Shamaim [Ekoda]

Israeli Restaurant

Food: 5/5
Price: 2/5

This restaurant has got to be my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in Tokyo. I've been there numerous times and the food was always very fresh and delicious. Both vegetarian and meat dishes are available, so it's also a great place to go with your non-vegetarian friends. You can order a la carte or set meals. The all-you-can-eat special (vegetarian or meat) for around 2100yen is a real bargain! The "regular" size set meals are quite filling on their own, so I've never actually tried the all-you-can-eat special myself. The menu includes Israeli standards like falafel, hummus, spinach & yogurt salad, spicy tomato & vegetable salad, tahini, pastries and soups as well as numerous meat kebabs. Israeli beer and wine also served. The place tends to get crowded on the weekends, so it's highly recommended that you make reservations; especially if you'll be in a group. If you plan on getting the all-you-can-eat special, you must call and request this in advance for parties of 3 or more (or 5 or more? I can't remember exactly). I think that some dishes are suitable for vegans, although I don't know which 1s so if you're vegan, it's better to ask the staff to confirm.

Pros: excellent food, excellent value, filling portions, English/Japanese menus with pictures
Cons: none really, near Ikebukuro but the building may be a bit tricky to find so bring a map or call for directions

2 minute walk from Ekoda station (Seibu Ikebukuro line) or 5 minute walk from Shin-Egota station (Toei-Ōedo line)

Nerima-ku, Sakae-chō 4-11, Art Building 2F
Phone: 3948-5333

Open 5pm-11pm(LO), everyday except Mondays.