+61 2 6305 7334+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Mon
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tue
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 1:30 pm5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$20.00 – $30.00
CUISINES
Indian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant have parking?
Details
PRICE RANGE
$20.00 – $30.00
CUISINES
Indian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Family style
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
145 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Ivy Y
Sydney22 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
After carefully searching for a nice restaurant to go to while weekend away in Cowra from Sydney for my husband’s birthday, Masala Library happened to be my 1st choice. The moment I booked it everything caught my attention from its booking system online, the webpage as to the way the restaurant is described, the menu till we finally dined there. As soon as we walked in, I saw my name on the table next to a very beautiful water bottle, the interior design also surprised me and the food we experienced. I told my husband that the owner was serious about his business which one could tell, professional, switched on, genuine, considerate and he wanted his clients to feel good and take home with great Indian dining experience. My husband and I are good eaters, and we’ve been to all sorts of good restaurants in Australia incl lots of Indian restaurants, Masala Library is by far the best I’ve experienced. Highly recommended.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masalalibrarybysid
This has gotta be my favourite review. We are so happy that you had a wonderful experience. We definitely look forward to seeing you on your next visit here. Please ask for me (Sid) whenever you come next. Would love to thank you in person :)
Written 1 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark T
Sydney65 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
It was great to find a restaurant serving good food with excellent, friendly service.
The dining room was a little basic, but well-spaced tables to meet with Covid-19 restrictions.
The food was tasty and we were asked how "hot/spicy" we wanted the good to be.
A good mixed plate for entree followed by a nice curry. We also ordered some naan bread and whilst the first offering was a little burnt and dry the chef came out and offered his apologies with a fresh serving at no charge (and we hadn't even asked, so excellent service)
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masalalibrarybysid
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your feedback. That naan bread was never supposed to reach your table. As soon as I found out that it had been served to you, I made sure to bring another one to you right away. We are glad you enjoyed your meal and we look forward to serving you again :)
Written 14 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shikha
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
This is a note of appreciation for Sid kapur
On Sat. I went to MASALA LIBRARY BY SID .as I had been home for a very long time and needed a break.
I reached the venue for dinner and I must say that even in these difficult times, right from the moment I stepped into the restaurant.
I was looked after very well , I was warmly attended, given a wonderful seating and most comfortable.
I had ordered for paneer makhani and cheese garlic naan.
it did not take any longer than normal and the presentation and plating was done with care and time for a guest.
The staff is very cordial, hospitable and look after your needs.
The food had not been prepared in haste and was hot, well prepared with good quality and good to look at.
We enjoyed ourselves and yes we will come here again and I recommend this place.
Thank you 😊
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much Shikha! We hope to see you soon :)
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harshit
1 contribution
June 2020 • none
Honestly, the best Indian Food you will ever have. The service, the ambience and the food is exceptional!
Every dish here is cooked in the authentic Indian style, and it translates into the flavor. It is so amazing to see entrepreneurs adapt to the weird situations of Covid, especially in the Service & Hospitality business but Sid does it exceptionally well. Expect a safe dining experience at the Masala library.
5 STARS!
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for your kind words Harshit. You are one of our favourite customers. We hope to see you again soon :)
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
caity b
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
The best Indian restaurant that’s ever come to Cowra, if you haven’t already you have to give it a try. They have the friendliest staff and make you feel incredibly welcome as well as the food being spectacular. I would highly recommend the Mango chicken, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, absolutely delicious. The perfect place for a nice night out.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much Caity! We hope to see you soon :)
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Belinda
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
Great restaurant, they provide takeaway, dine in, non-contact delivery and an online ordering system which is good for the current situation during COVID-19. All staff are very friendly and provide great service, they work really hard to ensure you get the best out of both the incredible food and the dining experience. Safe to say I’ll be dining there again and recommend everyone else to do also.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for your kind words :)
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pramila T
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • business
AWFUL experienced!
We were in a group of 35 ppl, we h’ve booked in advance for dinner by paying $250 two or three days earlier.
We reached there at 7 but entrees came at 8:00 or 8:15 pm, it’s not even served in same time, some ppl have finished and some were still waiting for food specially vegetarian.
We were asked to use the same cutleries for dinner, but there not a such thing to put on our own used cutleries.Some of them were requesting for clean spoon and waitress were not happy.
Dinner was served right after 15 to 20 min, rice was not cooked property, most of curries were like soup and less meat. We were very disappointed and most of us didn’t even touched the food. We have complained about the food and give them feedback but still they did not realise. Unfortunately we have paid full amount and left the place.
They have stepped down the Indian food.
I am giving the place a 1 star because I couldn’t give it a 0 (zero) star. Don’t spend your money there. Street vendors foods are much tastier.
Their lassi is too sour.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Over the past 34 months, we have been privileged to serve food to several thousand guests, and almost all have been courteous, respectful and had a good word for our food quality and service (as the rest of the reviews suggest as well). However, on Saturday, we witnessed an exceptional case. A group of 35 people booked to dine in the restaurant at 6pm (the first guest walked in at 7:05pm and the last guest arrived at 7:40pm). The food was pre ordered and they were on a very tight budget (as the group hosts constant emails {6 of her 16 emails was to reduce the price} to keep adding on extras to the set price) but we still provided them with the most extensive menu possible in the restaurant (4 entree's, 1 main dish, 1 naan, rice, pappadums and 2 desserts per person!). By the time all the guests arrived, it was 7:40pm, following which they ordered drinks and were served their drinks and starters by 8:10pm. On checking with the tables as we normally do, the guests complemented the taste and the quality of the starters which was very evident with all the empty plates that returned to the kitchen.
The main course was served as soon as they finished their entrees. As my email suggested to the group host to have 5 or 6 of each dish so that everyone can get a taste of everything, the group host decided otherwise and came up with her own menu which had a different quantity of various dishes. I did suggest that it was not a good idea to have 2 or 3 quantity of dishes as it would be impossible to distribute it amongst 35 people. Some of the male members of the group were being rude, disrespectful and arrogant towards the young female staff during service demanding that they didn't get a particular dish and also commented that the menu was very 'poorly set up' as they didn't get to taste the Channa Masala as the host had requested for 3 portions to be distributed amongst 35 people. They were snapping and clapping their hands and yelling across the restaurant that they didn't get particular items on the menu that had been set. They were not only rude and arrogant, but extremely obnoxious. Feeling intimidated and scared, all 3 girls complained to management (1 of who got a panic attack and had to be rushed to the doctor), who then brought it up with the group host.
One of the guests that was complaining about "the food being like soup" had curry sticking to the spoon because it was so thick. The rice served to you'll was the same rice that had been served to all the other guests that day, but for some reason, you'll are the only ones that seem to have a complain about it.
In retaliation and support of the male members, the guests started complaining about whatever food was not consumed and were being EXTREMELY disrespectful and abusive towards everyone in the restaurant. Although they had nearly completed all of their food, as a show of solidarity wanted to leave their main courses "unfinished".
Upon coming to settle the bill, their words suddenly changed from "excellent food quality" to "the worst Indian food". Even though they found the food to be the "worst ever", they demanded for their desserts in takeaway boxes along with 35 takeaway plates and spoons so that they could enjoy it back in their accommodation. It is like they were just trying to complain about everything as soon as the group host was told that the men were being rude.
In your words about "unfortunately paying the full amount", you must be forgetting the fact that you'll were given a 20% discount as you'll were being so loud, it was disturbing the other guests seated in the restaurant and we wanted you'll to leave the place (which is something I mentioned to your group host as well).
One of the guests who was waiting for their takeaway witnessed the arrogance of the guests towards the staff and deemed them as "the worst customers ever", which I totally have to agree to. In my 15 years of managing businesses across the world, I have never ever experienced such rude and disrespectful guests ever.
All the guests that have visited our restaurant can vouch for the quality of food and service that we deliver. And for those that have not visited, do risk spending your money here and decide for yourselves :)
Written 4 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marbelemclaben
Greater Sydney205 contributions
May 2021 • none
Possibly even the best Indian food I have eaten in a long while. Anywhere.
The service from both the wait staff as well as the owner was as good as any hatted restaurant. Care was taken with my dietary needs and the best part.......they have a licence to do take away alcohol with a meal so it meant we were upsold ( very easily ) from buying a glass to buying the entire bottle , knowing if we did not finish it during the meal we could take the remaining wine home. That's clever.
Food was delicious and good portion sizes.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure serving you'll the other day. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Cowra :)
Written 25 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LizardR2013
Cowra9 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Ordered a takeaway, Chicken Tikka, then mains of Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh & garlic naan. Flavours fantastic. The food matches it with any Indian restaurant we have been to.. Will be doing a dine in next time, and will be a little more adventurous with our selections. The complimentary dessert was a hit, as was the phone call to say our order was ready a little earlier.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you dining in soon :)
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
salchisholm
Sydney42 contributions
Mar 2022 • couples
Masala Library is hands down one of the best Indian restaurants we’ve ever visited. The food is generous, authentic and fresh. A five night stay in Cowra resulted in us eating at this restaurant for four of them and if they were open all five nights of our stay rest assured we would’ve done all five! The family who run this restaurant are friendly and the service is outstanding. They took great care of us and we loved every dish we ordered. If you’re travelling to Cowra you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to try this fab food. The residents of Cowra are very fortunate to have Masala Library on their doorstep. We’ll most certainly return to continue grazing through the menu! Sally and John Central Coast NSW
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for your kind words Sally. It was so great to see John and you over the week that you'll were in Cowra. We look forward to seeing you again soon on your next visit here :)
Written 19 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott M
Sydney98 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
I have eaten in many Indian restaurants over time and Masala Library by Sid has immediately taken top spot as the best of them all.
From the moment I walked in I was warmly welcomed by Sid’s father who showed me to a table. Entree was two delightful and freshly cooked samosas and a serving of crisp papadams. Main course was Nawabi Lamb cooked to perfection along with naan bread (some friends recommended this dish). I only wish I had room for the sizzling brownie...!!!
Service was warm and friendly but most importantly not obtrusive like some other restaurants can be. The decor is lovely and you can tell it is a very popular restaurant by both the number of in house diners and the brisk take away trade.
I will definitely be back when I am next in Cowra.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for taking the time out to write such a lovely review Scott. We appreciate it and look forward to welcoming you again :)
Written 28 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gregory D
1019 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We took family members here on Saturday night for a treat. The whole family love Indian food, and we have had two extended trips to India, so have experienced Indian food in India. Masala Library we consider to be top quality Indian food. Delicious, well priced , good service and very authentic. A really welcome addition to Cowra dining. We will certainly visit again on our future Cowra trips. A word of warning- the "hot" Vindaloo is VERY hot- medium is probably more friendly unless you like fiery but delicious. Great place!!
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much for your review Gregory. We hope to see you and your family soon :)
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sandy
Brisbane18 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
I was pleased to find many vegetarian and gluten free options for me, and food was cooked fresh - we had a takeaway. I had eggplant bhajiya for starter and Aloo Gobi with Jeera rice, my partner had Beef Masala and a cheese and garlic naan. He said the meat was very tender and we both thought it was just the right heat (we chose medium). Real authentic Indian food - we’re only sorry that we’re just passing through Cowra so can’t order again until next time we pass through!
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
Thank you so much! We will definitely see you upon your next visit here :)
Written 19 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine C
Greater Sydney14 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We could not get a reservation so settled for take away. After ordering by phone the restaurant then called us back when the food was ready for pickup.
The Malai Kofta was great and the Chicken Korma equally good. The naan was good, but the raita was sweet. The only real disappointment was that there were only 4 pieces of chicken (about 4 cm x 3 cm in size) in the Korma.
A good choice for Indian food but did not live up to the rave reviews given by others.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masalalibrarybysid
Hi Christine,
We are sorry you didn't get a table. We had a bit of a busy week. We appreciate your feedback and you can be rest assured that we have looked into it. I am sure we will live up to the rave reviews given by the others in the days to come :)
Written 3 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CrippAdvisor
Tathra338 contributions
July 2022 • none
Who would imagine? You drive to Cowra to check out the Japanese Gardens & scout around for dinner & find a restaurant that would be top 10 anywhere in Australia.
If you like truly authentic, kitchen cooked fresh food this is the place for you. Truly some of the best my wife & I have ever tasted.
The mixed started was perfect - chicken tikka perfectly spiced & seasoned, delicious seekh kebabs, crunchy, caramelised onion bhajiya but the filling for the samosa was king. Add to that genuine home made pickles (superb mixed pickle & the best mango chutney on the planet).
My wife opted for a butter chicken (yes I know it's not trad) & I selected the veggie jalfrezi which was as good as it gets. The roti was a perfect accompaniment & the papadums were fresh & crunchy.
Sid is a very erudite & classy gent & the decor, menus, wine list & service reflect this.
Wheelchair access is very good, though there is a little (20-30mm) step at the entrance. I did not use the bathroom, though was told access was good.
The prices were very reasonable on both food & wine.
If you are in Cowra & enjoy Indian food, this is for you. We are thinking of going back tomorrow night.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid Kapur
It was so good to meet you! Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you the other night. We look forward to seeing you back here soon :) Safe travels!
Written 16 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 145
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing