This research paper presents a new evolutionary technique named vortex search optimization (VSO) to design digital 2D finite impulse response (FIR) filter for improved performance both in pass-band and stop-band regions. Optimum filter coefficients are calculated by minimizing the deviation of actual frequency response from specified or desired response. Efficiency of the designed filter is measured by several parameters, such as maximum pass-band ripple, maximum stop-band ripple, mean attenuation in stop band and time taken, to execute the code. Analysis of the performance of designed filter is correlated with various different algorithms like real coded genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, genetic search algorithm and hybrid particle swarm optimization gravitational algorithm. Comparative study shows significant reduction in pass-band error, stop-band error and execution time.