This wine bar really does set the benchmark for wine lists, with a truly breathtaking range of more than 500 local and imported bottles, not to mention 100 choices by the glass. If you are confused by the choice, the staff can construct a "Wine Flight" for you - a three glass tasting at 60 ml/glass. If wine isn't your thing, there are plenty of boutique beers, spirits, fortifieds and aperitifs on offer. The carefully constructed, seasonal menu has a distinctly European bent, featuring pan-fried Kervella goat's cheese and confit duck. Benchmark is a sophisticated and relaxing place to escape the daily grind or celebrate a special occasion.
Open
m
t
w
t
f
s
s
Breakfast
Lunch
O
O
O
O
O
Dinner
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Late
O
O
Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm, daily 5pm-10pm
European and French
Entree: $16-$18
Mains: $25-$29
Dessert: $14-$16
Degustation menu:
6 courses,
$65
Set menu:
3 courses,
$40
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club, American Express and EFTPOS
Licensed with bar. Wine is available by the glass.
Vegetarian options available
This venue accepts bookings. It is advisable to make a reservation ahead of time. Group bookings are supported.
Seats 100
Outside dining area
Wheelchair access
and wheelchair-accessible toilets
2008 Gourmet Traveller WINE Wine List Guide - "Oustanding list comprising an extensive selection of Australian and imported wines, representing a diverse choice of varieties. "
Find more info on this restaurant with Bing Search
All reviews and ratings are the expressed opinions of our users, and in no way reflects the opinions of yourRestaurants, its staff and its affiliates.
Posted by:
S J
|
30 May 2009, 12.55pm
Degustation delight
I was looking for somewhere special in Canberra that served degustation dinners. I had been to Benchmark before, only for drinks at the wine bar, and remembered it to be a close, intimate and romantic setting. In the 3 years since I have been there nothing has changed and it still feels warm, welcoming and perfect for a couple's dinner or a night out for close friends. The degustation menu was extensive, 7 dishes in all, starting off with mouth watering oysters through to the most delicious duck served on spinach, refreshing sorbet to cleanse the palate, perfect medium rare beef and ending on a light chocolate dessert served with pistachio nut ice cream. The service provided by our waiter was exceptional and his knowledge on the wines which accompanied our meals was impressive. The cost of the degustation was $125 per person, which included wine to complement each course. I highly recommend this restaurant for the quality of service, setting, food and wine.
Food:
Visit: Sat 16 May 2009
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
jrcbr
|
6 February 2009, 4.58pm
Don't go there if you like your food to be warm
We had two different mains, both had three components. For both mains, one component was cold, one was lukewarm, and one was warm. The food could have been very good, but eating it cold was just terrible.
When I complained, the waiter said this was the first time in six years this has happened and that it must be the air-conditioning. Yeah, right.
The rocket salad was also quite bad. Mainly very thick stems and hardly any leaves.
We certainly won't go there again.
Food:
Visit: Wed 4 February 2009
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
joolery
|
19 August 2008, 5.49pm
Terrible value for money
I organised my anniversary with my partner at Benchmark after. Upon booking my reservation I told them it was a special occasion and they said they would organise champagne on arrival.
On arrival I got my champagne, all over me. I know this happens, and the waitress was apologetic. I was a bit curious as to why she only went and filled one glass back up for us, the other was half full and was not refilled. I was still hopeful for the rest of the night
We ordered the degustation, which was recommended to us. The food was okay, nothing special at all. The scallops were very bland. The soup had an awful tasting wonton-type thing, it just tasted like dough.
The dessert was lovely.
I was hoping for a very special evening, and I did not get it from Benchmark.
Food:
Visit: Fri 15 August 2008
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
Fived
|
25 February 2008, 2.33pm
Benchmark really have got the DNA right
The menu easily surpasses your expectations and boundaries, challenging your senses as you try new combinations and generating a lively dialogue of intrigue between yourself, your dining companions and the staff. The wine menu is broad, diverse, with staff understanding its nuances, ensuring the right choice every time. The atmosphere is crisp, modern, warm and superbly topped off with easily the most attentive, perceptive and well-informed staff I have come across in quite some time.
Well worth a visit next time you are in Canberra, you are sure not to be disappointed!
Email this page to a friend and start planning your night out:
Feedback
If you have found something incorrect, missing or would like to add some information, let us know!
You're not a registered user. If you would like a response, please include your email address in the feedback description or register/login to your account.
Community
14 Favourites
23 Wishlists
