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Benchmark, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Benchmark

4.8 (1429)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary American
135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S1J0

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 8 times today

About this restaurant

  • Innovative
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
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
  • 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/
  • 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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What 1,429 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Toronto / Ontario

    Contemporary American

  • Niagara

    Best Value

  • Niagara

    Good for business meals

  • Niagara

    Innovative

  • Niagara

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Benchmark offers an exceptional dining experience with dishes crafted by Niagara College's culinary students. Guests rave about "extraordinary food and service," "exquisite presentation," and "perfect wine pairings." This unique restaurant combines a "pleasant atmosphere" with the opportunity to support emerging chefs, making it a "wonderful place" for gourmet dining.
1,429 Reviews
  1. Ursula

    Toronto / Ontario3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This has become one of my go-to places for lunch with friends, whether local or out of town. The Culinary Division of Niagara College has done a brilliant job with Benchmark. It gives the hospitality students a chance to learn their craft in a hands on atmosphere, serving real food which they have created, to real paying customers. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the food and service are extraordinary. This is my tax dollar at work, contributing to the success of future generations. Well done!

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  2. Marg

    Toronto / Ontario1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent dining experience for first-timers. Had the salmon which was excellent, as well as the salad and dulce la Leche dessert. Service was exemplary and friendly with great explanations. Would definitely recommend!!

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  3. George VIP

    Toronto / Ontario17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a wonderful way to teach students ! I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of food! Hats off to the chefs!!!

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  4. Donna

    Toronto / Ontario8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best lunch venue in Niagara area with best value. Food was outstanding along with the service Can’t wait to go back

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  5. Julie

    Toronto / Ontario3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Steak and frites. Tallow fat fries really need to be twice fried to reach its maximum potential. A dish of this caliber deserves properly done fresh cut fries. Without blanching fresh cut potatoes first, the fries are soft limp and oily tasting. No crisp. Please consider taking the extra step to twice fry them in order to achieve a great crisp. The tres leches dessert was superb.

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  6. Robert VIP

    Toronto / Ontario47 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely loved our first visit to Benchmark. We were surprised, on the upside. The service was friendly and attentive while the food was five star. The wine pairings were perfect. We will absolutely be back.

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  7. Earle

    Edmonton / Northern Alberta3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 9, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A choice dining environment, with genial service and creative food options. Very high on our recommendation list.

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  8. Terry

    Toronto / Ontario6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you Ken for a lovely culinary experience at The Benchmark. We both ordered the 3 course meal. The service was over the top, Presentation was excellent not to mention the delicious food. My favourite was the chicken liver pate. Our only complaint was that we were full to a point of being uncomfortable!! We did not know that you accept walk in patrons so we will definitely return! Terry & Wayne

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  9. fred

    Toronto / Ontario1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Extremely high quality food prepared professionally

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  10. Sandi

    Toronto / Ontario4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Love the 3 course tasting menu - always very creative, beautifully plated and delicious! The Tonka Tres Leches dessert was outstanding! So glad you are open all summer - we will return - thanks!

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FAQs

Benchmark is rated 4.8 stars by 1429 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto / Ontario
  4. Niagara
  5. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 8 times 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 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
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