Address - Palace Garden Milano 1F, 2-36-6, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Opening hours - every day from 11:00 to 3:00 and 5:00 to 10:30. Sundays and holidays from 11:30 to 9:00 Map - Yes Telephone - 3987-1031 Menu - in English and Japanese CC - OK

Marhaba, which I am told means "Welcome" in Arabic, belongs to the guy who runs the Al Flah Supermarket (see its review in the " Groceries" section of the site) and is an excellent, reasonably priced restaurant. Little details tell you that the average customer is a Pakistani or an Indian: sauces never-seen-before (like the Podina Chutney), Biryanis made with Basmati rice as they are meant to be, and kebabs with a new, crispy flavor never met before. Everything is good, but the meats are outstanding, an absolute must. The desserts were also excellent. The Ras Malay, an ice-cream like coconut sweet, was a particularly welcome novelty. Incidentally, much of what you eat at Marhaba is on sale at Al Flah already prepared and frozen. In conclusion, both the store and the restaurant are names to be kept in the wallet, ready to be used. Marhaba is a must.