7 by the Lake

7 by the Lake delivers a carefully curated journey through India's many regional cuisines, all set against the scenic backdrop of Canberra's Kingston Foreshore. Located at the southern edge of Lake Burley Griffin, the restaurant brings together the bold flavours of seven distinctly different Indian food traditions under one roof. Diners can explore dishes from Maharashtra, Punjab, Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat, and the southern states, making every visit a new opportunity to experience the country's culinary diversity.

The restaurant occupies a prime spot on Eastlake Parade, placing it squarely within one of Canberra's most vibrant dining precincts. The setting by the lake creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for everything from a quiet weeknight dinner to a celebratory gathering with friends and family. With 457 Google Maps reviews, the establishment has become a recognised destination for Indian cuisine in the ACT.

Menu Highlights at 7 by the Lake

The menu is designed to showcase the range and depth of Indian cooking, drawing on family recipes and time-honoured techniques. Each regional section brings its own personality, whether it's the creamy, aromatic curries of Punjab, the coastal seafood of Goa, or the subtle, coconut-infused dishes of South India. From the smallest snack to the most elaborate main course, the kitchen focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with care.

• Chicken Dum Biryani — A fragrant, slow-cooked rice dish layered with marinated chicken, saffron, and whole spices, sealed and steamed to lock in flavour.
• Reshmi Tandoori Chicken — Boneless chicken pieces marinated in a silky blend of yoghurt, cream, and gentle spices, then cooked in a traditional tandoor oven until tender and lightly charred.
• Goan Prawn Curry — A tangy, coconut-based curry featuring fresh prawns, red chillies, tamarind, and Goan spice blends that reflect the state's tropical coastal character.
• Veg Jalfrezi — A vibrant stir-fry of seasonal vegetables tossed with onions, capsicum, tomatoes, and bold spices, offering a lighter but deeply satisfying option.
• Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream — Warm, syrup-soaked milk dumplings served alongside cold ice cream for a comforting, classic Indian dessert combination.
• Chicken Tikka Masala and Yellow Dal Tadka — Two dishes frequently highlighted on Google Maps, with the Tikka Masala delivering a rich, tomato-cream sauce while the Dal Tadka provides a warming, tempered lentil stew.

The Dining Experience

7 by the Lake describes itself as a vibrant and trendsetting space, full of energy and sophistication. The interiors are designed to balance modern comfort with traditional Indian hospitality, creating an inviting environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed. Staff are noted in customer feedback as being enthusiastic and knowledgeable, often stepping in with recommendations that enhance the overall meal.

Diners can choose how they want to enjoy the menu. The restaurant supports dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options, making it accessible whether you're planning a leisurely evening by the lake or a quiet night at home. Online ordering is available through the restaurant's website. The reservation system allows guests to book a table in advance, which is particularly useful during peak times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings when the restaurant stays open until 12:30 AM.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

7 by the Lake holds a 4.0-star rating on Google Maps based on 457 customer reviews. The feedback reveals several consistent themes that give a clear picture of what to expect.

What Guests Appreciate

Many reviewers highlight the food as the standout feature. Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the depth of flavour in dishes, with one customer describing the Ghee Rice and Murg Musallam as "the absolute wahnsinn" and the best they have ever tasted. Another diner, Jon Beck, wrote that "the depth of flavour was the best we've had" and also praised the staff for being "so helpful, engaging and friendly." The service receives repeated compliments, with staff described as friendly and attentive, and managers who personally check on tables.

Atmosphere and Celebrations

The venue is frequently chosen for special occasions. One reviewer noted they recently hosted a birthday celebration and had a wonderful experience, commenting that "the food was delicious and pleased all our guests." The combination of the lakeside location and the cheerful ambience is regularly mentioned as a reason people return.

Points to Note

Not all experiences have been seamless. One reviewer reported waiting 50 minutes and only receiving soft drinks, describing "extremely poor service and unacceptable standards." This suggests that during busy service periods, delays can occasionally occur. The restaurant appears to handle a high volume of diners, particularly on weekends, and reading recent reviews for current service timing may be helpful.

7 by the Lake in Kingston Foreshore

The restaurant is situated at 143/41 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT 2604, directly on the Kingston Foreshore. This waterfront precinct is one of Canberra's most popular dining and leisure destinations, lined with restaurants, cafes, and walking paths along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. The location makes 7 by the Lake an attractive choice for a meal before or after a stroll along the water, or as a central meeting point for groups coming from different parts of the city.

Public transport, cycling, and driving are all viable ways to reach the restaurant. The foreshore area offers on-street and nearby car parking, though availability can vary during peak dining hours. The restaurant's position on Eastlake Parade means it is within short walking distance of other well-known landmarks in the Kingston area.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

The restaurant operates with split lunch and dinner hours several days a week, making it available for both afternoon and late-evening dining. The full schedule is:

• Monday & Tuesday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 12:30 AM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM & 5:30 PM – 12:30 AM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM & 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Reservations can be made directly through the website or by calling +61 2 6140 7040. The restaurant also caters private events and celebrations, with a dedicated events and catering section on their site outlining options for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate functions. Bookings are recommended for weekends and groups.

Common Questions

Does 7 by the Lake offer takeaway and delivery?

Yes. The restaurant provides dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services. Online ordering is accessible through the official website.

What regional Indian cuisines does the restaurant serve?

The menu features dishes from seven regions: Maharashtra, Punjab, Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat, and South Indian states.

Where is 7 by the Lake located?

The address is 143/41 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT 2604, on the Kingston Foreshore near Lake Burley Griffin.

Can I book a table for a special event?

Yes. The restaurant accepts table reservations for gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events. Contact them directly by phone or use the booking form on their website.

What are the restaurant's operating hours on weekends?

On Saturday, hours are 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 12:30 AM. On Sunday, hours are 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.

Is there a full menu available online?

Yes. A complete menu in PDF format can be found on the restaurant's website, along with an online ordering platform.

For those exploring Indian cuisine in the ACT capital region, 7 by the Lake offers a distinctive combination of regional variety, a waterfront setting, and a menu shaped by broad culinary traditions. Whether you stop in for a Goan prawn curry or a late-night Saturday dinner with friends, visitors can compare this listing with other dining options and discover more local favourites on Ilistify.