022
Hope K.
Great food- thank you!
- 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: 9/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 28, 2021
Linda G.
Delicious, beautiful food and waitstaff that is attentive without hovering.
- 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: 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 15, 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
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
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
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: 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: 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
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
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: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 19, 2020
Linda C.
The amazing food And service makes it worth sitting outside in their patio with the sound of highway 1/Mission Street traffic. This was our second visit and we will keep looking forward to many more meals.
- 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: 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
Jul 08, 2021
Emily S.
Always love visiting Vim. The staff is so nice, the food is so delicious, and they do a wonderful job with small touches to make a special evening more special like custom menu title’s and a glass of champagne for an anniversary toast.
- 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: 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
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: 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: 6/10
Sep 07, 2020
Jessica C.
Been to Vim for dinner many times, but this was my first brunch there. It was amazing! Blood orange mimosa, burrata toast, and the lemon almond cupcake more than met my expectations. Can't wait for next time!
- 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
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: 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
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
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
Oct 03, 2021
Amy and Roger A.
Fabulous meal with flavors blended in new and innovative ways. Choices to make everyone thrilled with their meal. The creamy polenta and shrimp and beet salad were standout favorites. Definitely save room for the dessert! Peach cheesecake and butterscotch pot de creme topped off our meal. Well worth the drive!!
- 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: 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: 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
May 19, 2022
Anne F.
As always, a creative menu and great food
- 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: 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
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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 19, 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: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 13, 2022
Samantha F.
Very good!
- 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 09, 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
Apr 16, 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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 14, 2022
Juan D.
Great !!!
- 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: 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
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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Jul 03, 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: 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
Dec 02, 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: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
May 05, 2022
Linda C.
Always great.
- 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: 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: 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 17, 2020
Drew B.
Amazing
- 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
Dec 22, 2021
Amy G.
Definitely the best restaurant in Santa Cruz!!
- 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
Feb 19, 2022
Roger C.
Wonderful meal, as always.
- 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: 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
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: 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: 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
Jul 30, 2022
Cody M.
Delicious meals perfectly portioned and the best desserts ever, thanks for the happy bday wishes on the menus
- 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.