Benchmark

4.9

1399 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 22, 2024

8:30 PM

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Innovative

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
Neighborhood
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.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.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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

What 1,399 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

4.9Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto / Ontario
Best Value
Toronto / Ontario
Contemporary American
Niagara
Best Overall
Niagara
Best Food
Niagara
Best Ambiance
Niagara
Best Value
Niagara
Great for brunch
Niagara
Innovative
Niagara
Healthy
Niagara
Neighborhood gem
Niagara
Vegetarian-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Benchmark, the student-run restaurant at Niagara College, offers a "wonderful lunch experience" with "amazing food" and "attentive service." Guests rave about the "great value" three-course menu at $40, featuring wines and beers made on campus. The atmosphere is "bright and nature-oriented," making it a "hidden gem" in the Niagara region.

1,399 Reviews

S
Susan
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful meal and experience! Both our appetizers were delicious and beautifully presented. The Pickled Heirloom Beets & Endive Salad was bursting with flavour. My husband raved about his scallops. Our salmon and angus beef entrees were flavourful and artfully presented. We enjoyed the Ontario Cheese Plate and the Basque Cheesecake. Each of our courses was paired with the perfect selection of Niagara College wine (including icewine). Our server Anjali went above and beyond to provide exceptional service. She genuinely cared about making our experience memorable. She even brought us complimentary sparkling wine to celebrate my birthday. Benchmark is the perfect restaurant if you want to enjoy excellent food in a welcoming and attentive environment.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was beautifully presented by attentive waitstaff. Portions were just the right size for lunch.
Is this helpful?
K
Kam
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was a great experience from start to finish. The food as beautifully plated, and delicious.
Is this helpful?
J
Jacob
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was delicious. Definitely going to be coming back to try the new menu in the new year.
Is this helpful?
J
Janet
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch . We were a party of 8 .. the service, the menu options & the ambience were outstanding. Everyone agreed that our meal choices & presentation were both beautiful & delicious. Can’t wait to go again & try something else off the same menu !
Is this helpful?
R
Ray
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience ….meal is equivalent to any 5 star restaurant ….we will be back and will certainly be spreading the word
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2024
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?
N
Nancy
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2024
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?
A
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?
D
Daniel
VIP
Toronto
9 reviews
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?

FAQs

Benchmark is rated 4.9 stars by 1399 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 22, 2024

8:30 PM

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

Additional information

Neighborhood
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

Website
https://www.niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/services/
Phone number
(905) 641-2252 ext. 4619
Private party facilities
Checking out our upcoming events: https://www.niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Benchmark

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Menu

APPETIZERS

Pickled Heirloom Beets & Endive Salad

East Coast Scallop a La Escargot

Duck & Foie Panisse

Pozole

Entrées

Wild Mushroom Rigatoni

Canadian Dry Aged Angus Beef

Fire Roasted Aubergine

East Coast Salmon

Slow Braised Pork Collar

DESSERTS

Basque Cheesecake

Pear Frangipane Tart

Dark Chocolate Paris Brest

Ontario Cheese Plate

What 1,399 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Benchmark restaurant rated?

Is Benchmark currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day