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 (1424)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary American

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Innovative
Good for business meals

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

Featured in

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

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 Greenhouse Greens CA$18.00
Niagara Strawberries, Toasted Almond Dukkah, Pickled Rhubarb, Ver Jus Vinaigrette

Pastas

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

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
Niagara Berry Pavlova CA$12.00
Vanilla Sponge, Rhubarb Compote, Crème Bavaroise, Sorbet
Tonka Tres Leches CA$12.00
Dulce de Leche, Feuilletine Crunch, Pistachio White Chocolate Stracciatella

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 1,424 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
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

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 a unique dining experience with "exceptional service" and "delicious food" crafted by aspiring chefs at Niagara College. Diners rave about the "beautiful presentation" and "cozy atmosphere." While occasional service hiccups occur, the restaurant consistently impresses with its "affordable fine dining" and commitment to culinary education.

1,424 Reviews

T
Terry
Toronto / Ontario5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
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
Is this helpful?
f
fred
Toronto / Ontario1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Extremely high quality food prepared professionally
Is this helpful?
S
Sandi
Toronto / Ontario3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
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?
R
Robert
Toronto / Ontario3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
On this particular visit, we found the steak a bit chewy but with flavour. The caesar was unusually presented with prosciutto and delicious. Always a joy to dine here,
Is this helpful?
V
Valerie
Toronto / Ontario4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been to Benchmark a few times and every single time the experience has been fantastic. Thank you to the students and their mentors for their services!!
Is this helpful?
I
Isabela
Toronto / Ontario1 review
5.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was perfect: food, service, ambience. Congrats to the team and students!
Is this helpful?
D
David VIP
Toronto / Ontario16 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved the Niagara ale, too bad it was not in stock for takeout. This place is amazing will come back.
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
Toronto / Ontario5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The meal was outstanding, we always enjoy eating here.
Is this helpful?
E
Erin
Toronto / Ontario1 review
4.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time visiting Benchmark and it was wonderful. I would recommend additional signage out front for first timers to know where to go. The grounds are beautiful. Our server Sebastian was lovely and it was his 3rd day working with Benchmark. He was able to answer all of our questions and was very polite and professional. The food was delicious, the presentation was exquisite. We were pleasantly surprised and impressed. The flavours were exciting and intriguing. I would encourage front of house to communicate better with the kitchen as dessert arrives before our entrees were cleared and our tiny table for two couldn’t handle that many dishes. We highly recommend and will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
J
Jan
Toronto / Ontario1 review
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place to experience local gourmet food and support Niagara College culinary school, wine making and brewery programs. Bring your friends and family for an amazing dining experience for a 3-course lunch.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Benchmark is rated 4.7 stars by 1424 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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

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 Greenhouse Greens CA$18.00

Pastas

Fresh Cavatelli CA$25.00

Fresh Pappardelle CA$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

Niagara Berry Pavlova CA$12.00

Tonka Tres Leches CA$12.00

Benchmark is a "no-tipping" establishment

What 1,424 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