Savor the vitality of our community
Welcome to Vim, a restaurant that brings energy and vitality to the Santa Cruz culinary scene. At Vim, we pride ourselves on providing our patrons with an atmosphere of warmth and casual elegance, where they can linger over approachable New American cuisine, decadent desserts, and modern cocktails. Our West Side location includes an outdoor patio and bar, making it the perfect spot for a multi-course dinner, drinks, or just desserts.
Our restaurant is named after the energy and vitality that it brings to the Santa Cruz culinary scene. We believe that food is more than just sustenance; it is an experience that should be savored and enjoyed. That's why we put so much care and attention into every dish that we serve. We source only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, and our chef uses refined technique to create food that is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
At Vim, we specialize in thoughtful, New American cuisine with a nod toward Italian roots, as well as unforgettable, innovative desserts. Our menu changes with the seasons, so there's always something new to try. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty entree or a light salad, we have something for everyone. And of course, we offer a variety of wine, beer, and cocktail options to complement your meal.
Our Chef
Chef Jesikah Stolaroff brings the feeling of home together with local ingredients and refined technique to create food that fills the heart. She specializes in thoughtful, New American cuisine with a nod toward her family's Italian roots, joined by unforgettable, innovative desserts.
A native of Santa Cruz, Jesikah got her start as a teenager making incredible cakes for birthdays and weddings, before moving north to hone her craft. She studied both the science and the art of food, with degrees in Nutritional Science from UC Berkeley and Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa.
Jesikah cut her teeth in the Bay Area food scene, catering high-end events for the likes of Google, Pixar, and Mark Zuckerberg, and learning precision, planning, and visual flair. She practiced California Cuisine at Plum, part of the prestigious Daniel Patterson restaurant group, before taking a position as the opening sous chef at Oakland's Michel Bistro. There, she helped the French-inspired restaurant win the Michelin Bib Gourmand award in its first year (and every year since).
But opening a family restaurant has always been Jesikah's singular dream, and so she returns to Santa Cruz to share her experience and passion with her friends and neighbors by starting Vim.
Our Services
At Vim, we are open for indoor and outdoor patio dining. Our hours are Wednesday-Saturday for dinner from 5-8:00 pm. We also offer an afternoon tea service on select Sundays from 11-2pm. Reservations are recommended, as we have limited seating and all tables are reserved for a maximum of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Indoor or outdoor preferences must be requested at time of booking, and we do not accept parties larger than 6 people.
We understand that due to the current global health situation, some guests may prefer to dine at home. That's why we also offer takeout options for those who prefer to enjoy our cuisine in the comfort of their own homes.
In addition to our regular menu, we also offer catering services for special events. Whether you're hosting a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, we would be happy to work with you to create a customized menu that fits your needs and budget.
Conclusion
At Vim, we are passionate about providing our patrons with a dining experience that is both delicious and memorable. We believe that food is more than just sustenance; it's an experience that should be savored and enjoyed. That's why we put so much care and attention into every dish that we serve. We look forward to welcoming you to our restaurant and sharing our love of food with you.
Food Quality and Variety
Reviews rave about the exceptional food quality, creativity, and variety offered at Vim. Dishes like the Butter Charcuterie Board, Lamb Meatballs, Moroccan Spiced Lamb Meatballs, Kimchi Rice Fritters, and Fried Artichoke Salad are mentioned as standouts.
Service Excellence
The service at Vim is consistently praised for being gracious, professional, and attentive. Servers like Laura and Jasmine are mentioned by name for their exceptional service. The staff is described as easy to talk to, super nice, and welcoming.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The atmosphere at Vim is described as beautifully decorated, with a welcoming vibe. The restaurant's attention to detail, such as customizing menus for special occasions, adds to the overall ambiance.
Drinks and Cocktails
The cocktails at Vim are elevated and creative, with standouts like the Pomegranate Margarita and the Caravedo's New Groove cocktail. The wine pairings are also mentioned as top-notch.
Special Occasions and Anniversary Celebrations
Vim is a popular choice for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, with the staff going above and beyond to make the experience memorable.
