Vida

“Absolutely amazing experience. Staff was wonderful and informed. Sustainable and local meat and produce. Each dish had such a lovely flavor. I can’t wait to go back again! Highly recommend! 😊😊😊”

“Without hyperbole, it was the best meal I’ve ever had. Ever. I tried every dish without preconception, allowing myself to experience everything as designed by Chef Melvin and his team of chefs. What that awarded me was a meal unlike any other. There were new flavors, unique textures, and combinations that I could’ve never imagined. Chicken Liver Mousse? Sounds off-putting. But it was one of the BEST bites of the night for all three of us. Raw beef with a quail egg on top? I couldn’t believe how much I liked it. We attempted to pick out our top three dishes but the conversation devolved into each person listing every dish and singing its individual praises. There simply wasn’t enough margin to separate them. But here are a few highlights: The Berkshire Pork Chop was incredible. I had a favorite pork chop but this easily took that spot. The Ricotta Doughnuts were the softest, most pillowy fried dough I’ve personally come across. Forget Long’s, forget Krispy Kreme. And the candied bacon, maple glaze, and sea salt caramel ice cream added to the hot/cold, sweet/salty ensemble. Do you know what “robuchon potato” is? My son had to explain these dollops of deliciousness to me. Maitake mushrooms? Unbelievable flavor. And these were just the sides to my ribeye, which had the most amazing crust. Don’t even get me started on the multi-step process that resulted in the impressive Chicken Ballotine. If you’re a foodie and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of a chef-driven menu, try Vida. If you appreciate stellar service that is refined and comfortable, try Vida. If you appreciate clean and swanky individual restrooms and things that are aesthetic, try Vida. You will love it.”

“I honestly don't understand all the poor reviews. My husband and I went here for our anniversary and couldn't have been more pleased. The food and service were amazing! The plating was beautiful! We had been to Picasso in Vegas for our Anniversary a few years ago and spent way more for the same food quality! Yes the portion sizes are smaller but with the amount of dishes you recieve I was definitely full by the end of the meal. This place did not disappoint and we will definitely be going back!”

“Exceptional tasting menu experience at Vida, one of the top fine dining restaurants in Indianapolis. Vida has built a reputation for delivering one of the most refined chef driven tasting menus in the city, and after experiencing the full progression of courses, it is easy to understand why. I began the evening with a beautifully crafted mocktail called “I Drink It All Up.” Made with Ritual whiskey alternative, Lyre’s Italian Orange, beet, and lemon, it delivered impressive complexity with bright citrus and a subtle earthy depth. A fantastic alcohol free option and a great way to begin the evening. The tasting menu progressed with excellent balance, thoughtful pacing, and precise execution. Highlights from the evening included the New Zealand hiramasa with purple daikon and yuzu kosho which was vibrant and refreshing. The Hokkaido scallop with shimeji mushrooms, pork belly, celery root, and gochujang brown butter was one of the standout dishes of the night, perfectly cooked and layered with deep umami flavor. The beet salad with Hidden Springs feta, chicory, herbs, walnut, and honey vinaigrette added brightness and contrast before the comforting richness of the tagliatelle with oyster mushrooms, rapini pesto, Parmigiano Reggiano, hazelnut, and aged balsamic. The main course featured Freedom Run Farm lamb paired with tahini yogurt, persimmon, cashew, and urfa chile. The dish was beautifully balanced with the lamb as the clear centerpiece. Dessert finished the experience with chocolate and passionfruit paired with namelaka, honey graham, passionfruit ice cream, and brown butter, creating a bright and elegant ending to the tasting menu. Executive Chef Thomas Melvin, an Indiana native and two time James Beard semifinalist, leads the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in Midwestern ingredients and global technique. After rising through the ranks of Indianapolis kitchens and leading Union 50 to national recognition, Chef Melvin now crafts one of the most thoughtful seasonal tasting menu experiences in Indianapolis. It was an honor to meet Chef Thomas Melvin and personally thank him for the experience. Vida represents the type of restaurant that elevates a city’s culinary reputation. If you appreciate chef driven tasting menus and refined dining experiences, Vida is absolutely worth visiting in Indianapolis.”

“My husband and I had a wonderful dinner at Vida. The four-course menu was beautifully curated, with each course offering its own standout moment. The pescatarian options were thoughtful and well executed, and the famous ricotta doughnuts were a delightful finish to the meal. Service was excellent throughout the evening. Our server, Joshua K., was attentive, engaging, and genuinely welcoming. The entire team showed great attention to detail, addressing us by name and kindly acknowledging my recent achievement, which made the experience feel truly special. A refined yet warm dining experience—we will definitely be back.”