Benchmark

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.