65 Northbourne — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

We dropped in for a drop after touching down for the weekend. Benchmark's can be a little intimidating to the budget conscious traveler, but is certainly something you must stop for, even just for one glass. Benchmark's has ample sidewalk seating, with table service. Inside is a collection of wine even the biggest snob would be happy to have in their cellar.

It is a small place, but very ordered, and the selections of wine you cannot fault. Even still, I decided to have a Mountain Goat beer...just because it was from Richmond, Melbourne (the waitress also knew this was a Melbourne beer). The prices on the drinks menu are high, but you are getting high end wine. One of our party had a Sav Blanc, for $10, so there is no need to spend big if you don't need too. If you want to have a special treat to end the week or to impress someone, I would recommend Benchmark.

The staff are very attentive and professional (if not attractive). You don't have to lift a finger once you arrive. The crowd is quite diverse, from girls with massive dreadlocks, to mature Canberrian's enjoying a Friday night tipple. The couple near us ordered a tapas of different meats with bread, and I heard them say how great it was. I would love to have stayed for dinner, but I had other plans, and I think it might have been a bit out of the budget.

If you are staying in the city, it is a great place for a relaxing meet up point before heading out. The only suggestion I would make is that the cheaper glasses of wine on offer are also listed outside, as it may put some people off as the displayed prices are rather expensive.

Sit outside, soak in what is happening around you and let yourself chill out...

Amateurish. Disappointing. Underwhelming. Now known as 65 Northbourne (new management?). Went there for Christmas lunch, shocked to say the least. Two stars because the the waiter who served us was quite nice (he comp'd our drinks thankfully) and our tummies are full. However, the service was quite terrible. People arrived 1 hour and 20 minutes after us caught up to our set six courses (we were three courses in).

A 30 minute wait for coffee at course three. Steak was served cold (plate wasn't warmed), sides were very basic and bland. Steaks, one was rare and the other, done (we weren't asked how we would like them). The cold dessert was served on a warm plate. We had chairs from another venue and they were uncomfortable for the almost three hours we were there. Dishes weren't cleaned up and sat on the table even after wait staff came to ask how things were. This is when we said we weren't too happy with things. We won't eat there again and do not recommend it at all.

Much much improvement...

We had lunch at the restaurant for my son’s twenty first birthday celebration yesterday and 65 Northbourne exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Right from the word go Peter handled our initial enquiry with professionalism and great customer service, especially since we had been burned by a number of other establishments leading up to the booking. But the real test was how they would handle the lunch on the day. Happy to report - It was fantastic! The entrees were so delicious and really set the scene for what was to come. The main meals were superb - the desserts so yummy - the entire group had nothing but praise for Chef Jason’s culinary skills. The food was truly awesome. The wine selection recommended by Peter complimented our meal perfectly. Nothing was too much trouble. This is definitely one of the best restaurants I have been to. I look forward to coming back and savouring more. They get my highest recommendation. Well done Peter and Jason you made a special day -...