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Benchmark, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Benchmark

4.9
4.9
1395 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today
  • Innovative
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
Prepare to embark on a delectable journey as Benchmark at Niagara College proudly unveils the much-anticipated relaunch of its lunch service. under the creative direction of renowned Chef Justin Downes and the impeccable service leadership of Victor Oliveira.

Chef Justin Downes will lead the culinary student team and deliver a harmonious blend of culinary innovation and a deep commitment to education. Building upon its established reputation for culinary excellence, Benchmark will continue to be a cornerstone of culinary education while elevating the dining experience for visitors and the Niagara College community.

Don't miss the opportunity to support the School of Culinary Arts, foster future culinary talent, and relish the flavors of Niagara Region. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly marries tradition with innovation, all in the heart of one of Canada's most picturesque regions and one of Canada's most loved Culinary Institutes.


Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (905) 641-2252 ext. 4619
  • Website
    https://www.niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/services/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Justin Downes
  • Private party facilities
    Checking out our upcoming events: https://www.niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/
  • Location
    135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S1J0
  • Neighbourhood
    Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    To ensure that you receive complimentary parking anywhere on campus during your visit, please complete the Guest Parking Form at www.niagaracollege.ca/campussafety/guestpass/, ahead of your visit, to avoid any penalties or fees associated with parking.<br /><br />We also welcome guests to park in the “reserved” parking lot closest to the Benchmark entrance if space permits.<br /><br />Please let us know if there are any issues, and we will happily assist you.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

APPETIZERS

  • Pickled Heirloom Beets & Endive Salad

    Blue Cheese, Cabernet Franc Plums, Candied Northern Pecans, Seeded Lavash, Labneh

    • East Coast Scallop a La Escargot

      Tarragon Wild Mustard Butter, NC Pancetta, Parker House Rolls

      • Duck & Foie Panisse

        Smoked Duck Breast, Rilette, Chickpea Brown Butter Panisse, Autumn Chutney

        • Pozole

          Rojo Broth, Smoked Pork Shoulder, Hominy Grits, Cilantro Crèma, Fresh Radish

          Entrées

          • Wild Mushroom Rigatoni

            Cippolini Onions, Bitter Green Pesto, Stracciatella, Brussel Sprout Leaves

            • Canadian Dry Aged Angus Beef

              Aged Cheddar Potato Pave, Baby Carrots, Shishito, Black Garlic Jus

              • Fire Roasted Aubergine

                Hazelnut Romesco Sauce, Upper Canada Guernsey Girl, Fennel NC Honey, Savory Apple Crunch

                • East Coast Salmon

                  Goan Coconut Curry, Sea Asparagus Pakora, Asian Pear, Micro Salad

                  • Slow Braised Pork Collar

                    Celeriac Puree, White Bean, Charred White Radicchio, Broccolini, Pumpkin Seed Gremolata

                    DESSERTS

                    • Basque Cheesecake

                      Pistachio Pastry Cream, Sable, Citrus Curd, Malted Milk Crumb,

                      • Pear Frangipane Tart

                        Cab Franc Pear, Candied Walnuts, Tahini Anglaise, Bourbon Carmel

                        • Dark Chocolate Paris Brest

                          Dark Chocolate Ganache, Feuilletine Crunch, Dolce De Leche Gelato

                          • Ontario Cheese Plate

                            Chef's Choice, Preserve, Fruit, Nut, Crisp

                            Last updated: October 29, 2024

                            What 1,395 people are saying

                            Overall ratings and reviews

                            Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                            4.9
                            4.9 based on recent ratings
                            • 4.8Food
                            • 4.7Service
                            • 4.8Ambience
                            • 4.9Value

                            Noise • Moderate

                            Loved For

                            • Toronto / Ontario

                              Best Value

                            • Toronto / Ontario

                              Contemporary American

                            • Niagara

                              Best Overall

                            • Niagara

                              Best Food

                            • Niagara

                              Best Ambience

                            • Niagara

                              Best Value

                            • Niagara

                              Great for brunch

                            • Niagara

                              Good for business meals

                            • Niagara

                              Innovative

                            • Niagara

                              Great for creative cocktails

                            • Niagara

                              Healthy

                            • Niagara

                              Vegetarian-friendly

                            Review summary

                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                            Benchmark offers a "fantastic experience" with "amazing food" and "outstanding service." The student-run restaurant impresses with beautifully presented dishes and an inviting atmosphere. Diners appreciate the "exceptional value" of the fixed menu, while the courteous and attentive staff ensure a memorable dining experience. Ideal for those seeking quality and affordability.

                            1,395 Reviews

                            1. OpenTable Diner

                              Toronto

                              1 review

                              5.0

                              1 review

                              Dined 5 days ago

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Always a pleasure to dine here and support our students!!

                              Is this helpful?

                            2. Nancy

                              Toronto

                              2 reviews

                              5.0

                              2 reviews

                              Dined 5 days ago

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 4
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              When setting down the different dishes we wished the server would explain what is on the plate. Identify the different sauces etc. I gave the food a 4 as my steak had a tendon??running through it so I ate around it.

                              Is this helpful?

                            3. Anna

                              Toronto

                              5 reviews

                              5.0

                              5 reviews

                              Dined on November 14, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Always such a fantastic dining experience! The food and presentation, so inviting! Great service and friendly staff! Definitely recommend

                              Is this helpful?

                            4. Daniel

                              Toronto

                              9 reviews

                              vip
                              5.0

                              9 reviews

                              Dined on November 8, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 4
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Wonderful student creations! I loved the experience.

                              Is this helpful?

                            5. Maria

                              Toronto

                              3 reviews

                              5.0

                              3 reviews

                              Dined on November 8, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              I love going to Benchmark…food and service, always great

                              Is this helpful?

                            6. Linda

                              Toronto

                              1 review

                              5.0

                              1 review

                              Dined on November 7, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              If you’re looking for a relaxed lunch with wonderful views of the changing leaves Benchmark is the place to try. The menu offers many varied and tempting choices, prepared and presented to perfection and the service is attentive and friendly. The whole dining experience is not only exceptional but it’s also great value! Benchmark is a must try restaurant

                              Is this helpful?

                            7. Janet

                              Toronto

                              3 reviews

                              vip
                              5.0

                              3 reviews

                              Dined on November 7, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              The duck appetizer was absolutely fantastic and the beef main was cooked to perfection. Serving sizes were just right and decorated beautifully

                              Is this helpful?

                            8. BOB

                              Toronto

                              2 reviews

                              5.0

                              2 reviews

                              Dined on November 6, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              We have dinned her a few times and always enjoyed it. Everything, servers, food, atmosphere are always excellent. Would definitely recommend it.

                              Is this helpful?

                            9. Sunni

                              Toronto

                              1 review

                              5.0

                              1 review

                              Dined on November 6, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              you're looking for a dining experience that combines exquisite flavors, exceptional presentation, and top-notch service, Benchmark is the place to be.The food is simply amazing—every bite bursts with flavor, and the quality of the ingredients shines through in every dish. Benchmark has set a high standard that’s hard to beat. Highly recommend!

                              Is this helpful?

                            10. Gerrit

                              Toronto

                              1 review

                              5.0

                              1 review

                              Dined on October 18, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 4
                              4. Ambience 4
                              Good variety of entrees and mains, very well presented. Meat was done to perfection. Portion sizes leave you comforatble room for dessert.

                              Is this helpful?

                            FAQs

                            Benchmark is rated 4.9 stars by 1395 OpenTable diners.

                            Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                            Make a reservation

                            2 people
                            7:00 p.m.
                            Booked 1 time today
                            Google Map for Benchmark

                            135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S1J0

                            Additional information

                            • Neighbourhood
                              Niagara-on-the-Lake
                            • Hours of Operation
                              Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
                            • Price
                              CAN$31 to CAN$50
                            • Cuisines
                              Contemporary American
                            • Dining style
                              Casual Dining
                            • Dress code
                              Business Casual
                            • Parking details
                              Public Lot
                            • Public transit
                              To ensure that you receive complimentary parking anywhere on campus during your visit, please complete the Guest Parking Form at www.niagaracollege.ca/campussafety/guestpass/, ahead of your visit, to avoid any penalties or fees associated with parking.We also welcome guests to park in the “reserved” parking lot closest to the Benchmark entrance if space permits.Please let us know if there are any issues, and we will happily assist you.
                            • Payment Options
                              AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                            • Executive Chef
                              Justin Downes
                            • Additional
                              Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

                            Featured in

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