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Iwao

Ramen · Marseille 1st arrondissement

Ramen in the 1st of Marseille

The real ramen-ya of the centre: Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, steps from the Old Port. Five recipes served piping hot facing the open kitchen, under the lanterns of a recreated Tokyo alley.

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Japanese ramen bowl with golden broth, soft egg and chashu, served at Iwao on rue Sainte in Marseille
Japanese ramen bowl with chashu slices, nori and soft egg served at Iwao in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille

At 27 rue Sainte

In the heart of the first arrondissement

The 1st is the historic heart of Marseille — the Old Port, the Canebière, the Opéra district. That's where Iwao sets up its counter, on rue Sainte. A pocket ramen-ya where you slurp your noodles beside the open kitchen, minutes from the quays. Push the door of the 13001 and you find yourself in Tokyo.

Immersive dining room of the Iwao restaurant in Marseille, Japanese alley décor and red lanterns in the heart of the 1st arrondissement

A Japanese stopover

The city centre changes scenery

A few steps from the Old Port, the room slips into a Tokyo alley: red lanterns, posters, manga and the buzz of the open kitchen. In the first arrondissement, Iwao is not just a place to eat ramen — it's a pause, an immersion metres from the Canebière.

Our bowls

Five ramen, served piping hot

From the most comforting to the boldly spicy, each ramen has its own broth and character — built to order, never in advance.

Japanese ramen with nori, crisp pork and soft egg served at Iwao in Marseille

The signature

Rich, long-finishing broth, melting chashu, nori and soft egg: the bowl we recommend for a first visit to rue Sainte.

Spicy Japanese ramen with minced meat, soft egg and sesame served at Iwao in Marseille

The spicy one

For those who like a kick: spiced minced meat, fragrant oil and black sesame over a broth that warms you up.

Japanese ramen with lemon slices, soft egg and wakame served at Iwao in Marseille

The plant-based

A bright, fresh bowl with a citrus note and vegetables, a meat-free ramen that gives up nothing on flavour.

Good to know

Coming to Iwao

Our tip

The room fills quickly, especially in the evening and at weekends. As we're right in the centre, it's best to book online to be sure of your seat at the counter.

Explore

Ramen from every angle

Iwao by neighbourhood and by recipe, and the rest of the house.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where can you eat ramen in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille?
At Iwao, 27 rue Sainte (13001), a few minutes on foot from the Old Port and the Opéra district. It is a true ramen-ya, centred on ramen, with house-made broths.
Is Iwao easy to reach from the Old Port?
Yes: rue Sainte runs straight off the Old Port. Count five to ten minutes on foot from the quays, heading up towards the Opéra.
Is there a metro or car park nearby?
The Vieux-Port and Estrangin stations are both close, and several central car parks (Vieux-Port, Cours d'Estienne d'Orves) are a few minutes away on foot.
Do I need to book?
It is strongly recommended, especially in the evening and at weekends when the room fills quickly. You can book online through the dedicated tool or by phone.
Do you offer a vegetarian ramen?
Yes, a plant-based ramen is on the menu, bright and meat-free. Allergens are flagged and the team will advise you in the dining room.
Lucky daruma having its second eye painted

Stage clear — table booked

Book your table

The counter and dining room fill up fast, especially in the evening. Book in seconds and come push the door of Iwao, on rue Sainte.

Continue → book your table

Or by phone: +33 4 91 54 08 27