Benchmark

Cody Pham

I was looking for a last minute brunch place and found Benchmark through Yelp. I made a quick reservation and showed up 15 minutes later. The restaurant itself is located in downtown Santa Ana. There is a small parking lot right behind the restaurant, which will most likely be full. Alternative parking is available around the neighborhood if you can find it. Upon sitting, I was surprised that the place wasn’t busier. It was really cute - patio-style seating with trees that provided ample shade. Lanterns and fairy lights were strung throughout the area. The dark wood bar and kitchen gave the space a classy and modern feel. I enjoyed the Lavender Haze, a seasonal drink. Vodka-infused sake with a lavender simple syrup and muddled mint and blueberries. Sweet and refreshing. Our server was Joseph who treated us so well throughout our meal. Joseph knew the menu front and back and gave us great recommendations. I had the Benchmark burger which was delicious. We also shared the dulce de leche french toast. I was surprised it was as easy to get a table as it was. The drinks were delicious. The food was delicious. The vibes were great. I would definitely be back for brunch.

Michael Garcia

Cool spot with great food! The parking can be scarce, but there is a parking lot within walking distance. I recommend the steak and burgers with a side of fries.

whoa buddy

Really enjoy the ambience of this place the open air vibe nestled in santa ana is absolutely beautiful. The parking is limited and reservations are suggested. The menu is seasonal with some reoccurring dishes but each dish is carefully thought out and delicious. The staff and service is what stand out. Each server is friendly and knowledgeable of each dish and make the dining experience one to not forget.

Mia Ly

Benchmark in Santa Ana is a great spot for a date or a casual hangout, offering delicious food and friendly service. Parking can be a bit tricky, but there’s additional parking available at 718 Mortimer Street—just remember to share your license plate with the restaurant for validation. Once you’re settled, the warm ambiance and attentive staff make for an enjoyable dining experience!

M Hernandez

This was an amazing place to sit and enjoy the beautiful weather! We went for dinner mid week and got seated right away. We did have reservations, because their often super busy. I love the greenery, trees, hanging plants, shade that they have set up. we got Asparagus fondue, hamburger and french fries, and eggplant with burrata . They were all delicious! I think the fondue was my favorite. The pretzel breadsticks were soft, warm, absolutely delicious. For drinks, we got a glass of red wine and blueberry rosemary. I loved it all!

Stacy Villasenor

What a wonderful hidden gem. Found out about this place a couple of years ago from KTLA Weather Man Henry DiCarlo. Small, casual outdoor restaurant, small but delicious menu, beer, wine, and sake based cocktails. The service was great, and the atmosphere was beautiful. I'm so glad I finally went.

Jonathan Massey

We had the most wonderful time celebrating my wife’s birthday at Benchmark. We rented the private dining room which is absolutely amazing. It was so spacious and well decorated. It allowed my wife to bring a balloon arch and have a space for photos to be taken as well as plenty of room for the gifts to be displayed. We felt like we had the whole restaurant to ourselves because it’s so private. The food was absolutely amazing and everyone loved all the options we provided. We ordered the food family style so that everyone had the chance to taste all the different menu items because we knew how good they were. Some of the items we got were the benchmark burgers, the Asian chicken, the pasta dish, artichoke fondue, crispy pork belly, flat iron steak, and even more I can’t remember. Having such a variety of different styles of dishes made the event so much fun because we tasted so many different beautiful flavors. The chef here is a genius and the service was exceptional. They were nice enough to allow us to bring in our own dessert and they served it on plates for us. They allowed us to come early enough to setup and didn’t rush us out when it was time to leave. The owner Duane even stopped by to make sure everything was going perfectly. What a nice guy! Wonderful restaurant, wonderful food, wonderful people!

Cinee C.

Nice ambiance. Good food. Good service. Fusion food. Parking inconveniences. Great place to catch up with friends or to take a date.

Cindy Cesare

I am all about the atmosphere to get me in the door. But when the food and service matches a cool vibe, I am sold. This was the case at Benchmark, situated in the historic section on Santa Ana, blocks away from the central judicial courts of Orange County. It had been years since I had been in the area and my friend randomly chose Benchmark to meet for lunch, since it was not far from the courthouse where we were. She picked the perfect spot. Benchmark was all outdoor dining for lunch, but even on this hot July 2023 day, it was cool & comfortable under the white tent-like awnings. The delicious mock-tails helped in keeping us chill too. If it weren’t for a work lunch break, I would have enjoyed the cocktail version, which I bet are heavenly. (I see there is space which is indoor-outdoor for events, but for lunch just one patio was open for the weekday work crowds.) Our server was very busy managing 7 -10 tables on his own, but he was super attentive, delightful & helpful. Plus, the food came out super fast. Which was great for the working lunch crowd. We added Branzino to our salad & split the ahi tuna and artichoke dish. Plenty for all and was just what we needed on a heatwave Friday lunch in Santa Ana.

This burger was, I kid you not, the best I‘ve ever had. I didn’t expect this restaurant to deliver like that when it comes to burgers, cause it’s not the first thing you‘d think to order here. It was simply amazing, everything about it. Definitely try it if you‘re in the area instead of hitting food trucks or in-n-out.

i had a fantastic experience at benchmark in santa ana. the patio was gorgeous, and it was the perfect day to enjoy it. the service was top-notch, and the food was absolutely amazing. i had the bulgogi kimchi fried rice, smoked salmon flatbread, enchilida suizas, artichoke fondue, and brown butter cake... all were a hit. the flavors were creative and expertly executed, with a great balance of textures and presentation. the service team was attentive and knowledgeable, making sure everything was just right. great surprise, highly recommend this spot. the eclectic menu offers something for everyone, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion. will definitely be back for more!

The food was absolutely delicious from start to finish. The flatbread was especially fluffy and tasty, the salads were ridiculously tasty, the White Lotus was an excellent drink, and the brown butter cake was outstanding. Service slowed a bit toward the end while waiting for the check, but overall I’m so glad we tried this spot and can’t wait to come back.

We held our rehearsal dinner at Benchmark and could not have been happier! Even with a rainy evening, the staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and so accommodating. Our families and friends were blown away by the beautiful space and the food. People were still talking to me about the kbbq tacos served on radishes and the artichoke fondue days later. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere felt cozy and celebratory in the best way. The private event space was perfect for our group of 20+ and it was nice that we had access to a Bose speaker and had full control over the music played in our space. From start to finish, the Benchmark team made the night feel special and seamless. It truly exceeded our expectations and was the perfect way to kick off our wedding week. We are so grateful to Gaylene, who helped us organize our private event, and the entire staff for their amazing service.

Absolutely loved it! I had a 10/10 experience and felt the staff and owners were very equipped to help. Upon arrival, the owner provided complimentary champagne in addition to the champagne I ordered. The wait staff was incredibly helpful, timely, and answered all questions before I could even ask. They also offered to assist us with putting up decor / moving things (were very attentive). The service was 10/10, incredibly timely and appropriate (whether it was the food, the champagne / drinks or the cake). For a first timer eating at Benchmark, the food was delicious. My friends and I had a wonderful experience, it felt intimate but also spacious and all my friends complimented the space. I would definitely recommend this to friends / family and hope to book with Benchmark again in the future! Gaylene (& Duane) - special thank you to both of you for making this process as smooth and seamless as possible. You were both accessible and incredibly responsive and I appreciated that! & Thank you to our personal waiter - forgot his name, I believe it started with an R - he was wonderful (social / attentive / really wanted us to have a good experience).

The A+ Bail Bonds team in Santa Ana had our group dinner here and it was amazing. We came over from 2112 E. Fourth Street and stepped into a very nice atmosphere with great food. I ordered the Miso Glazed Salmon with Okinawa sweet potato puree and bok choy, and it was absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked with a beautiful orange-miso glaze. A few others at our table got the Hanger Steak with romesco sauce and the Crispy Airline Chicken with goat cheese polenta, and everyone was raving about their meals. The outdoor patio area with the trees was the perfect setting for our group. Whether you're coming from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fullerton, Orange, or anywhere else in Orange County, Benchmark is worth the drive. The service was attentive, the seasonal menu was impressive, and it's become our new go-to spot for team dinners. Highly recommend for anyone looking for upscale casual dining in the area!

Mika Alva

This burger was, I kid you not, the best I‘ve ever had. I didn’t expect this restaurant to deliver like that when it comes to burgers, cause it’s not the first thing you‘d think to order here. It was simply amazing, everything about it. Definitely try it if you‘re in the area instead of hitting food trucks or in-n-out.

Adam Hill

I have been here many times and the food and service is amazing. My wife and I even celebrated our anniversary here. Highly recommend for a fine dining experience in Orange County with a casual atmosphere.

Gustavo Pena

i had a fantastic experience at benchmark in santa ana. the patio was gorgeous, and it was the perfect day to enjoy it. the service was top-notch, and the food was absolutely amazing. i had the bulgogi kimchi fried rice, smoked salmon flatbread, enchilida suizas, artichoke fondue, and brown butter cake... all were a hit. the flavors were creative and expertly executed, with a great balance of textures and presentation. the service team was attentive and knowledgeable, making sure everything was just right. great surprise, highly recommend this spot. the eclectic menu offers something for everyone, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion. will definitely be back for more!

Chris Trudeau

This is my favorite restaurant in OC! The atmosphere, service and food are amazing. Great place for a date night! We have also had private events and dinners in the back room, wonderful experience all around.

Natalie Sollock

The food was absolutely delicious from start to finish. The flatbread was especially fluffy and tasty, the salads were ridiculously tasty, the White Lotus was an excellent drink, and the brown butter cake was outstanding. Service slowed a bit toward the end while waiting for the check, but overall I’m so glad we tried this spot and can’t wait to come back.

ash k.

We held our rehearsal dinner at Benchmark and could not have been happier! Even with a rainy evening, the staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and so accommodating. Our families and friends were blown away by the beautiful space and the food. People were still talking to me about the kbbq tacos served on radishes and the artichoke fondue days later. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere felt cozy and celebratory in the best way. The private event space was perfect for our group of 20+ and it was nice that we had access to a Bose speaker and had full control over the music played in our space. From start to finish, the Benchmark team made the night feel special and seamless. It truly exceeded our expectations and was the perfect way to kick off our wedding week. We are so grateful to Gaylene, who helped us organize our private event, and the entire staff for their amazing service.

Dwight Henry

The A+ Bail Bonds team in Santa Ana had our group dinner here and it was amazing. We came over from 2112 E. Fourth Street and stepped into a very nice atmosphere with great food. I ordered the Miso Glazed Salmon with Okinawa sweet potato puree and bok choy, and it was absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked with a beautiful orange-miso glaze. A few others at our table got the Hanger Steak with romesco sauce and the Crispy Airline Chicken with goat cheese polenta, and everyone was raving about their meals. The outdoor patio area with the trees was the perfect setting for our group. Whether you're coming from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fullerton, Orange, or anywhere else in Orange County, Benchmark is worth the drive. The service was attentive, the seasonal menu was impressive, and it's become our new go-to spot for team dinners. Highly recommend for anyone looking for upscale casual dining in the area!

Dana Kaissi

Absolutely loved it! I had a 10/10 experience and felt the staff and owners were very equipped to help. Upon arrival, the owner provided complimentary champagne in addition to the champagne I ordered. The wait staff was incredibly helpful, timely, and answered all questions before I could even ask. They also offered to assist us with putting up decor / moving things (were very attentive). The service was 10/10, incredibly timely and appropriate (whether it was the food, the champagne / drinks or the cake). For a first timer eating at Benchmark, the food was delicious. My friends and I had a wonderful experience, it felt intimate but also spacious and all my friends complimented the space. I would definitely recommend this to friends / family and hope to book with Benchmark again in the future! Gaylene (& Duane) - special thank you to both of you for making this process as smooth and seamless as possible. You were both accessible and incredibly responsive and I appreciated that! & Thank you to our personal waiter - forgot his name, I believe it started with an R - he was wonderful (social / attentive / really wanted us to have a good experience).

I had high expectations for this restaurant, especially after hearing it recently won a “Best Restaurant” award. Unfortunately, my visit didn’t quite live up to the hype. We went on a Saturday, and while the place was packed (which I expected), it felt understaffed and a bit chaotic. They were only serving brunch at the time, which was a bit limiting. I tried the salad, but it was overwhelmed by the taste of goat cheese—which I personally don’t enjoy. The chicken dish wasn’t bad, but the portion was quite small for the price. Maybe it was just a bad day, or maybe the dinner experience is better, but based on this visit, I wasn’t blown away. It’s a nice spot, but I’d say it didn’t quite live up to its reputation—at least not during brunch.

Really enjoyed lunch here. It's outdoors but shaded by trees and canopies. Menu items were tasty. I especially enjoyed the charred cabbage!

Food is good, the tacos were a let down. They should have used a real corn tortilla or flour. A soggy wrap that had no flavor was disappointing. Colorful yes, but served no purpose. The burger was very good and cheesy. Spirit infused saké cocktails, no thank you, ordered wine instead. The brown butter cake was delicious. The pot de crème had these hard to bite into coco nibs. Along with a really big spoon that doesn't fit into the pot.

Place was a fun 'Hole in the wall' place. Food was a lil over priced for me. Only outside seating so that's troublesome when it's wet or cold, so dress warm. Parking is ridiculous! I think there were SIX parking spots. Drive North to the next corner (South/East) and use the public parking. You need to download an app to pay for open parking lot style parking.

Sahar Meshksar

I had high expectations for this restaurant, especially after hearing it recently won a “Best Restaurant” award. Unfortunately, my visit didn’t quite live up to the hype. We went on a Saturday, and while the place was packed (which I expected), it felt understaffed and a bit chaotic. They were only serving brunch at the time, which was a bit limiting. I tried the salad, but it was overwhelmed by the taste of goat cheese—which I personally don’t enjoy. The chicken dish wasn’t bad, but the portion was quite small for the price. Maybe it was just a bad day, or maybe the dinner experience is better, but based on this visit, I wasn’t blown away. It’s a nice spot, but I’d say it didn’t quite live up to its reputation—at least not during brunch.

Anita L M

Really enjoyed lunch here. It's outdoors but shaded by trees and canopies. Menu items were tasty. I especially enjoyed the charred cabbage!

Kristi K

Food is good, the tacos were a let down. They should have used a real corn tortilla or flour. A soggy wrap that had no flavor was disappointing. Colorful yes, but served no purpose. The burger was very good and cheesy. Spirit infused saké cocktails, no thank you, ordered wine instead. The brown butter cake was delicious. The pot de crème had these hard to bite into coco nibs. Along with a really big spoon that doesn't fit into the pot.