Honestly the service was so great. I tend to find that makes the experience that much better. Food was delicious and i feel like the menu is super creative!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Desirea Leal
Amazing!!!My husband and I made reservations for our anniversary. As soon as we walked in, I loved VIM. It's beautifully decorated and everyone is welcoming. They even printed Happy Anniversary on the menu for us We ordered the butter charcuterie board to start. It was delicious and I could have eaten a pound of the butter. Our cocktails were great and we had seconds. I had the bass and my husband had the pork and we left no crumbs! We also got the chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake to go, and those were fabulous. Everything was fabulous and we will absolutely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butter Charcuterie Board
Jan Brogan
We were able to book a reservation for my 72 birthday. Everything was fantastic. Words can’t describe all the variety of flavors in each dish. A sumptuous feast.Since moving to Santa Cruz from Berkeley I’ve had yet to find a local restaurant which could match any in the gourmet ghetto of North Berkeley or the Rockridge area until tonight.First bite was heaven. We had the pork tenderloin, lasagna, fish and filet mignon.First course the mushroom soup Devine first to last spoonful. We each shared a taste of a friends dish . Desert was shared . Chocolate cake light and fluffy. Cheesecake never so good wuth the butter and pecan sauce. My birthday chocolate cupcake was chocolate lava in the center, so rich . Wine selection was well rounded. We will be back after I digest for a few days.Thanks for a fantastic evening Vim.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amber Bendana
Wow wow wow! I don’t know how it could have taken me this long to discover such an amazing restaurant! The best food and service in Santa Cruz hands down. My husband and randomly came in tonight after passing by a number of times saying we wanted to try. We sat at the bar and Jasmine was our host. She was great, she knew the menu and everything she suggested was delicious! Had the best dinning experience. Great food and even better vibes! Definitely coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Salad
Amy K.
Nothing short of WOW! We had a fabulous birthday cerebration here last night. The food had depth, dimension and was just amazing. The pork tenderloin melted in our mouths, the lamb meatballs were exquisite, the salad had a unique beer/cheese vinaigrette and the striped bass was cooked perfectly. The staff was friendly and very attentive as well. One of the best meals we have had anywhere, bar none! Don't think twice-go!!!
Josh Miller
The best meal in Santa cruz hands down. The menu changes often and Every dish is fantastic. Always a satisfying dinner.
My husband and I were visiting Santa Cruz and stopped in to a local bar and the bartender told us we absolutely MUST go to Vim. We followed their advice and celebrated our one year wedding anniversary with them (a little early, as we are flying back home on our actual anniversary) and this place was INCREDIBLE. If you’re only in Santa Cruz for a day you absolutely MUST come to vim. From start to finish the meal, service and atmosphere was impeccable. The chef /owner of the restaurant is an absolute magician when it comes to making meals. The food was incredible. To start, we were given a complimentary glass of champagne for our anniversary and a special menu that said “happy anniversary” on top. It was a small and special touch but my husband and I were so taken back by the kind gesture. We then got the seasonal salad, which was also unique and delicious. My husband got the chorizo fettuccine and it was melt in your mouth good. I got the filet mignon and I think I will be dreaming about that meal for years to come. We finished our meals with the pumpkin roulade and it was CHEFS KISS AMAZING. This place is worth every penny. The cocktail/wine pairings for our meals were also top notch. The caravedo’s new groove cocktail was so unique and well done, I wish I could get the recipe and make it at home. 10/10 would recommend you stop in at Vim. They pull out all the stops and make you feel so welcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Vegetarian options: There are some vegetarian options so it’s not that you can’t come here as a vegetarian but it isn’t full of selection. (There was one labeled vegetarian starter, one vegetarian entree, and a few vegan or gluten free options as well).Dietary restrictions: From their menu - They do not allow substitutions one their menu items as the chef has meticulously composed the flavors for each dish. (Which is completely true and amazing- the dishes are otherworldly amazing). If you have allergies you can inform them ahead of time.Parking: We parked in the dirt lot directly next door to the restaurant but I think you can also park in any spots in the hotel lot on the other side of the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Salad
Nicholas Orrell
Excellent experience all around! Served at the bar, SO had the filet mignon and I had mushroom butternut lasgna. It was a spiritual experience ?. No but seriously, it was. Met Eric who owns the restaurant with his wife, the chef (didnt catch her name). Go here, great people too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Briscoe
Great service. Very good if not great food but the menu was limited when we were in. I'd give the food a Santa Cruz 5 if the portions were bigger. Staff were excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butter Charcuterie Board
Maria C.
From start to finish, our experience at VIM was excellent. We celebrated my birthday and the personalized menu was a nice touch! We ordered the following:1. Chorizo fettuccine: the ragu was surprisingly light. This dish was packed with flavor and tons of vegetables. This dish was delicious 2. Filet: medium rare is the only way to go. Absolutely divine3. Striped bass: my husband's favorite dish. Seared to perfection with amazing accompaniments. I need to mention the chocolate cupcake I got for my birthday because it had this luscious molten lava inside topped with cream cheese frosting. I'm still thinking about this cupcake it was that good. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want to have a unique culinary experience!
This was a great dining experience! I thought the menu had some really interesting, vegetarian-forward dishes. I really like the crispy chickpea main, I don't know how they get them so crispy and flavorful, but I was certainly impressed. We enjoyed the cocktail menu as well. For me, the standout was really the dessert! The chocolate cake was to die for, probably one of the top 5 desserts of my life.
Julie L.
We had such incredible cocktails crafted by Missy and our server Isa took the most amazing detail in our orders and overall care of us. What a special place. Highly recommend for special or any occasions.
Denise W.
I always love going to Vim on my birthday and on other peoples birthdays too! I'm always impressed by the exquisite taste of the food and the care in which the flavors have been blended and the care in which it has been plated and served. I'm always impressed by the servers and all others that approach your table and make sure you are content with any and everything in front of you Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a meal at VIM also they have a unique and fantastic selection of cocktails and desserts
Jessica Roberts
Dear friends invited us out to Vim tonight. It has been highly recommended so we went with high expectations (usually a bad idea!). I have seldom been moved to write such a positive review.If you read no further, suffice to say that four words describe the Vim experience: extraordinary; exceptional; excellent; exquisite.It would be an understatement to say that Chef Jesikah’s dishes are works of creative genius; more accurately, they are divinely inspired. Appetizers (and we tried three!) were inventive combinations of delicate and complementary flavors. Your entree plate will be completely clean, guaranteed. Our table echoed with “Wows!”Desserts, the Chef’s specialty, are worth breaking any promises you have made to yourself about counting calories (even if you have to restart your 75 Hard). They are rich but light, and completely unique. Definitely do not deny yourself.The food is the linchpin of an all-around amazing experience. The gorgeous interior includes stunning original artwork by Shauna Stolaroff. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the silverware to the flower arrangements. Last but not least, the service is stellar, enthusiastic and professional.Come to Vim for a special occasion or just to treat yourself. The menu is always changing to keep up with new inspiration and seasonal offerings. Your biggest disappointment may be that the item you loved last time you came has given up its place on the menu to something even better.Vegetarian options: Plenty of tasty vegetarian options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kenneth Taylor
Fantastic food and experience every time I go! Additionally, I have Celiac disease (can’t have gluten unfortunately), and they always do a great job of having items that are actually gluten free, and also let me bring in my own gluten free bread and crackers so I could share and enjoy the Butter Board with the rest of my group. Always outstanding cocktails and food, and a very friendly and attentive staff. My favorite place for a special occasion!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free (Celiac disease)
Honestly the service was so great. I tend to find that makes the experience that much better. Food was delicious and i feel like the menu is super creative!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing!!!My husband and I made reservations for our anniversary. As soon as we walked in, I loved VIM. It's beautifully decorated and everyone is welcoming. They even printed Happy Anniversary on the menu for us We ordered the butter charcuterie board to start. It was delicious and I could have eaten a pound of the butter. Our cocktails were great and we had seconds. I had the bass and my husband had the pork and we left no crumbs! We also got the chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake to go, and those were fabulous. Everything was fabulous and we will absolutely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butter Charcuterie Board
We were able to book a reservation for my 72 birthday. Everything was fantastic. Words can’t describe all the variety of flavors in each dish. A sumptuous feast.Since moving to Santa Cruz from Berkeley I’ve had yet to find a local restaurant which could match any in the gourmet ghetto of North Berkeley or the Rockridge area until tonight.First bite was heaven. We had the pork tenderloin, lasagna, fish and filet mignon.First course the mushroom soup Devine first to last spoonful. We each shared a taste of a friends dish . Desert was shared . Chocolate cake light and fluffy. Cheesecake never so good wuth the butter and pecan sauce. My birthday chocolate cupcake was chocolate lava in the center, so rich . Wine selection was well rounded. We will be back after I digest for a few days.Thanks for a fantastic evening Vim.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow wow wow! I don’t know how it could have taken me this long to discover such an amazing restaurant! The best food and service in Santa Cruz hands down. My husband and randomly came in tonight after passing by a number of times saying we wanted to try. We sat at the bar and Jasmine was our host. She was great, she knew the menu and everything she suggested was delicious! Had the best dinning experience. Great food and even better vibes! Definitely coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Salad
Nothing short of WOW! We had a fabulous birthday cerebration here last night. The food had depth, dimension and was just amazing. The pork tenderloin melted in our mouths, the lamb meatballs were exquisite, the salad had a unique beer/cheese vinaigrette and the striped bass was cooked perfectly. The staff was friendly and very attentive as well. One of the best meals we have had anywhere, bar none! Don't think twice-go!!!
The best meal in Santa cruz hands down. The menu changes often and Every dish is fantastic. Always a satisfying dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chorizo Fettuccine, Strawberry Churro, Balsamic Steak
My husband and I were visiting Santa Cruz and stopped in to a local bar and the bartender told us we absolutely MUST go to Vim. We followed their advice and celebrated our one year wedding anniversary with them (a little early, as we are flying back home on our actual anniversary) and this place was INCREDIBLE. If you’re only in Santa Cruz for a day you absolutely MUST come to vim. From start to finish the meal, service and atmosphere was impeccable. The chef /owner of the restaurant is an absolute magician when it comes to making meals. The food was incredible. To start, we were given a complimentary glass of champagne for our anniversary and a special menu that said “happy anniversary” on top. It was a small and special touch but my husband and I were so taken back by the kind gesture. We then got the seasonal salad, which was also unique and delicious. My husband got the chorizo fettuccine and it was melt in your mouth good. I got the filet mignon and I think I will be dreaming about that meal for years to come. We finished our meals with the pumpkin roulade and it was CHEFS KISS AMAZING. This place is worth every penny. The cocktail/wine pairings for our meals were also top notch. The caravedo’s new groove cocktail was so unique and well done, I wish I could get the recipe and make it at home. 10/10 would recommend you stop in at Vim. They pull out all the stops and make you feel so welcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Vegetarian options: There are some vegetarian options so it’s not that you can’t come here as a vegetarian but it isn’t full of selection. (There was one labeled vegetarian starter, one vegetarian entree, and a few vegan or gluten free options as well).Dietary restrictions: From their menu - They do not allow substitutions one their menu items as the chef has meticulously composed the flavors for each dish. (Which is completely true and amazing- the dishes are otherworldly amazing). If you have allergies you can inform them ahead of time.Parking: We parked in the dirt lot directly next door to the restaurant but I think you can also park in any spots in the hotel lot on the other side of the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Salad
Excellent experience all around! Served at the bar, SO had the filet mignon and I had mushroom butternut lasgna. It was a spiritual experience ?. No but seriously, it was. Met Eric who owns the restaurant with his wife, the chef (didnt catch her name). Go here, great people too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service. Very good if not great food but the menu was limited when we were in. I'd give the food a Santa Cruz 5 if the portions were bigger. Staff were excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butter Charcuterie Board
From start to finish, our experience at VIM was excellent. We celebrated my birthday and the personalized menu was a nice touch! We ordered the following:1. Chorizo fettuccine: the ragu was surprisingly light. This dish was packed with flavor and tons of vegetables. This dish was delicious 2. Filet: medium rare is the only way to go. Absolutely divine3. Striped bass: my husband's favorite dish. Seared to perfection with amazing accompaniments. I need to mention the chocolate cupcake I got for my birthday because it had this luscious molten lava inside topped with cream cheese frosting. I'm still thinking about this cupcake it was that good. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want to have a unique culinary experience!
Restaurantji Recommends
This was a great dining experience! I thought the menu had some really interesting, vegetarian-forward dishes. I really like the crispy chickpea main, I don't know how they get them so crispy and flavorful, but I was certainly impressed. We enjoyed the cocktail menu as well. For me, the standout was really the dessert! The chocolate cake was to die for, probably one of the top 5 desserts of my life.
We had such incredible cocktails crafted by Missy and our server Isa took the most amazing detail in our orders and overall care of us. What a special place. Highly recommend for special or any occasions.
I always love going to Vim on my birthday and on other peoples birthdays too! I'm always impressed by the exquisite taste of the food and the care in which the flavors have been blended and the care in which it has been plated and served. I'm always impressed by the servers and all others that approach your table and make sure you are content with any and everything in front of you Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a meal at VIM also they have a unique and fantastic selection of cocktails and desserts
Dear friends invited us out to Vim tonight. It has been highly recommended so we went with high expectations (usually a bad idea!). I have seldom been moved to write such a positive review.If you read no further, suffice to say that four words describe the Vim experience: extraordinary; exceptional; excellent; exquisite.It would be an understatement to say that Chef Jesikah’s dishes are works of creative genius; more accurately, they are divinely inspired. Appetizers (and we tried three!) were inventive combinations of delicate and complementary flavors. Your entree plate will be completely clean, guaranteed. Our table echoed with “Wows!”Desserts, the Chef’s specialty, are worth breaking any promises you have made to yourself about counting calories (even if you have to restart your 75 Hard). They are rich but light, and completely unique. Definitely do not deny yourself.The food is the linchpin of an all-around amazing experience. The gorgeous interior includes stunning original artwork by Shauna Stolaroff. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the silverware to the flower arrangements. Last but not least, the service is stellar, enthusiastic and professional.Come to Vim for a special occasion or just to treat yourself. The menu is always changing to keep up with new inspiration and seasonal offerings. Your biggest disappointment may be that the item you loved last time you came has given up its place on the menu to something even better.Vegetarian options: Plenty of tasty vegetarian options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic food and experience every time I go! Additionally, I have Celiac disease (can’t have gluten unfortunately), and they always do a great job of having items that are actually gluten free, and also let me bring in my own gluten free bread and crackers so I could share and enjoy the Butter Board with the rest of my group. Always outstanding cocktails and food, and a very friendly and attentive staff. My favorite place for a special occasion!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free (Celiac disease)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butter Charcuterie Board