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
Oct 26, 2020
Susan V.
Service was excellent, waiter was very accommodating, and the food was exceptional!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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
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
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
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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 21, 2021
Linda C.
Food is fantastic. Service is superb. I went with 8 on ambiance because of the traffic noise from Mission Street when you eat outside which we love to do. It is our 5th time there and the food and service is worth the noise. Desserts are heaven.
- Overall: 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: 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
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: 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
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
Jul 31, 2022
Cody M.
Delicious meals perfectly portioned and the best desserts ever, thanks for the happy bday wishes on the menus
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 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: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 01, 2022
Janet B.
Excellent food and great service.
- 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
Jun 22, 2020
Stacy S.
The best restaurant in Santa Cruz. The menu is always evolving and always amazing — unparalleled quality and creativity in every dish.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2021
Carole C.
It’s all very, very good!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 13, 2022
Sigfrid G.
I’ve been here twice in the last month. VIM is all-around and consistently excellent! The outdoor area is well heated and very cozy. There is quite a bit of street noise, which is why I didn’t give it top rating for ambiance.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 23, 2022
Cadja W.
I loved it all!! It was so nice of them to print a menu acknowledging my husband’s birthday and celebrating at the end with a delicious cupcake and bday candle! The food was so good and the presentation beautiful!! Loved the idea of offering pairing wines. Everyone was very nice and professional. Will definitely recommend and come back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 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
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: 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
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
Aug 22, 2021
Heather D.
The food, the specialty drinks and the staff were all first class all the way. What a truly wonderful dining experience.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 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
Nov 08, 2020
Rinley D.
One of top 5 restaurants in Monterey bay area. The food is exceptional. The short ribs and the pork loin were as great. Brighten is a very helpful and friendly server.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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: 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
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
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: 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
Oct 31, 2021
Jay M.
Great food, great service!
- 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: 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
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: 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: 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
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: 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: 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: 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 25, 2022
Madelyn M.
Exquisite food, outstanding service. We'll be back!
- 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: 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
Oct 01, 2020
Maria M.
great food and service, love the bartender and the waiter and the food is always excellent! Appreciate that you have vegan options also.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 02, 2021
Claire W.
We had such a wonderful time. The food was amazing and the service was excellent. I overheard the table next to us giving our waiter a hard time because the dish they wanted to order was not available anymore. I thought the waiter handled it well and want to remind everyone out there that the restaurant industry has been through hell this last year. Be kind. Be thankful and I highly recommend eating at Vim!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 01, 2021
Kathleen G.
Fantastic meal amazing service! Can't wait to return!
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
Oct 10, 2021
Laura D.
To each her own. Lovely experience, but we cook and this wasn’t better than what we make. Still, no disrespect.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 03, 2020
Nancy G.
Our server was exceptional; a true professional who knew exactly how often to visit our table, was knowledgeable about the food and drink pairings, and was friendly and accommodating.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 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
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
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: 0/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 23, 2020
Michelle B.
Vim never disappoints and continuously overwhelms our expectations. Food, cocktails, service, ambiance are all above and beyond. I love to cook and enjoy going out and eating food I could not imagine or create and Jessica and her team do this.
- 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: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
May 05, 2022
Linda C.
Always great.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
Jul 16, 2022
Nick G.
It was our fourth time there and my girlfriend's choice for her birthday dinner.
They celebrated her with custom menus and a free dessert treat.
Although the food was delicious as always, we both did get quite sick the following day (me to the point of being bedridden.)
We had skipped lunch & did share a few plates @ VIM, so I suspect (but can't prove) we ingested something that caused the illness.
However, I feel it'd be irresponsible to post on a public website that our dining experience gave us both food poisoning.
But me may wait a while before returning.
Business Response:
Hello Nick, Thank you for your feedback. We're really sorry that you didn't feel well following your visit. We take food safety very seriously and take stringent precautions to ensure the quality of the food we put out. On the day that you dined with us we had just prepped everything fresh (we discard all of the previous weeks food on Saturday) and we taste every dish that we prepare. None of our staff that tasted the food or any other customers (that we know of) have experienced adverse effects. There is a slightly higher risk with shellfish such as scallops since they are processed at an outside facility and we can only control what happens once they arrive here but we do check them for freshness and refuse or discard any that do not meet our standards. There is also a possibility that norovirus could be a culprit as it is very contagious and can be communally aquired. Thank you again for reaching out to us with your concern, we will be extra cautious and triple check all of our food storage temps. We hope you are both feeling better and are willing to give us another try in the future. Best wishes, Jesikah and Erik- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 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: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
May 21, 2022
Beverly M.
Menu is a bit limited, but interesting choices. Food was tasty. Would go back again.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Apr 11, 2021
Elaine T.
Our group of 5 had amazing meals and will recommend this place to other friends and definitely return. The servers were knowledgeable, friendly, professional. The space appeared very clean yet vibrant and inviting.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 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
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: 8/10
Jul 11, 2022
Brendan R.
Truly excellent dining experience, simply superb food. Everything item we had was a standout.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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 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: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2021
Dean M.
Such awesome people and awesome food thank you once again Jessica Eric and Ashley and all of their employees involved and thank you for sticking it out during Covid and surviving It was great to support you during that time
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
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
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: 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
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
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: 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 15, 2021
William B.
Thanks for making my wife's birthday special with a Happy Birthday wish at the top of the menu and a birthday cupcake with s candle.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 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
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
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: 6/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 3/10
May 31, 2022
Ken B.
Our second visit. The first visit was much superior. This visit the pasta entree was poor, and the pork chop was pink in the center. First visit all three entrees were excellent and there wasn't a scrap left. Presentation is very nice. We don't care for the popcorn instead of bread, feels like cheaping out at what is otherwise and expensive, up-scale restaurant. We'll probably go back eventually, hoping for a repeat of our first visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 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
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
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
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: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Feb 28, 2022
Hope K.
Great food- thank you!
- 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
Jun 28, 2021
Roger C.
Wonderful dinner, as always.
- 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
May 30, 2022
Anatole L.
Excellent restaurant, creative menu, wonderful staff.
- 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
Feb 19, 2022
Roger C.
Wonderful meal, as always.
- 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
Mar 22, 2021
Henry S.
VIM is one of the best, and most innovative, restaurants in Santa Cruz.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2022
Shaunah S.
This is BY FAR the best restaurant in Santa Cruz!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 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: 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: 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
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: 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
May 19, 2022
Anne F.
As always, a creative menu and great food
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2020
Christina V.
Excellent service last night!!! Thank you to our server with the blonde hair in a ponytail. Loved the special touches of my name on the menu and the delicious cupcake! Staff even got a new tank for the heater for us. The fig salad was fantastic and the social distancing on the patio was perfect. Would only change the weather (ha ha) and the Mission Street traffic (impossible to change, of course). Maybe some music on the patio? I don’t think there was music. But then it’s impossible to hear when you’re all wearing masks... such a conundrum!! Thank you for making my birthday special!!!
- Overall: 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: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 25, 2021
Cheryl M.
The food is always interesting and delicious!!