Review: Arcadia By Utopian – Run, Don’t Walk To This Great New Bar And Restaurant!

Discover why this crowdfunded taphouse from Utopian Brewing is tipped to become one of Exeter’s must-visit dining destinations.

You may have heard of Utopian Brewing. It is a company well known in Exeter due to its popular, sustainable lagers and beers crafted in Bow, near Crediton, since 2019 and available widely in the city. However, you may not be aware that, due to increasing demand from their ever-growing fanbase for a proprietary taphouse, they have recently opened a brand new flagship bar and eatery in central Exeter where customers can sample their extensive range of craft beers, alongside some delicious, locally sourced food. The fact that this venture has been successfully crowdfunded by investors (who will now enjoy a variety of discounts and incentives in-house) makes the proposition even more interesting.

A Buzzing Atmosphere in the Heart of Exeter

Arcadia by Utopian opened in mid-March, and word has obviously spread. When we popped in last week for a quick bite and a drink before a gig at the Phoenix, the place was packed and buzzing even at 6 pm on a Wednesday evening!
From the moment we walked in the door, I could tell we were in for a treat. The understated decor really reflects what’s on offer here: warm, genuine hospitality in well-designed, comfortable and welcoming surroundings that encourage you to linger, chat and stay a while (nothing illustrates this more than several of the tables doubling up as chess boards).

Exeter’s Newest Food Gem: Small Plates with Big Flavours

The small plates menu is absolutely spot-on – reasonably compact, yet varied, interesting, imaginative and very fairly priced, with enticing choices for all dietary requirements. To say we were blown away by the food was an understatement; it was all beautifully cooked and really flavoursome. Luckily for us, the chefs are not afraid of a bit of spice and garlic! We had Padron peppers with soy, Thai fish cakes, crispy potatoes with aioli and paprika and panko prawns – and I’d happily eat them all again.

Craft Beer Excellence in Central Exeter

Drinks-wise, as you would expect from a hostelry run by a local brewer, it’s a craft ale enthusiast’s heaven – we tried four different beers, all of which were delightful; I was especially fond of their tropical beer, perfect for those hankering for summer vibes. However, if you’re not a nerdy beardy ale lover, there’s a great wine list, too, which many around us seemed to be enjoying.

Service was faultless. Our waiter was attentive, friendly, helpful, and demonstrably took pride in doing such an excellent job. The staff certainly helped create an authentic, infectious buzz about the place; orders were taken and fulfilled promptly with a smile.

Making a success as an indie restaurant in such financially straightened times is always going to be a challenge, but I sincerely hope Arcadia continues to be as full as it was last week. I don’t doubt that it’ll be even harder to get a table once word gets out about this wonderful place, their top-notch, locally sourced drinks and intelligent, perfectly executed menu.

I only wish we had had the time to try a few more dishes – although that’s all the more reason to return soon!

Address: 6 Northernhay Pl, Exeter EX4 3QJ
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Looking for more great places to eat in Exeter? Check out our other restaurant reviews.

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About the author: Jo West

Jo has been, very happily, back in her beloved hometown of Exeter since 2022 after an unplanned 25 (!!) year London/South East exile. A mum to 2 boys, she’s worked in advertising for longer than she cares to remember and, in her limited spare time loves reading, cooking (with variable results), sampling the varied cultural delights of Exeter, swimming in the sea and dabbling with gardening.