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Benchmark, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Benchmark

4.9
4.9
1399 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
  • 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

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 1,399 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

                            1. Susan

                              Toronto

                              1 review

                              5.0

                              1 review

                              Dined on December 17, 2024

                              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?

                            2. 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?

                            3. 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?

                            4. 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?

                            5. 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?

                            6. Gail

                              VIP

                              Toronto

                              18 reviews

                              5.0

                              18 reviews

                              Dined on November 22, 2024

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Benchmark is fantastic value. Your meal is expertly prepared and served by the Culinary students at Niagara College under the direction of excellent Chefs. Great food, beautifully presented with attentive service. Always a great experience!

                              Is this helpful?

                            7. 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?

                            8. 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?

                            9. 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?

                            10. 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?

                            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
                            7:00 PM
                            Booked 1 time today
                            Google Map for Benchmark

                            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

                            Featured in

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