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: 4.8

4.8 (1429)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary American

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 29, 2025

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
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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Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Charcuterie & Cheese CA$35.00
NC Cured Meats, Canadian Cheeses, NC Pickles, Chutney, Mustard, Crostini
Oysters Half DozenCA$18.00
Traditional Garnishes - Lemon, Watermelon Mignonette, Hot Sauce, Horseradish
- Full DozenCA$35.00
Breads and Dips CA$12.00
Assortment of NC Breads, Whipped Butter, Niagara Ricotta, Tapenade

3-Course Tasting Menu - $50

Choices from the existing menu: 1 Appetizer, 1 Pasta or Main and 1 Dessert

Appetizers

Baby Gem Lettuce CA$18.00
Sourdough Croutons, Poached Egg, Shaved Pecorino, Smoked Ham, Mustard Vinaigrette
Chicken Liver Parfait CA$18.00
Pickled Shallot, Triple Crunch, Icewine Jelly, Brioche
Steamed East Coast Mussels CA$18.00
Fennel, White Wine, Cherry Tomatoes, Tarragon, Nduja Butter
Niagara Tomato SaladCA$18.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Pistachio Gremolata, Pristine Canola Oil, Niagara Vinegar

Pastas

Fresh Pappardelle CA$25.00
Braised Heritage Lamb Ragu, Basil, Spicy Crumb, Shaved Old Gold, Olive Oil
Fresh CavatelliCA$25.00
Pattypan Squash, Forest Mushrooms, Peas, Soubise, Spinach, Parmesan, Mint, Ricotta

Mains

Seared Chicken Suprême CA$35.00
Creamy Polenta, Romesco, Garden Vegetables, Chicken Jus
Steak & Frites CA$35.00
Dry Aged Striploin, Tallow Frites, Paris Butter, Green Peppercorn Jus
Catch of The DayCA$35.00
Market Fish Ever Changing

Desserts

Dark Chocolate CheesecakeCA$12.00
Poached Sour Cherries, Curd, Cointreau Chantilly, Almond Cocoa Crumb
Apricot & White Chocolate Mille-Feuille CA$12.00
NC Honey Roasted Apricots, Crema, Lavender Sugar, Gel
Niagara Cherry Tart CA$12.00
Poached Cherries, Ver Jus Curd, Chantilly, Malted Milk Crumb

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 1,429 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

Noise • Moderate

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

U
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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M
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!!
Is this helpful?
G
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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D
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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J
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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R
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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E
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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T
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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f
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
Is this helpful?
S
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!
Is this helpful?

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.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 29, 2025

8:00 PM

Booked 8 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

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

To Share

Charcuterie & Cheese CA$35.00

Oysters Half DozenCA$18.00

Breads and Dips CA$12.00

3-Course Tasting Menu - $50

Appetizers

Baby Gem Lettuce CA$18.00

Chicken Liver Parfait CA$18.00

Steamed East Coast Mussels CA$18.00

Niagara Tomato SaladCA$18.00

Pastas

Fresh Pappardelle CA$25.00

Fresh CavatelliCA$25.00

Mains

Seared Chicken Suprême CA$35.00

Steak & Frites CA$35.00

Catch of The DayCA$35.00

Desserts

Dark Chocolate CheesecakeCA$12.00

Apricot & White Chocolate Mille-Feuille CA$12.00

Niagara Cherry Tart CA$12.00

Benchmark is a "no-tipping" establishment

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