We had one of the best meals we have ever had. We started with the cold melon soup. It was excellent. We also had the smoked salmon. They smoke it in house and it was superb. Then for entrees we had the pork and the steak. Both we perfectly cooked and the seasoning and sides enhanced the flavors with out drowning it. Then we had dessert the chocolate cake was fabulous it was really good dark chocolate with just a hint of raspberry (I would have liked a bit more raspberry flavor but I would get it again ). My wife had the lemon tart. It was excellent not to sweet and allowed the lemon taste to shineService was excellent , Eric our waiter would serve and tell us about the dish. The salmon was his recommendation.
We loved our anniversary dinner at this stylish restaurant. The service was attentive but not annoyingly so. We were greeted with complimentary bubbles. The menu is bursting with fresh local ingredients used imaginatively - but with complimentary flavors. There was at least one delicious looking vegan , vegetarian and GF choice in each category. We are looking forward to going again!
Soooo good! Everything was just so yummy. We got these little complimentary pickled mushrooms that were so shockingly delicious, the cocktails are super good, their pasta OMG I’m sure it’s made in house order it all and then the desert, I chose this yummy peach and almond tart… order two or four :) - I am delighted I found this place - you should treat yourself!
Vim’s is one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in California. My server Eric was so attentive and caring, he even called us before our reservation to ask for the birthday persons name and put it on the menu! He consistently checked in to make sure we were doing good and it really felt like he cared about us.The entrees, probably the best entrees I’ve had in a very long time, the pork tenderloin was so moist and cooked to perfection, the whole plate was. Every bite I took I couldn’t get enough of it. The pasta was right there with the pork tenderloin, everything was just amazing.Not to be repetitive, but the dessert was delicious, the strawberry churro was just perfect and the dark chocolate caramel filled cupcake just melted in my mouth. it wasn’t even on the menu, and they threw it in for free for my birthday, I couldn’t ask for better food or service for my birthday dinner. Vim’s is a top competitor for any restaurant in California with great portions, top of the line entrees and desserts, and amazing service. I’m willing to visit Santa Cruz again just for their food. Highly recommend this place!
Everything is amazing here wait staff chef bartender full package nothing but good Feels like home with lots of friendly faces
First of all if you have a car , don’t go . We had to park in a no parking zone and worried about our car being towed the whole time . We just don’t get it . The menu we looked at on line was completely different than the menu at the restaurant. We applaud local in season ingredients and think that’s wonderful , but nothing was the same . We had a chicken dish that was really just ok . It was so sweet , which is also ok if it’s balanced with a sharp or savory aspect . It was not . The pork loin was served with stewed strawberries on top . Again. , yuk . There were actually ingredients in the dish that we couldn’t identify. We thought the drink menu was so pretentious we couldn’t find anything we wanted . We ask for a vodka with ginger ale and a twist of cranberry, easy right ? Nope , they apparently thought we actually wanted ginger beer instead of ginger ale . Again yuk . This place is trying so hard to be hip they can’t see the forest for the trees . Keep it simple folks if you use good ingredients you don’t need 20 things going on in one dish . Get over yourselves .
Seriously, I have been to all the Santa Cruz restaurants of note, having lived here since 1972. This one is amazing. We just returned from a meal 20 minutes ago, and all four of us who went agree it is the best meal we have had in years. One of our party thought it was the best meal he had ever had in his life, and wants to come back every day until he passes away. Ok, that's a bit much. But, seriously - it was an amazing meal. I've been to lots of Michelin star rated restaurants in my life - in SF, Paris, NY, Italy. Don't bother to go to them. Come here. We had, by the way, am amazing tender, perfectly cooked steak and another outstanding scallop dish. Great dessert with chocolate as a key ingredient but so interesting and flavorful. I don't remember the name. Now, I am been in VIM before, and have always been impressed. But this time it was just beyond all expectations. Check it out! I am not going to post this review elsewhere because the word must be spread!
This place was delicious! I would highly recommend! I’m usually skeptical of pork tenderloin being dry and over cooked, but these are sous vide and we’re perfect! The short rib was amazing and both had great sides and sauces! The desserts were amazing!
We enjoyed Vim very much. The food is done well and the staff is awesome!
local gem. Great staff. creative chef. yummy appetizer. love the wine pairing suggestions. delicious desserts. we will be back. yum.