87The Gabardine

In the heart of downtown, deep in the concrete canyons, finally a restaurant with soul. The Gabardine is modelled on a British gastro-pub, which makes it casual, easy-going and with (mostly) very friendly food. Best bet is to stick with the less ambitious offerings. Their mac and cheese approaches divinity thanks to creamy sauce and generous lashings of sharp cheddar. The banquet-burger is juicy and moist with crisp smoky bacon and fine cheddar, a big fat patty with traditional fixings on a soft white bun. For diners who prefer to keep the lunchtime calorie count out of the stratosphere, they do credible soups and salads. It’s a small room, so getting a table at lunch requires that you arrive at 11:57.