Who knew that Utopia was in Long Beach diagonally across from a Courtyard by 0 and a Best Western Plus? I always figured that Utopia, as first envisioned by Sir Thomas More in 1516, was indeed an idyllic island in the southern Atlantic. But no, there it is at First Street and Linden Avenue, a very pleasant Italian/eclectic restaurant with a good bar and lots of original art on the walls.

Indeed, the full name is Utopia Good Food & Fine Art. Though it’s rarely referred to as such. Utopia more than suffices. Along with the art, there are multicolored walls, bare brick walls, exotic rugs on the floors and beautifully set tables but with place mats, not tablecloths. The end impression is understated, casual elegance, easy enough for a drop-by dinner after a movie, proper enough for a special occasion.