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
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
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: 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: 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
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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2022
Shaunah S.
This is BY FAR the best restaurant in Santa Cruz!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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
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
Oct 04, 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
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
Jun 11, 2022
Britten M.
Great service. Knowledgable and very friendly servers.
Great food. Great cocktails.
Absolutely amazing deserts.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Mar 28, 2021
Chad M.
Awesome joint. We'll def be back.
- 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: 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: 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
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
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Jun 14, 2021
Kristina M.
Wonderful food and ambience, gorgeous presentation. Desserts are a necessity here even for those who generally avoid them, but all the food is delicious. Service was attentive and effective, though our server was trying a bit too hard to impress. We love this place and like to support it as there is nothing else in Santa Cruz quite like it.
- 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
May 14, 2022
Dean M.
Amazing , can’t say enough about VIM feels like home with way better food
- 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: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 10, 2022
Todd W.
Our visit was very rewarding. Our waiter was very informative and helpful.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
May 05, 2022
Linda C.
Always great.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 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
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 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
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
May 09, 2021
Lee S.
We LOVE VIM !
It's one of our very favorite restaurants anywhere.
The food is terrific and fresh and creative and "fun" to try everything on each menu that changes with the seasons.
***Highly recommend going hungry + with friends & sharing everything !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 27, 2022
Marion B.
We’ve always had awesome meals at Vim. This visit continued that with a wonderful meal.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 05, 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
Mar 06, 2021
Morgan L.
Great food & great service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 15, 2021
margaret e.
over the top. we consider VIM to be the best in Santa Cruz. it is ours for sure
- 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
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: 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
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
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 21, 2021
Carol M.
We had a wonderful experience dining at Vim . The service was great. The food was unique and delicious.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 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: 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 01, 2022
Janet B.
Excellent food and great service.
- 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
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: 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: 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
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
Dec 06, 2020
Amy G.
Every bite was delicious. I’ve only ever had amazing food & cocktails at VIM. Love everything about it from the staff to the service to the delicious food and cocktails.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 09, 2022
Nancy Z.
It is, always, lovely to go to Vim.
Every drink and sauce I have had, has had it's own unique combination of flavors.
The flavors are, always, exciting.
The staff are very gracious and well-trained.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 22, 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 18, 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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 14, 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
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 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: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Oct 23, 2021
James S.
Our patio server (Isa???) was excellent.
- 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
May 20, 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 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: 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
Dec 23, 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
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
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
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: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 04, 2021
Tom H.
The best meal in our three-day weekend in Santa Cruz, by far. Service was wonderful, and funny, food was truly impressive (I'm a chef by trade, so I know a little bit about it), all in all quite enjoyable. I've seen Turkish Eggs go by as videos and recipes but it was the first time I tried them. Adding them to my repertoire, for sure. Only distractor was the traffic noise, but what are you gonna do. Will definitely be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 18, 2020
Nanci L.
What a lovely place! We felt very welcomed and pampered for our special, anniversary dinner! The service was professional and the food was excellent!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 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
Oct 01, 2020
Maria M.
great food and service, love the bartender and the waiter and the food is always excellent! Appreciate that you have vegan options also.
- Overall: 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
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
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
Apr 04, 2022
Laurie B.
Food is great
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2021
Dean M.
Such awesome people and awesome food thank you once again Jessica Eric and Ashley and all of their employees involved and thank you for sticking it out during Covid and surviving It was great to support you during that time
- Overall: 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
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
May 30, 2022
Anatole L.
Excellent restaurant, creative menu, wonderful staff.
- 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
Jan 09, 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
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: 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
Aug 07, 2020
Corrina D.
Perfection.
We came here last night for my daughter's 21st birthday. My family rarely goes out to eat since they (we) prefer my healthy cooking. We chose this place for the special occasion though.
Everything about this place was perfect, even during these Covid days. We were seated outside on the patio and no one was within 10 feet of us. We would have sat outside even if the indoor dining was open. When we sat down we saw the menus were customized with "Happy Birthday McKenzie" It felt like they were open specifically for the event.
The waiter "Reid" told my daughter her birthday drink was on him, and recommended the "Slippery Slope". It was exactly the right cocktail and SO good! They have a great beer and wine selection!
We had the Potato and Shishito Frites and the Butter/Bread board. I see people complaining about the $21 for the bread, but it's not just bread and there is so much that goes into this "starter". Everything on it is homemade and made with love. Totally happy to pay for that.
For dinner I had summer ratatouille which was perfect and other dishes we had were salmon and the short ribs. Not a complaint at the table.
For dessert we got the German Chocolate cheesecake and Vim chocolate cake. I am not a sweets person, but couldn't stop going back for more when I just wanted one bite.
It was a perfect place for a special occasion. We would have sat outside even if the indoor dining was open. I so hope this place stays!
- 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: 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
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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 30, 2021
John D.
VIM is hands-down the best restaurant in all of Santa Cruz County and beats everything in Monterey and Santa Clara counties as well.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 20, 2021
Stan W.
Always the best. We have become regulars. Pricy and not much on ambiance,
but terrific food and service.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 31, 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: 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: 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: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 28, 2020
Leona P.
Love the popcorn idea but for anyone who cannot handle high spice, not so good. I am allergic to red pepper in any form, so don't have it, but another member of our party who loves spice, said for him the almonds in the salad were too spiced and overwhelmed the other more delicate flavors.
Also, the dessert menu might include something yummy that is not chocolate beside the somewhat heavy doughnut holes.
Waiter was very attentive. Ribs were beyond excellent!! Pierogi's to die for.Thanks, good job.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2021
Roger C.
Wonderful dinner, as always.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 02, 2021
Claire W.
We had such a wonderful time. The food was amazing and the service was excellent. I overheard the table next to us giving our waiter a hard time because the dish they wanted to order was not available anymore. I thought the waiter handled it well and want to remind everyone out there that the restaurant industry has been through hell this last year. Be kind. Be thankful and I highly recommend eating at Vim!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 31, 2022
Cody M.
Delicious meals perfectly portioned and the best desserts ever, thanks for the happy bday wishes on the menus
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 0/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2022
Heidi C.
What a fantastic experience every time we come. The food is always amazing. I can’t recommend this place enough
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
Oct 10, 2021
Laura D.
To each her own. Lovely experience, but we cook and this wasn’t better than what we make. Still, no disrespect.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Jul 11, 2022
Brendan R.
Truly excellent dining experience, simply superb food. Everything item we had was a standout.