Gabardine dining room — Photo courtesy of Gabardine

San Diego's Gabardine, a new Point Loma neighborhood eatery, is hoping to win the hearts and stomachs of nearby residents. Brian Malarkey, a finalist on Bravo's Top Chef Miami, is not only Gabadine's executive chef and partner, he's now a Point Loma resident, making this the restaurant kitchen he gets dirty in.

Due to popular request, the menu was recently revamped to include more familiar comfort food such as fish and chips and mac and cheese. Each dish has the flair that Chef Malarkey's restaurants are known for.  For example, it's not your average mac and cheese, but rather Big Mac and Cheese with caramelized onions, pulled pork and white cheddar. And, it's delicious.

The must-order almond sticky bun served warm with cream cheese icing — Photo courtesy of Katie Dillon

Hot tip: Don't go to Gabardine for Sunday brunch without ordering the almond sticky bun. It's warm, moist and decadent with cream cheese frosting and oozing melted caramel. Bottomless mimosas are served for a mere $10, though the selection of artisan teas is also impressive.

Clean, contemporary decor includes floor to ceiling windows.  Eye-catching accents, such as chandeliers with fishing poles woven into them, reflect Point Loma's fishing community. Drawings of Gabrielle or Gabby, a synchronized swimmer who performed at exclusive hotels throughout the Mediterranean during the 1950s and 60s are seen inside the restaurant. The giant replica of her hanging on the outside of Gabardine signals to passersby that it's time to park and eat.

Gabardine features happy hour and dinner daily, as well as Sunday brunch. Bring the kids or go for date night as it's one of those places that can go either way.