Karaage
Marinated Japanese fried chicken, crisp outside and juicy inside — the dish everyone agrees on.
Family · Marseille
A Japanese restaurant to visit with a child in Marseille
At Iwao, the meal turns into a small adventure. A rebuilt Tokyo alley, red lanterns, manga within reach and arcade machines: children watch as much as they taste. House-made Japanese cuisine, with mild, non-spicy dishes, at 27 rue Sainte, steps from the Old Port.
With the family
A setting that makes eyes light up
The moment they step in, the little ones change worlds: they walk down a Japanese alley, look up at the lanterns and spot the open kitchen sending up steam from the bowls. Manga and arcade machines fill the wait without an imposed screen, and the team is used to welcoming families — you quickly get a quiet table, the dishes are explained, and there's time to settle in. Eating out becomes an outing, not a chore.
Why it works
Made for meals with the family
We don't turn the place into a kids' venue: it's the world itself — immersive, playful, never stuffy — that speaks to them. You eat elbow to elbow like in a Tokyo izakaya, share small bites, and the open kitchen puts on the show. The curious leave with memories, the parents with a proper meal.
Mild dishes
Gyoza, karaage, rice, katsu, noodles: clear, non-spicy flavours that children take to easily.
To share
Small plates to pick at together, tasting a bit of everything without pressure.
Something to do
Manga, lanterns and an arcade corner pace the meal and fill the wait between dishes.
On the plate
Flavours that reassure
The kitchen keeps its promise for every age. Filled rice bowls, crisp breaded chicken katsu, golden gyoza, juicy karaage, comforting noodles: every dish is built to order at the counter, without needless chilli. For the cautious, the team points to safe bets; for the eager, a first ramen bowl to share. And for something sweet, the taiyaki — the fish-shaped waffle — always works its charm.
Kids' favourites
Three safe bets
Japanese classics that are easy to love, to share between two discoveries.
Gyoza
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, golden and soft, to dip in their sauce — perfect to share around.
Taiyaki
The fish-shaped waffle, a star of Japanese street food, served warm for dessert.
Good to know
Coming as a family to Iwao
- Address27 rue Sainte, 13001 Marseille (1ᵉʳ)
- Phone+33 4 91 54 08 27
- Opening hours
Tuesday · 19:00 – 22:30
Wednesday → Saturday · 12:00 – 14:30 / 19:00 – 22:30
Sunday · 19:00 – 22:30
Closed on Monday.
- Terrace
Around 15 outdoor seats
Our tip
With children, lunch or the early evening are the calmest services. Book online and mention how many children so we can seat you somewhere quiet.
Explore
Also worth a look
Iwao's world from every angle, from décor to menu.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Iwao suitable to visit with children in Marseille?
Yes. The Tokyo-alley décor, the lanterns, the manga and the arcade corner make it an immersive outing that children love, and the team is used to welcoming families. You eat in a convivial, elbow-to-elbow atmosphere, without formality.
Are there dishes that appeal to children?
Absolutely. Many dishes are mild and non-spicy: gyoza, karaage, rice bowls, breaded chicken katsu, noodles, and taiyaki for dessert. The team points you to safe bets and flags anything spicier.
Can you read manga or play on site?
Yes, the mood draws on izakayas and game centers: posters and manga panels punctuate the room, and a retro-arcade area fills the wait between dishes, without an imposed screen.
Do you offer vegetarian options?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, such as gyoza or bowls based on vegetables and tofu. Mention your wishes and any allergies when ordering and the team will adapt as best it can.
Do we need to book when coming as a family?
It is strongly recommended, especially in the evening and at weekends. Book online through the dedicated tool or by phone, and note how many children so we can seat you somewhere quiet.
Where is Iwao in Marseille?
At 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, a few minutes’ walk from the Old Port and the Opéra district.
Stage clear — table booked
Book your table
The room fills up fast, especially in the evening. Book in seconds and come live Iwao's Japan as a family.
Continue → book your table
Or by phone: +33 4 91 54 08 27