Benchmark Restaurant — Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at Benchmark, the student-run teaching restaurant at Niagara College, where culinary and hospitality students showcase their skills in a real-world setting. From the moment I walked in, it was clear that this was more than just a meal, it was an immersive learning experience for both the students and the guests.

I was served by Gurneet Singh, a talented Niagara College student, whose professionalism, attentiveness, and enthusiasm truly stood out. Watching him and his peers apply their classroom learning in a high-pressure, real-world environment was inspiring. It reinforced the importance of experiential learning, where students don’t just learn concepts but actively apply them, gaining hands-on skills that will propel them into their careers.

The menu, featuring beautifully crafted dishes like the Heirloom Beets & Benchmark Coppa and the Warm Mushroom Salad, showcased the high caliber of culinary training at Niagara College. Every detail, from plating to service, demonstrated the power of learning by doing.

This visit was a reminder of how applied learning environments can prepare students for success in their respective industries. As an educator, I see parallels in my own teaching, creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for our students.

Kudos to the students, faculty, and staff at Niagara College for creating such a dynamic learning space. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Benchmark to support the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals.

#ExperientialLearning #NiagaraCollege #Benchmark #HospitalityEducation...

I attended Benchmark Restaurant for the second time with 4 neighbours. This is a lovely, large, 2 story round greenhouse feeling space enclosed in glass with wooden beamed ceilings. It is part of Niagara College Campus. Free parking for restaurant patrons.

We were greeted by Mo who enriched and charmed all us ladies. He was our waiter and informed us he was, in training as a student and graduating the following week. Then going back to school for restaurant management degree.

There is a varied lunch menu including sandwiches and main dishes. Started out with a delicious parsnip soup. 4 of us had it and enjoyed it. Food is prepared by students studying to be cooks, food preparers, etc. There is a gourmet flare to the food. Lunch with wine about $40.00. (including tax and tip).

I had the crispy tofu with kale, salad, wilted red onions on a bed of rice which was delicious.

The deserts were outstanding and enjoyed.

Afterwards we took a tour of the greenhouses and another separate building for wine tasting and purchase of wine made on the premises at the teaching winery of Niagara College.

I would recommend this resaurtant for a...

If you happen to be in the Niagara Region and are looking for a culinary experience paired with fine wines, then visiting this place is a must. The restaurant is open for lunch only three days a week, providing food enthusiasts with a place to sit down for a meal at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. At the same time, it also offers crucial learning opportunities for the students who work there.

For just $40, you can enjoy a three-course meal or you can order just an entree for $25. Moreover, Niagara College has its own winery and brewery which offer amazing selections of wines and beers. I noticed that the restaurant has been newly furnished and has a modern vibe. The students did an amazing job, from the service to the food. I did not expect anything less. Everything we had was delicious. The place is clean, well-organized and has a relaxing vibe which goes very well with the area.

After lunch, you can check out the college's greenhouse that has beautiful plants and flowers that you can check and buy. Keep in mind that this is a learning facility, but the students did an amazing...