Benchmark opened its doors in 2003 proclaiming its intention to offer Canberra’s wine buffs the most interesting wine list in the city. With a selection of 300 old-world and new-world wines–100 of those available by the glass–it certainly seems to have achieved its goal. In 2005, Gourmet Traveller named Benchmark as one of the best wine bars in the country. More recently it took out the top prizes for Wine List and European cuisine in the 2007 Restaurant and Caterer’s Association awards for Canberra and Southern NSW. The seasonally updated menu sits firmly in the Modern European school with offerings such as seared scallops with Serano jamon, rockmelon and fennel salad for starters; or oven roasted lamb rack with braised cabbage, paysan vegetables and rosemary jus for mains. Dessert is typified by popular choices like chocolate and pistacchio fondant with vanilla ice cream. Owner Tasso Rovolis is always on hand to assist in the selection of the perfect drop to match diners' meals and share some of his extensive knowledge. A degustation course is offered with or without wines; but surely in a place such as this, sampling the many wines available seems the only sensible thing to do.
Recent Awards: Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards 2008 – 3 glasses Restaurant & Catering Association (ACT) Winner European Restaurant 2008 Restaurant & Catering Association (ACT) Winner European Restaurant 2007 Restaurant & Catering Association (ACT) Winner Wine List 2007
