Benchmark

Name: Benchmark
Address: 135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada, L0S1J0
Telephone: (905) 641-2252 ext. 4619
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (1411)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary American

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Innovative
Neighborhood 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 Tue–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

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Lobster Bisque
Corn Hushpuppy, Candied Celery, Green Apple, Espelette Aioli
Chez Nous Winter Greens
Pickled Fennel, Grapefruit, NC Honey & Yogurt Vinaigrette, Fried Sunchokes
Trout Rillettes
Citrus Crème Fraîche, Brioche, Nc Pickles, First Crop Rhubarb
Warm Mushroom Salad
Frisee, Peal Onion, Poached Hen's Egg, Brioche, Chorizo Vinaigrette

Entrées

Chicken Supreme
White Bean, Olives, NC Bacon, Winter Greens, Birch Glaze
Fresh Campanella Pasta
Braised Beef, Cipollini Onions, Kale, Winter Herbs, Rich Reduction
Duck Confit
Fried Fingerlings, Saffron Leek, Quincey Preserve, Duck Jus
Farro Risotto
Smoked Feta, Charred Spring Onion, White Asparagus, Chez Nous Winter Spinach
Market Fish Ever Changing!
Feature fish dish changes weekly

DESSERTS

Olive Oil Cake
Marcarpone Creme, Citrus Curd, Thyme Crumb, Salted Caramel Gelato
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Bourbon Toffee Sauce, Spiced Apple, Vanilla Gelato, Oat Streusel
Dark Chocolate Opera Cake
Espresso Buttercream, Hazelnut Crunch, Candied Cocoa Nib

Benchmark is a "no-tipping" establishment

Benchmark Student Experience Award
If you would like to support our students, donate to the Benchmark Student Experience Award! Every term students from hospitality and culinary are awarded based on their passion, commitment and performance. Your server can add any denomination directly to your tab. (no tax)

What 1,411 people are saying

Benchmark reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto / Ontario
Contemporary American
Niagara
Best Value
Niagara
Good for business meals
Niagara
Innovative
Niagara
Vegetarian-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Benchmark offers an exceptional dining experience with "delicious food" and "attentive service" provided by Niagara College students. Guests rave about its "beautiful presentation," "fantastic value," and the opportunity to enjoy "fine dining for an affordable price." The restaurant is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and culinary expertise.

1,411 Reviews

p
phyllis
Toronto2 reviews
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
There were 4 of us for lunch 3 of us ordered the salmon,,which was over cooked. I was disappointed with the meal.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Toronto2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent service. Our waitress was wonderful.
Is this helpful?
b
brian
Toronto1 review
4.0
Dined on April 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
My wife found the chicken supreme entre, way, too salty. The warm mushroom salad , and the chocolate opera cake were good. The hard, clarified butter on the trout was confusing, and it was not explained on how to eat it, or what it was. The service was slow.
Is this helpful?
A
AD
Toronto5 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing from beginning to end, we enjoy our time here 😊
Is this helpful?
S
Sandra
Toronto2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really enjoyed the experience. Food was delicious. Room had nice ambience and music.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Toronto3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service Great food Certainly will return
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on April 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always an excellent place to have a special meal. Food and service were great.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Toronto2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything wad great. Compliments to Chef Justin and his team. Will be back
Is this helpful?
M
Maureen
Toronto1 review
4.0
Dined on March 26, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful food, attentive (but not very well informed) servers.
Is this helpful?
S
Sophia
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on March 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service with delicious food! It was cool to watch the chefs prepare each dish on the livestream. Always happy to support learners.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Benchmark is rated 4.7 stars by 1411 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

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

Additional information

Neighborhood
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–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

About this restaurant

Additional information

Featured in

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

Menu

APPETIZERS

Lobster Bisque

Chez Nous Winter Greens

Trout Rillettes

Warm Mushroom Salad

Entrées

Chicken Supreme

Fresh Campanella Pasta

Duck Confit

Farro Risotto

Market Fish Ever Changing!

DESSERTS

Olive Oil Cake

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Dark Chocolate Opera Cake

Benchmark is a "no-tipping" establishment

Benchmark Student Experience Award

What 1,411 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