Foodie Month Profile: Vim Restaurant

Vim Dining & Desserts: A Santa Cruz Spot That Feels Like Home (With Seriously Good Food)

Tucked away on the West Side of Santa Cruz, Vim Dining & Desserts feels like one of those hidden gems you kind of want to keep to yourself—but it’s just too good not to share. The vibe is cozy but elevated, with indoor tables that feel like you’re at a friend’s stylish dinner party and a patio that’s perfect for those warm Santa Cruz evenings.

Chef Jesikah Stolaroff, who grew up in Santa Cruz, brings a personal touch to everything at Vim. She started out baking cakes for friends and family and eventually went on to study at both UC Berkeley and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. She’s cooked for big names like Google and Pixar and worked in Michelin-recognized kitchens, but now she’s back home—and it shows. Her menu mixes New American flavors with little nods to her Italian roots and whatever inspires her in the moment.

One night you might get a coconut curry chicken dish with Trinidadian spices, and the next you’ll find a seasonal veggie risotto or a dessert that makes you want to high-five the pastry chef. (That would still be Chef Jesikah, by the way.)

Vim isn’t just about dinner, either. They do Afternoon Tea on select Sundays, where you can sip tea and snack on sweet and savory bites that look like they came out of a magazine. It’s fancy, but not in a stiff way—just really well done.

People who’ve been to Vim can’t stop talking about it:

“We have had several friends recommend this restaurant over the past year, and we are just sorry that we didn’t take their advice sooner and find this treasure before now. The menu is ever changing and always delicious.” – Mapquest Review

“We had such an amazing dinner and dining experience at VIM. Our server, Erik, was on top of it. We indulged on some of the best tasting dishes in Santa Cruz.” – Wheree Review

“One of the most delightful dining experiences we have had in years. Service friendly, attentive and caring. Quiet atmosphere for dinner table conversations.” – Trip Advisor

And locals aren’t the only ones taking notice. Vim was voted Best Restaurant, Best Desserts, and Best Bartender in a local newspaper and periodical contests. That’s a pretty big deal in a town full of great food.

This month, Vim is also part of Event Santa Cruz & Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine’s Foodie Month, which celebrates the local dining scene. So if you’ve been meaning to try it, now’s a great time to make a reservation and be part of the buzz.

Vim is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. (last seating at 8). It’s a small space, so reservations are a smart move—you can book online at www.vimsantacruz.com or call (831) 515-7033.

Whether you’re planning a date night, grabbing drinks with friends, or just treating yourself to dessert, Vim is the kind of place that feels special without trying too hard. It’s thoughtful, it’s welcoming, and yeah—it’s really, really good.