"Benchmark Oakland is the second restaurant for owners Peter and Melissa Swanson, opening in Old Oakland at 499 9th Street, in the former Desco space. The restaurant features a renovated interior with new tile floors, walls, and bar, a fully redone kitchen, and a dough room for making pizza and pasta dough. The wood-fired oven from Desco is retained as a focal point. Benchmark is known for its blistered, crisp, chewy pizzas with high-hydration dough. The menu includes Cal-Italian fare with some new entrees and a vegan option. Benchmark Oakland also has a full bar with cocktails emphasizing amaro." - Janelle Bitker