Vida

Restaurant · Lockerbie Square

Vida

Restaurant · Lockerbie Square

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601 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

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Highlights

Vida Restaurant in downtown Lockerbie Square offers an elegant, modern dining experience with chef Thomas Melvin's innovative American tasting menus and impeccable service.  

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601 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Get directions

vida-restaurant.com
@vida.restaurant

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

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601 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Get directions

+1 317 420 2323
vida-restaurant.com
@vida.restaurant

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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"Open for: DinnerPrice range: $$$$Two-time James Beard semifinalist chef Thomas Melvin artfully designs seven- and four-course tasting menus at Vida, a fine-dining experience in the charming downtown Lockerbie Square. As one stares through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows at the neighborhood’s enchanting 18th-century architecture, perfect dishes arrive on the table, stealing the spotlight and highlighting Melvin’s deft skill with flavors. Expect items like seared scallops with crisped Brussels sprout leaves, powerful chunks of salty bacon, and a swirl of gochujang maple brown butter, or an ever so slightly seared bluefin tuna topped with salty bubbles of smoked trout roe, yuzu kosho aioli, and sesame ponzu.Know before you go: Sit in the bar for a more casual dining experience." - Brian Garrido

The 38 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana
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Liz Guhl (Liz Guhl)

Google
This is a true culinary experience and every time I come here, I am just amazed by how good the food and service is! Jocelyn and Kiaya are both phenomenal servers and have made our experience here even better - not to mention how amazing all of the other staff is that is taking care of clearing any extra dishes, bringing out food, or making sure our drinks are never empty! The food is just phenomenal and the presentation is exquisite. There is quite the spread of options with the tasting menu, some food included that I generally would never like or eat anywhere else, but Vida just knows how to make it all taste amazing! I mean it when I say there has never been a bad bite of food here. The portions aren’t large, but I always leave feeling satisfied and the price point seems accurate for the quality of service, taste of food, and artistic presentation of everything. This is now my favorite place to go and treat myself, husband, and family members! What an excellent experience every time! 10/10

Nana Sang

Google
A restaurant in Michelin quality! If you want a true fine dining experience in Indianapolis, you have to try this restaurant. Their service is excellent. The ingredients and cooking skills shown in every dish is top notch. I tried many Michelin restaurants before and I am sure this restaurant is up to the Michelin standard. I recommend scallops and duck breast as the main course. The favor and texture is amazing. Will definitely revisit again in the future! :)

caymus cairns

Google
Food: It was very good. Defiantly worthy of 4.5 stars, but the portions were very small. Service: It was excellent, however the Sommelier just gave us whatever she wanted to and asked for no input from us on what we like to pair with certain flavors. Atmosphere: Elegant and poise.

Mahsa Servati

Google
Quite an experience! My friends and family gathered for my graduation and we had a wonderful time. The food, the presentation and the service were top notch. The drinks were amazing. Loved the synchronized movements of the servers when serving the food. They also had printed a personalized menu for us with a note on it congratulating me which was a very cute touch!

Junior Dominguez

Google
I recently had the pleasure of indulging in Vida’s exquisite six-course tasting menu, and I was absolutely blown away by every single dish. Each course was a masterpiece, perfectly crafted with an incredible balance of flavors, textures, and presentation. The attention to detail was remarkable — from the creative use of seasonal ingredients to the seamless flow between courses. The service was impeccable, with the staff providing thoughtful explanations of each dish and pairing. They made me feel truly cared for throughout the evening. The ambiance at Vida is elegant yet welcoming, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. This was more than just a meal — it was a culinary journey that I will remember for years to come. If you’re in Indianapolis, Vida is an absolute must-visit!

Amanda Harmon

Google
This restaurant is a wonderful experience I would definitely recommend (though with the price tag I wouldn't do this often) The staff were absolutely wonderful and genuinely enjoyed their jobs and what they do. My table even asked a few of them how they enjoyed the jobs, and they all gave honest answers that they truly liked it. Our servers name was Thomas and he was great! We even asked him for other recommendations in the area and he put a lot of thought into them and was very attentive as a whole. The food itself was delicious, and I had the best banana bread of my life at this restaurant! My table did the tasting experience and it was terrific, I would recommend it even with the high price tag. Truly a great experience

Marcello Red

Google
Amazing food & service.. Courtney was an amazing waitress as well i would definitely recommend! We did the tasting menu with the wine pairing.

Felipe Allegro

Google
**Magic is Happening in Indianapolis** Vida Restaurant is crafting an experience usually reserved for large metropolitan dining scenes. It’s unfortunate that restaurants like Vida can’t achieve a Michelin star solely because of their location. If one were to apply Michelin’s basic criteria, Vida would easily qualify for one star—meaning it’s worth a detour. Personally, I’d consider a diversion from any journey to Chicago just to dine at this exceptional restaurant. In my view, Vida is the best value restaurant in the U.S. right now. While other countries like Brazil might offer excellent value as well, it’s almost surreal to experience such high quality at the price Vida charges. Chef Tom Melvin is a self-taught master. If he were in places like California or NYC, people would be writing books about him. Yet, in Indianapolis, a city that doesn't often steal the spotlight, this talented chef hasn’t received the recognition he truly deserves. "Humble" is the word that comes to mind; Chef Melvin quietly lets his culinary artistry shine in Indianapolis. The restaurant's ambiance is modern and elegant, featuring high ceilings and a clean, minimalist look. Our server, Bill, shared that Chef Melvin had a significant hand in creating the space—even down to the restrooms, which are striking in their own right with half-exposed copper piping. The cuisine itself defies easy classification. It feels global with farm-to-table influences, and Chef Melvin’s focus seems to be on ingredients—crafting flavors that showcase their essence. Now, let’s talk about the food. The menu is constantly changing, so be sure to check out the photos online. For us, the stars of the night were the trout, handmade tortellini, and scallops accompanied by gnocchi so delicious they bordered on magical. Most tasting menus end with petit fours and handmade chocolates, but it not the case on Vida and we took a different route and requested all three of their desserts. We unanimously agreed: the ricotta doughnuts were outstanding. Taste may be subjective, but execution is not—every dish was prepared to perfection. As an amateur cook myself, I recognize the incredible amount of work it takes to reach this level. I opted for the regular wine pairing, which primarily features European wines. My only critique is that it would be nice to see a pairing option that offers more local flavors, such as ciders, kombucha, or other non-alcoholic beverages—especially as many restaurants now aim to accommodate non-drinkers. One last point to address: Chef Melvin adopts a modern approach to the kitchen. It’s open, and unlike many professional kitchens, there are no screams or emotional outbursts. What stands out is the genuine love and support his staff show for him; from the valet to our server, everyone spoke highly of this remarkable man. I even found myself half-jokingly contemplating a career change to work at Vida—though in truth, it’s much more fun to be a guest.

Jason W.

Yelp
We acquired a few Cunningham Group gift certificates for Christmas. We normally only go to Livery and Bru Burger for our entertainment dollar, but we decided to take advantage of the certificates to try something beyond our normal means. I made an early Saturday dinner reservation for my wife's birthday, which also happened to fall within the promotional Devour special. I was a little nervous about parking as I'm not overly familiar with the available options throughout Indy. From what I found in my research, they have about 8 spots behind their restaurant, which were all taken when we arrived at about 5:00pm. The spots along the sidewalk on the same side of the street as the restaurant are apparently available for free and we lucked into one of those, although there was a still a decent mess of ice and snow along the walk from a recent storm. They do offer valet, but I already referenced that our income resides more in the value range. We weren't certain which was the front door, and were redirected by a sign on the 1st door we tried indicating that we had passed it. As we approached, a gentleman opened the door and greeted us. In spite of being about 30 minutes earlier than our reservation, they very kindly and promptly seated us. The room we were in had a bar along 1 wall, a few tables for 2, a few for 4, and one that had 6 or so people at it along the wall of windows. Our menus actually had a birthday greeting for my wife across the top as well. The music being played was a fantastic mix of 70s and 80s that fit somewhere between soft rock and Sirius XM's Yacht Soul. Our server promptly arrived and was very friendly in guiding us through the menu options. We elected to do the Devour Vegetarian Four Course Menu ($75 each) with wine pairings ($65 each). The sommelier was also fantastic at explaining each beverage's background and why she chose for each specific food item we ordered. In spite of that, I'm not much of a wine guy, so I honestly don't recall what each wine was to pass along. Food wise I do recall as we each got something different so that we could share and try more. They actually first brought out a potato croquette I believe that was paired with a Champagne-type wine. This was not something we ordered, but simply offered as an extra. Our first course included Roasted Carrots and Caramelized Cauliflower. Both were excellent as I really like cooked carrots, which was accompanied by goat cheese, and my wife really liked the cauliflower, especially with the kale that was a part of it. Second, we Butternut Squash and the Baby Greens Salad. Again, both had amazing flavor combinations, with my liking the squash and its goat cheese again, my wife preferring the salad with its manchego. Prior to our third, they brought out a basket of a focaccia bread and a banana pineapple bread. I love bread, and the focaccia was one of the best ones I have ever had. Our main entrees "Cacio e Pepe" Tagliatelle and the Squash Tortelloni. While I really liked the tortelloni, we each agreed the Cacio e Pepe was one of the best things we each have ever had. For our 4th, we finished with the Ricotta Doughnuts and the Guayaquil Chocolate Cake. They were both good, but the previous round was a very tough act to follow. Overall, it was an outstanding birthday dinner experience because of their top-notch, friendly service, combined with a consistent selection of unique flavors that were made all the more enjoyable with the accompanying beverages. It is definitely beyond our ability to return any time soon, but if we were of means, we would.

Brooke S.

Yelp
We went for an early valentines dinner and oh my goodness it was so good and unique. The ambience was warm and inviting but centered around you and your needs- if that makes sense. We ended up going with the 4 course meal, and everything was exquisite and tasted wonderful. Unfortunately, I forgot our waitresses name, but she was super attentive, nice and very helpful. While the food was amazing. I can only give it four stars because of the portions in relation to price, but that won't stop me from coming back.

Josephine T.

Yelp
I can't believe I didn't write a review for Vida earlier. Hands down, one of the top restaurants in Indiana, which makes sense as Chef Thomas Melvin was James Beard nominated in 2024. I booked this restaurant as a surprise for my fiance's birthday dinner. The interior is beautiful - I especially love their vertical herb garden in their kitchen, viewable from the entryway. Reservations definitely recommended. There are two ways to enjoy your meal: (1) chef's tasting menu or (2) prix fixe four course meal. As a group of four, we opted for the four course meal as there were four choices per course so we would be able to try a little bit of everything. It's been some time since we dined in but I especially remember the foie gras - this is not something I typically eat for moral purposes but the waitress said that this was his specialty item - so we had to give it a try. Truly unbelievable - I think about it still. In any case, every single item was superb. The menu rotates with the season so I'm not sure the items we had will be on the menu, but rest assured, your taste buds are in good hands. I woudn't hesitate to come back here next time we're in Indy for a special occasion. What a treat!

Deborah W.

Yelp
My friend and I stopped by Vida at 7:30 PM on a Thursday night. We had a reservation made already so we were seated as soon as we entered the restaurant. The seats were large and comfortable and all of our servers were very friendly. For the meal you can either choose a six course tasting menu or choose an item from each choice from their Four Course Menu. My friend and I decided on the four courses and both chose different things so we could try out a couple of different items. For the first course we tried: -BEEF TARTARE: Tartare was flavored very well and was perfectly minced. The toasted baguette it came with was also a great accompaniment. Highly recommend. -KANPACHI: Quite tasty and a nice choice as well. For the second course we got: -CHICKEN BALLOTINE: Perfectly cooked and juicy chicken. The skin was also nice and crispy. A great option. -SEARED FOIE GRAS: This was definitely the star of the meal. The foie gras was perfectly flavored and fatty and went so well with the brioche. For the third course: -ACORN SQUASH TORTELLONI: Tortelloni was cooked perfectly al dente and the sauce and filing were very tasty. The only thing I did not like was that even though the sauce and filling were hot, the edges of all of the tortellini were cold so the timing seems to have been off, would have been better if all parts of the tortellini including the edges were hot or at least warm. -PRIME BLACK ANGUS RIBEYE: Well cooked steak and great horseradish potatoes. Finally, for our fourth course we tried: -BANANA PANNA COTTA: The panna cotta was very tasty and I loved the peanut butter whip on the side. Great option for dessert! -CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE: A nice option but the Panna cotta was definitely better. The meal itself was a great experience the only thing I wish could have been changed would be that especially the wait before receiving the amuse bouche could have been shortened a little as well as the wait between each course. All in all, a nice and tasty dining experience in Indianapolis.

Hannah J.

Yelp
Vida is without a doubt the best restaurant in Indy. It is our go to for any special occasion. The service is top notch. I wanted one of the cocktails made into a mocktail and the bartender got a juicer out and made carrot ginger juice so that I could have a mocktail... superior service. Can't say enough good things. We went for Valentine's day and the atmosphere is so calm and inviting but not over the top.

Taylor B.

Yelp
We went here during devour, and it was the best dining experience we've ever had. Food was immaculate and perfectly curated. Service was top tier. Ambiance is cozy and romantic. I would recommend to everyone.

Jasmine L.

Yelp
Truly an exceptional dining experience in Indianapolis. Having visited three times, my admiration for this establishment only grows with each visit. The chef's culinary prowess is truly that of an artist, and the food served is nothing short of delectable. Without a doubt, I highly recommend indulging in the exquisite bluefin tuna. It was so exquisite that I regretted not ordering a second serving, as those at my table who missed out on it were visibly envious. For the second course, I opted for the fried chicken, which was intriguing, but I must admit that my preference lies with their non-fried menu offerings. However, it was the ribeye that truly stole the show. Its succulent flavors were so heavenly that I could easily savor it every day for the rest of my life. When it comes to dessert, the donuts are an absolute must-try. Their sheer decadence is a perfect ending to a magnificent meal. Although I opted for the four-course menu, my friend chose the tasting menu, and I must admit, I am eager to try it on my next visit. While the portions may seem smaller compared to the four-course option, the diversity of flavors my friend experienced was truly impressive and catered to her discerning palate. This dining experience may come with a higher price point, but I assure you, it is worth every penny. If I had the opportunity, I would visit this establishment every week to relish in its exceptional offerings.

Chad M.

Yelp
Tonight's dinner can only be described as "exquisitely DELICATE" and utterly delicious! I've never described a meal as "delicate" Starting with Amuse Bouche and followed by Beef Tartare, Seared Foie Gras and Lamb Chop.... Service was superb and food was amazing.

Audrey A.

Yelp
A friend of mine and I were finally able to align our calendars and grab a reservation at Vida. Seriously one of the best experiences I had in a while. We both decided to go with the chef's tasing menu (fair warning, the whole table has to do it as an option) but opted not to have the wine pairings and had cocktails instead. Our waiter was wonderful informing us of options and breaking down the cocktails when we had questions. We started off with 2 great amuse bouche that were fish based and was my 2nd favorite dish of the night. Then we had our 6 courses which consisted of hiramasa, scallop, chicken, a ragu, ribeye, and chocolate cake. Both my friend and I agreed the scallop was the favorite for us. I would also like to add the pacing the staff did for our dinner was great as well. We had plenty of time to catch up and the timing of the meal was excellent. We never felt rushed which was much appreciated. Can't wait to have another reason why to visit Vida!

Miranda T.

Yelp
WOW! My Fiancé and I travelled in town from the Chicagoland area and knew right away we had to visit Vida. Vida is the only 4 Diamond restaurant in the Indianapolis area. They offer a few dining styles: Four Course Tasting, Chef Tasting (6 Courses), or A La Carte from their Four Course Menu. We decided to do the Four Courses for $95 a person (very comparable to a 1 Michelin star pricing & format). The entire restaurant was beautifully designed showing elements of rustic wood ceilings, accents of patterned tiles, industrial lighting, and seating that was nicely spaced out for privacy. When checking in, they had menus tagged per reservation group. We later found out that they had personalized ours to congratulate my fiancé on completing the Indy Mini. They later gave us a copy to go as a thank you souvenir. COCKTAILS We started off by ordering the Secret Garden & Raspberry Beret cocktails. We loved seeing that the menu listed ingredients and the overall vibe of the cocktails. This helps guests gage a good choice based on their dinner preference. I got the Secret Garden which was springy, earthy, bright, and light. This paired great with my mostly vegetarian dinner choices. My partner ordered the Raspberry Beret which was fruity, frothy, and spicy. We loved that they had garnishes with heavy smells to pull in one's scent every sip. DINNER -Our dinner started with the Amuse Bouche, a pea croquette. It was the perfect crunchy bite, garnished nicely, on top of a light sauce. -For the first course we got the Caramelized Cauliflower & Beef Tartare. The Cauliflower had a good char, loved the leafy greens and raisins under with the purée sauce. The Beef Tartare came with baguettes so one could almost build their own bite. There were many layers with the quail egg, caperberries, etc so each bite had a depth of flavor. -Bread Service was complimentary and offered (2) squares of their herbed focaccia and (2) squares of their "friendship" bread paired with freshly whipped butter. Our friendship bread had notes of apple in it but the chef loves to change the flavors daily. -For the second course we got the Baby Greens Salad and Seared Foie Gras. The salad was fresh and light with the notes of avocado, lemon breadcrumbs, and vinaigrette. The salad was also a larger portion than I expected! The Seared Foie Gras came with a Brioche square which paired well together. The brioche was dense and the foie gras was fatty and rich with flavor. -For the third course we got the Duck Breast and Tortellini. The tortellini came with about (6) tortellinis filled with cheese over a citrus cream sauce and pesto. I enjoyed the greens that came paired but some were a bit too charred for my liking. The Duck Breast came over a bed of carrot emulsion. The skin was crispy and almost candied and the duck was decadent, rich and full of flavor. -For the fourth course we got the Ricotta Doughnuts and Chocolate Torte. The Chocolate Torte was rich with dark chocolate, cherries, and a good crunch from the pistachio crumbs. The Ricotta Doughnuts are a MUST! The doughnuts were fluffy and warm paired with the creamy ice cream, rich brown butter crumbs, and bourbon maple glaze. If the description doesn't sold you... just trust me. -The last important aspect to our dining experience was our server Tim! He was absolutely wonderful with being personable, pacing our drinks and food, and describing the different options. He brought us new silverware with every course, checked in on how we liked each plate, and offered small tidbits on the menu and restaurant. Additionally, other servers were constantly refilling our waters.

Sam W.

Yelp
Amazing experience. Excellent food and staff. My family and I went to celebrate my birthday at Vida this past weekend and it was nothing short of fantastic. The food and drinks were spectacular. Our waiter, Ryan, was so helpful and so nice. There was at least 8 different members of the staff that wished me happy birthday and they are all so warm and pleasant. $95 a person for the four course menu is honestly a great deal for all that you're getting. Every course was amazing. The octopus, steak, and donuts in particular were life-changing!

Michael C.

Yelp
Vida is an experience. We opted for the four course dinner menu where you pick from different options for each course. There were three in our party so we all got to try multiple different dishes. We had difficulty choosing just 3, so picked extra dishes a couple of times . Every single dish had a harmony of flavors highlighting the main ingredient. Service was impeccable, constant attention without being intrusive. One of the best experiences we have had, will definitely be regulars.

Olivia K.

Yelp
Vida a Cunningham Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with a stunning ambiance and top-notch service. We indulged in their exquisite four-course tasting menu, starting with a delightful amuse bouche. The Pinoy Dreams and Yerevani Spritz cocktails were refreshing and unique. The first course featured savory Beef Tartare and succulent Bluefin Tuna, followed by the vibrant Heirloom Tomato and decadent Seared Foie Gras for the second course. The third course showcased perfectly cooked Duck Breast and tender Maine Scallops. We concluded with the heavenly Ricotta Donuts and creamy Banana Panna Cotta for dessert. Highly recommend for a memorable culinary journey!

Arie L.

Yelp
Always 10/10 at Vida. Everything tastes even better than it looks in the pics attached. Must try the buttermilk fried chicken thighs while they have it. I could eat that everyday.

Courtney N.

Yelp
Vida is such a treat. The service is perfect, from beginning to end. From the valet, to each team member that was involved in our service, I was impressed. The food gives delicate, full flavored bites, and the wine pairing just adds to the experience. The ambiance was rich with well thought out touches- Vida is easily a new favorite, and I highly recommend.

Maria F.

Yelp
Vida was a phenomenal experience with incredibly tasty food. You can tell the chef really puts love into his work. The service was also very attentive and made the experience so much better. would recommend this place to anyone!

Joseph D.

Yelp
This place is absolutely unbelievable. It's not a twice a week kind of place for Jill and I but it's definitely our new go to special occasion place. We sat up at the bar and Logan took great care of us. She walked us through the menu options. We both chose the four course choose your own adventure with the wine pairings. Let me just start by saying the food was spectacular but the pairing really made the food even better. Jared the Sommelier clearly knows what he's doing. Jill and I can be a little wine nerdy and he answered all our questions but not in the I'm smarter than you way a lot of Somms have. When I ran a steak house my goal was for people to leave thinking I spent more money than I planned and I can't wait to go back. Tonight I left thinking I spent about what I expected and I want to come back tomorrow. The chef popped into the bar and chatted with us. I've been to tasting meals where I couldn't finish the last course because I was so full and also where I got a sandwich on the way home because I was starving. Vida hit the Goldilocks spot where we weren't stuffed and uncomfortable but we weren't hungry. Hats off to the entire team!

Glenn C.

Yelp
I would give it 10 stars if i could. This was absolutely fantastic. It was an expensive birthday dinner. You could order a 4 course dinner or a 7 course dinner. The 4 course allows you to pick 1 of 4 items in each corse. In the 7 course, you can't change unless their is an allergy issue. My wife had a nut allergy, so her dessert was changed. The 7 course can come with a wine pairing for 60 dollars or the deluxe one for about doble. We did the 60 dollar one. Service was great. Full details were given on food and wine. Had a bread course in the middle. The restaurant made a special birthday menu with name and age.Valet was 10 dollars. My favorites were the lamb, rib eye, tuna, and scallops. Full pictures and menu i included.

Ojus P.

Yelp
On 2nd visit, still had a great experience. Excellent value at less than $300 for 2 pre fixe 2 exceptional dishes (Ricotta donuts, Cauliflower appetizer with raises) 2 great tuna appetizer, squash pasta 3 solid dishes with two salads and a chocolate that was overly cherry 1 execution miss with overcooked red snapper. Kind service, it was my birthday and it really felt celebratory.

Nora D.

Yelp
I have to say this was one of the best dining experiences I've had in years. I decided to host a birthday dinner with 6 of my closest friends. I made the reservation well in advance through the messaging service through Vida's inquiry message. I heard back and set a date and time. The only problem in hindsight was not booking a table for one more person than I was thinking at the time. I ended up with 6 other guests which Visa can accommodate nicely, but the night before I was informed that the original time had been booked for a party of 7 already. I was confused. In setting up my reservation I was told through email that if my party went up to 7 that they could pull up a chair. That was not the case. It was a misunderstanding on both ends. Luckily everyone in my party were accommodating and were able to make a 5:30 time instead of the planned 6:30 turned 6:45 reservation time. Honestly this was a big blessing in disguise as we were at the restaurant from 5:30 to around 8:30 pm. The restaurant also made up the misunderstanding and quick time change. The GM came over to introduce himself and apologized for the tension caused. A round of bubbly was provided on the house which was greatly appreciated. Honestly the service overall was wonderful. Our server was absolutely lovely! He was attentive and knowledgeable. Our table stuck to the 4 course meal. I started with the smoked ora king salmon. It was delicious! I was a bit unsure about the mustard yogurt serviced with the salmon, but I had nothing to fear! I cleaned the plate! For my second course I got the grilled octopus. The presentation was gorgeous! I can say not immediately seeing a long tentacle on the plate was nice. I really liked the broccoli served with the octopus. For my third course I got the gulf of Maine scallops. As a scallops lover these had me salivating. They were well seasoned and a large size. The plating was of course gorgeous. For dessert I got the chocolate torte. I loved that they made my dessert a little extra special for my birthday. It was a lovely touch. Before we got our first course we were served the pineapple wonton small bite. It was very good. After the first course I believe we were served bread. There was a sweet carrot spiced bread and a garlic butter bread. They breads were moist and almost a bit spongy in the best way. A note about the restaurant is that I appreciate that they pay attention to the small details. They sent me a message the day before which is how I found out that the reservation time would have to occur. But the message asked if everyone was over 21, if we were celebrating anything and who, and if anyone had allergies. Our server also inquired about allergies after we were seated. One friend is allergic to shrimp which wasn't in the kitchen. My cousin is pregnant so the server made sure to air on the side of caution by bringer her doughnuts out without the bourbon maple glaze as the alcohol isn't fully cooked out. Another friend is allergic to alcohol which we didn't think to point out at the start. But the server was kind and took her doughnuts back to bring back a plate without the bourbon maple glaze on the doughnuts. This was a lovely attention to allergies that I haven't seen to this degree before. Another small detail was when someone left the table and left their napkin behind someone came by and folded it nicely before placing it back on the table. I've seen this done at Tony's in St. Louis, and it was nice to see here. Water was constantly topped off. Our server was always floating close by if we needed anything. The attention to little details was just nice. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect at Vida since it was my first time, but I was delighted at the experience. I also like the rotating menu and that there are ways to have different experiences. The chef's tasting is another option. And a wine pairing is also optional with that option. We were also informed that if four courses is not enough or is too much a plate can be added or subtracted. Honestly the four plates was perfect. Don't let the small size deceive you. By the end I was well satisfied. It's a quality over quantity restaurant. Everyone who was dining with me left happy with the idea of coming back again. I certainly know I'll be back as the food and overall experience was very good.

Fatiha I.

Yelp
I went during devour Indy for the tasting menu which was discounted per person during the two weeks of devour. I only took pictures of 4/6 of our courses and we also started with two small bites of amuse bouche which are also not pictured. Everything we ate was very well done and delicious. Our favorites of the night were the kanpachi and the wagyu. Our server was very knowledgeable and made the service seamless. He had recommendations for our drinks for the night as well. The restaurant itself is nice, however, we felt like the seating was a bit close together to other parties and wished there was a bit more separation. Pricey overall and would reserve coming here for special occasions but fantastic experience overall!

Adriana L.

Yelp
Ambiance - 5 Stars Service - 5 Stars Food - 5 Stars I've been here for intimate anniversary dinners with my husband to a team dinner with my top performers. Every single time I'm more and more impressed. They work around all my insane food allergies - with ease. Service is always top notch and the food - O.M.G.! Hands down worth every penny.

Natalie G.

Yelp
Do it! It may be expensive, but you deserve the treat! Vida is tucked away in a quiet little neighbor yet still downtown. Parking is limited but they have valet. Go for the tasting menu. The best bang for your buck is during the Devour Indy Restaurant Week deals. (If you don't know what that is, go Google it.) Our server was very educated on our plates and very friendly.

Karla C.

Yelp
This is one of those unforgettable food experiences. I've been wanting to try Vida for a while and we came during devour Indy for the 4 course meal. The service was amazing, the staff was so kind and helpful giving their recommendations. They had someone who consistently came around refilling your water cup. They started us off with a complimentary bread that was warm and soft. The zucchini bread tasted like warm hug. To start we got the Hamachi and wow it was so fresh! We also got the pork belly but it was outshined. For our mains we got the Tortelli and the Salmon. The tortelli was amazing and so worth getting, the salmon was a little bit underwhelming. Ended the night with some dessert wine to pair with the donuts and cheesecake. Really enjoyed our experience and would love to come back.

Lorrie M.

Yelp
Okay, to be honest I almost kind of gave up on Indianapolis food. Not that it's not good, but its just not THAT great. Even well rated places were just more or less okay. I came to accept that perhaps there's some kind of bar where if its 4 stars here its a little less so elsewhere. Then came Vida. Wow, I absolutely cannot believe the experience, the service, the food, the ambiance. Everything was excellent, from the tasting menu choices, to each morsel of delicious flavor on the menu, to the wide selection of wines & cocktails, to just the whole feel of the place. Definitely feels like you're dining in an open air terrarium. This definitely feels on par with an SF/NYC level 1 MIchelin Star. Great job Vida!

Josie M.

Yelp
Vida is a restaurant I heard about over and over again soon after I moved to Indianapolis. It was said to be "the best restaurant in Indy" many times, so I knew I had to go, but with its hefty price tag, it would need to be a celebration. So last night, we went for my mom's milestone birthday. Pros: 1. The chocolate torte was by far the best item. It was small but mighty and decadent. Rich chocolate, light yet creamy coconut ice cream (and I don't even like coconut), luxardo cherry, and fresh hazelnuts. Now that was memorable. Delicious. 2. The service was good. There was some justification to why the lighter of the two pieces of tuna had more "tendon," but our waitress then said she'd be happy to bring us two fresh pieces. In addition, the plates were put on the table simultaneously and only taken once every person was done eating that course. 3. The plates used were minimalist, yet unique. None were chipped. Cons: 1. Each dish was tiny obviously, which is fine if it is phenomenal, but these were not. 2. Creativity was lacking - nothing was all that unusual or unique. 3. We were seated right under an air vent and this shouldn't even be a possible problem at a restaurant like this. 4. The ribeye was requested to be pink/medium - it came more red than I've seen in quite some time. 5. The dishes were served by another waiter who rushed the explanation of each item. I would have felt more comfortable and preferred it being served by our waitress for a more comfortable/welcoming experience. 6. There should have been more complements of the chef between courses (there was a tiny cucumber soup before the first course) - it always makes the diner feel special. Also, it was my mom's birthday, so a small glass of champagne or candle in the dessert would have been a nice gesture. Overall: I wouldn't go back - the food was unmemorable. They should have an option for a la carte items, not only prix fixe or (an even more pricey) tasting menu. I expect an expensive, celebratory meal to blow me away and this fell short.

Lucas M.

Yelp
Vida is next level, from the moment you walk in, you just feel classy! We've been in for their wine pairing, however recently stopped in to grab a drink and dessert before heading to a show. They were super accommodating with our quick timeframe and those ricotta donuts are living rent-free in my head, they're so good! We can't wait to stop in for another meal soon!

Tiffany T.

Yelp
Great: Food, service, environment, and atmosphere. I must highlight something very important, my husband made reservations on the wrong night. We showed up, and even though they were extremely busy, they still squeezed us in. They exceeded our expectations. The gentleman who helped us was amazing, and I'm so thankful he was able to get us in. We did the 4-course tasting menu, and it was a 11/10. Our waiter was also amazing and very personable. Overall, we can't wait to get back there!

Lindsey W.

Yelp
Vida is incredible!! I would give this place 10 stars if I could! As a vegan I was so incredibly impressed with an entire vegan tasting menu! If you are vegan and want a really nice dinner or celebrating something fun, run, don't walk, to Vida! From the food, service, the ambiance and even the restroom were amazing. I ordered the vegan tasting menu with the reserve pairing and it was delicious! The wine paired so perfectly! My husband order the other tasting menu and he said the food was outstanding!! I will say I feel like the timing was a little off with the pairings, but that's just been with my other experience with a restaurant in Cabo! I literally can't express this enough, go to Vida !! Oh and the personalized birthday menu sealed the deal!

Eliana S.

Yelp
I never have expensive meals - but this one was totally worth it. The food - just delicious, buttery and smooth. The scallops, I nearly died. The grilled octopus - juicy . The chocolate torte - rich. The service was so organized and kind. It's truly a one of a kind experience. I was at a table with other coworkers and they treated us nicely. What a great way to end a Friday.

Linda L.

Yelp
We went to Vida to celebrate Father's Day a little early, and I have to say this is a great place to celebrate!! Everything was thoughtful and delicious. They printed out a special menu with my dads name. He loved it. We did the 4 course menu and we tried a little bit of everyone's dishes... everything was AMAZING!! I would not have thought the carmelized carrots were a highlight, but they had some turmeric a great flavor and texture. I really enjoyed the ricotta donuts at the end as well. I really thought everything was impeccable. My sister thought the shrimp with harissa was a little spicy, but I thought it was a good flavor. The service & Ambiance was also on point!

Bill C.

Yelp
Service and Food were outstanding ! Ambiance was quiet and very comfortable ! Everyone was happy !

Robyn W.

Yelp
Everything about this place is just perfect. The ambiance is so inviting somehow both homey and airy, and the sound level has somehow created a nice relaxing dining experience. The staff was amazingly welcoming, and even heard little things I said like telling my husband I needed to use the restroom and offering to take me there. It's the little things like that which create the overall vibe. Additionally, our servers were all knowledgeable yet friendly without being in the least pretentious or anything! We elected to do the chef's tasing menu, which is a great recommendation for anyone who doesn't get the chance to come to Vida often. The tasting menu starts off with an Amuse Bouche and proceeds through 5 amazing courses. Even the Amuse Bouche got my tastebuds going for this amazing experience. (I did not need any special considerations, but the asked first food allergies or dietary restrictions and those who we were dining with had a previous experience where they accommodated a vegetarian diet!) We were wavering on the wine pairings as we just don't drink wine as often anymore, but are so glad we made the last minute decision to let them pair the perfect wine with each course. This is top notch special event dining, and I'd go back in a heartbeat if I had a chance. I last dined there over 10 years ago, so hoping it's sooner next time!

Young Y.

Yelp
This is probably one of or the best fine dining restaurants in Indianapolis and on par with 1 Michelin star restaurants (unfortunately Michelin guide doesn't cover indy restaurants). We got the chef's tasting menu. All the items were very good and there nice complex but delicious flavors. I loved the lobster and the amuse bouche the most, and I typically I don't like Brussel sprouts but the way they were prepared and served with the lobster with this crunchy texture (and smoky flavor? Or that might have been another ingredient in the dish) was amazing!! The service was amazing and the waiters for kind but also very knowledgeable. They made us feel very comfortable. The ambiance of the place is very nice for a romantic date and I love the furniture and room decor! My girlfriend and I were celebrating our graduation there and they even had custom menus with our names on them which was very cute! And they really did make the experience feel personalized. Definitely a memorable experience!

Mary D.

Yelp
Brought my husband there for his birthday this weekend, from the minute we walked through the door's the service was outstanding. We opted for the 4 courses and everything again was outstanding. Alexander was great, food was served at a good pace and the staff was extremely knowledgeable...I have been in the service industry my entire career and Cunningham Group does a great job...my husband throughly enjoyed his birthday dinner...

David P.

Yelp
Excellent as always. We had the Chef's Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing. Everything was soo good. Definitely the best of Indianapolis and Chef's tasting menu is comparable to the few three Michelin-starred restaurants I've been to.

Tova B.

Yelp
we had a birthday event here and it was fantastic. the staff was friendly and helped to make me feel comfortable finding gluten free options. We already had a preset menu but all of the items I wanted were able to be made gluten free. We started off with a mini tuna roll situation which was a compliment of the chef that evening. Then we had a tuna appetizer with corn tortilla chips on top. It was pretty good! We also were given a salad which was super light and refreshing. (you can see the flowers on mine were to tell which was gluten free). My main was the salmon which they were able to do gluten free with tamari and they removed the noodles. I finished off with a mango sorbet! The cinnamon donuts looked amazing though. I smelled them and pretended to eat them.

Carolene M.

Yelp
One of my favorite higher end restaurants. Love the atmosphere and the food. Its upscale but very comfortable. It's great for a special night out or just wanting a good high end dinner. We usually sit at a table in the bar area.

Anvaya B.

Yelp
A fine dine experience ! We celebrated my birthday there with a special 4 course meal ! I recommended this place if you're looking something to celebrate ! We truly wanted to enjoy the dining experience so we didn't take any photos ! I got the Hamachi, Fried buttermilk chicken thigh, Harissa Shrimp and Panna Cotta! I couldn't stop talking about how delicious the chicken and shrimp dishes were ! Very very flavorful ! Also the bread they served was delicious !

Phyllis M.

Yelp
Food, service and ambiance were TOP notch! Have been wanting to check this place out for awhile. I was happy to see they were part of Devour! Our server was Frank, he was outstanding. Recommended the perfect wine for our entrees! I ordered the carrots- wow amazing! I was surprised they had a little heat. It was such an interesting combination of flavors. My main course was the scallops! To DIE for! My girlfriend ordered the same, we commented we wanted to eat it slowly because we didn't want the experience to end! The ricotta donuts are a must as well! I will be back for sure! The herb wall is beautiful- we sat and watched them snip fresh herbs and garnish plates. The decor is beautiful and cozy/ loved the candles in the bathroom. Beautiful restaurant!

Ben T.

Yelp
This is simply the best restaurant in Indy. The food was all exquisite; Well thought out and properly played. The flavors were incredible and the wine pairings were all exceptional. Vida was better than or equivalent to fine dining experiences I've had in New York. I am not able to afford this very often, but I will try to come back on the most special of occasions. The price is worth it.

Matt H.

Yelp
Second time here first time was last year. Fantastic. One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Many Courses surprise me because they are nontraditional and take an interesting spin on courses you might get somewhere else. Great ambiance. Great service. Do not miss if you are in Indy.

Kennedy O.

Yelp
I have never done fine dining before, so to be honest I was kinda nervous. When I saw they were participating in Devour I thought it be the perfect time to try it! I made reservations for 4 people and we all decided to do the tasting menu with the wine pairing. Might as week go big It was all fantastic!! The sweet potato gnocchi was by far the best part. It was a stand out dish, but everything else was great as well. The donuts for dessert is a must-try! I was a little nervous I that we would still be hungry since the portions are so small, but the food is timed to perfection and I left very full. A great place for a special occasion!

Aaron P.

Yelp
Vida is by far still my favorite restaurant in Indianapolis. The service is impeccable with some of the most menu and flavor knowledgeable wait staff and bar tenders you can find. The food is impeccable and the flavors are well curated. The Ambiance is quiet and cozy with a modern trendy nightlife vibe. The Berkshire pork belly was melt-in-mouth tender and the beef tartare was perfection. The Fluke (or they might have had a fish substitution) was the least favorite of the night, and although it was still a very solid dish, a sea bass option would have made it pop. This is definitely a high end experience with a high end product so plan a special night to enjoy.

Nazret H.

Yelp
Obviously a fancier spot with a hefty price tag but you should know that coming in. We've been a few times for special occasions and during Devour because that's the only times we can afford it haha. If you participate in the chefs tasting, it is definitely an experience. I think we were at the restaurant for 2.5-3 hours before we got through all the courses. They may seem like small portions but after you've had a few courses, you definitely start to get full. These small bites also pack a punch in terms of flavor!

Christie N.

Yelp
Wow! Vida continues to amaze me every time I go here. Their menu is fantastic and after each course you will be delighted and excited to what comes out next. The menu does rotate, but I've had most of the staples (scallops, pasta, ribeye, ricotta donuts, salads, steak tartare, carrots, and tuna) and have loved every bite. I'm a HUGE fan of sitting in the bar area and at the bar. It has a great vibe and is a bit cozier than the dining room. Definitely check this place out for your next celebration or special occasion!

Lauren W.

Yelp
We love Cunningham restaurants so we had to give this one a try. We went with the 4 course tasting menu and it was more than enough food. My favorite was actually the fried chicken. The meat was juicy and tender and the spicy garlic honey was a perfect combo. Not pictured, but the ricotta donuts were great too. They had a front and back waiter, so our table maintenance was great and we were well taken care of. My only complaint is the ambiance. It's a little stiff looking inside and has more of a chain feel, which seemed very off from Cunninghams other restaurants. Also, they tried to do a special touch for our anniversary and put our names at the top of our menus but they spelled my name wrong. But the thought was there.

Jessie S.

Yelp
A world class experience, if you are a foodie visiting Indy unsure where to get an amazing meal. The service is always impeccable. They have amazing cocktails, and the food is unmatched. Yes it is pricey but it is so worth it. Cozy and classy. I've been going here since 2017

June F.

Yelp
Food was good overall. We had 4 course meal. We picked this restaurant since food pix looked beautiful. Thought it might be a fun place to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Everything tasted great except for goat cheese cake. However I dont recommend coming here for any kind of celebration. There was no recognition from the staff or from the waiter. There was a wine pairing option too but didn't try it. Food itself was good overall. Service was ok overall.