VIMA – Authentic South Indian & Sri Lankan Cuisine Welcome to Vima Restaurant, where every meal celebrates rich traditions, bold flavors, and heartfelt hospitality. Located in the heart of Nutley, we proudly serve authentic South Indian and Sri Lankan dishes crafted from traditional recipes passed down through generations. From crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, spicy curries, Hyderabad Biryani, to flavorful Sri Lankan kottu and wraps– every bite tells a story of home and heritage. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian thali or a spicy non-veg feast, we’ve got something for every craving. ✅ Dine-in | ✅ Takeaway | ✅ Catering Available Traditional Taste | Fresh Ingredients | Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Hours
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 1–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 80 Centre St, Nutley, NJ 07110
Phone: (973) 320-2136
Website: https://vimarestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Vima Indian and SriLankan Restaurant – Authentic Spice Journey
Vima Indian and SriLankan Resturant | Nutley NJ – Facebook
Vima Indian and Srilankan Restaurant – Nutley – Grubhub
Last Updates
Reviews
First, the menu is amazing. Huge selection, it’s like a middle eastern diner.
Second, the staff is ever so friendly. It felt my friend’s family had a restaurant and they were expecting me. Five star service. Great suggestions, smiles and just fantastic cordiality.
Now to the food, wowsers!!!!! They will ask you your spice level tolerance. And it was perfect. I got my food to go but I would definitely dine in, and seating is maybe only for 15 people. But I would bring 15 of my closest friends and have a dinner here. I loved it. Great job.
The flavors were incredibly authentic, bold, and perfectly balanced. You can tell everything is made fresh with traditional recipes straight from the heart.
The service made the experience even more special. The husband personally took care of us and was so warm and personable — he honestly felt like family. His wife was in the kitchen cooking, and together they created such a welcoming atmosphere. When we were leaving, they both walked us out, told us goodnight, and genuinely welcomed us back anytime. It felt so good — I’ve honestly never experienced that level of heartfelt service in a restaurant before.
If you’re looking for true Sri Lankan and South Indian flavors with hospitality that feels like home, Vima is a must-visit. We will definitely be back!
Vima is a cozy spot, just about 4/5 tables, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in warmth and cleanliness. Parking was a breeze thanks to the surrounding side streets, and stepping inside, we were welcomed like old friends.
Our server for the night, Shakthi, was a standout from the start. Friendly, attentive, and full of helpful insight, he made us feel at ease, easily guiding us through the menu and chatting about the ingredients and origins of each dish. His passion for the food and hospitality shone through, and it really elevated the entire experience.
To kick things off, I ordered the Fresh Lime Soda with masala, a drink made in-house. One sip and I was immediately transported back to my boarding school days in India. It struck that perfect balance: bright lime, a punchy masala mix, just the right hint of salt, and a refreshingly unsweetened base. It was exactly what I didn’t know I was craving. My fiancée had the Nimbu Pani, a masala-free version of Indian lemonade, and it too was spot on. Lightly sweet, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing, it was a perfect palate primer. I also ordered a Masala Chai, and once again, nostalgia hit hard. This wasn’t the generic chai you find at cafes. It was authentic South Indian-style: full-bodied, smooth, warmly spiced with notes of cardamom, ginger, and cloves. It was comforting, aromatic, and crafted with care.
We started with the Chicken Kaju, a creamy, cashew-based chicken dish made with tender thigh pieces. It tasted like something straight out of a South Indian kitchen, specifically my mom’s. That familiar, home-cooked depth of flavor is rare to find in a restaurant, and this dish nailed it. But the real game-changer was the Talawa Shrimp. This Andhra-style dish came out sizzling, and from the first whiff, we knew we were in for something special. The shrimp themselves were perfectly seared with a crisp exterior and juicy center. The spice level was bold but balanced, with a smoky undertone and a slow-building heat that lingered in the best way. It had layers: spicy, savory, a touch of tang, all working together in harmony. Hands down, the best shrimp dish I’ve ever had. This one deserves its own spotlight.
For my main course, I went with the Lamb Korma, which they kindly prepared boneless for me. This was another Andhra-style interpretation, richer and more robust than the cream-heavy North Indian versions. The lamb was fall-apart tender, soaking up all the flavor from the korma without losing its identity. My fiancée chose the Masala Dosa, and it was a masterclass in balance. The dosa itself was golden and crisp, but the real star was the potato masala filling, soft, buttery, and beautifully seasoned. It had a subtle sweetness from caramelized onions and warmth from mustard seeds and turmeric. Honestly, the filling was so good on its own, the accompanying sambar, rasam, and chutneys felt more like thoughtful bonuses than necessities, though they were excellent too.
Just as we were winding down, Shakthi returned with a surprise: a slice of chocolate cake and a traditional South Indian dessert called Kesari, It had a velvety texture, buttery richness, and just the right amount of sugar to round out the meal.
From start to finish, Vima completely blew us away. Every dish felt made with purpose, no shortcuts, no watered-down flavors, just real, authentic cooking that reflects the vibrant cuisines of South India and Sri Lanka. Combine that with the warm hospitality and attentiveness from Shakthi, and you’ve got a dining experience that feels truly special.
If Vima maintains & builds on this, it absolutely deserves a spot among New Jersey’s best Indian restaurants.