Gyoza & starters
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.
Japanese restaurant · Canebière
A Japanese restaurant just off the Canebière
The Canebière runs down to the Old Port; a few steps away, rue Sainte opens onto Japan. Iwao sets its piping-hot bowls at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st: house-drawn broths, an open kitchen and a Tokyo-alley setting, a short walk from Marseille's great avenue.
The landmark
From the Canebière to rue Sainte
Leave the bustle of the Canebière, cross toward the Old Port and climb rue Sainte: at number 27, Iwao's façade announces a pocket ramen-ya. Inside, five ramen recipes are served facing the open kitchen, under the lanterns of a recreated Tokyo alley — the leap from Marseille to Japan takes just a few minutes on foot.
At the crossroads of the centre
The Canebière and the nearby quarters
Iwao has a single address, but it radiates across the heart of Marseille. The Canebière, the Old Port, Noailles and the Opéra all meet a few streets away: wherever you are in the centre, the ramen-ya is never far. Come after the market, before a show, or simply to change continents over a bowl.
From the Canebière
Head down the great avenue toward the port, then turn onto rue Sainte: five minutes on foot is enough.
Old Port & Noailles
The quays and the Noailles market are right next door — the ideal Japanese stopover between two strolls.
Opéra district
As the theatres empty, rue Sainte extends the evening around a steaming bowl and some karaage.
en descendant vers Noailles depuis la Canebière, Iwao est à deux pas — l'escale ramen idéale sur la route du marché.
At the table
Japan on the plate
The décor sets the tone, the kitchen keeps the promise. Ramen broths simmered for hours, golden gyoza, crisp karaage, generous donburi bowls: every dish is built to order facing the counter. An honest, sincere Japanese cuisine, thought out like that of Tokyo's small addresses — the same wherever you live in Marseille.
To share
What we share
Beyond ramen, food made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls, a few steps from the Canebière.
Karaage & fried bites
Marinated Japanese fried chicken, crisp outside and juicy inside — the classic you nibble at any hour.
Donburi & katsu curry
Generous rice bowls: katsu curry, gyudon, katsu don. Enough to fill the biggest appetites, noon or night.
Good to know
Coming 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
The room fills quickly, especially in the evening and at weekends, whatever neighbourhood you come from. Book online to be sure of your table.
Neighbourhood by neighbourhood
Iwao in your neighbourhood
Find the ramen-ya from your corner of Marseille — and the rest of the house.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Iwao close to the Canebière?
Yes: the restaurant is at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, about five minutes on foot from the Canebière, via the Old Port.
How do I get there on foot from the Canebière?
Walk down the Canebière toward the Old Port, follow the quays on the south side, then climb rue Sainte: Iwao is at number 27.
Is there a metro or car park nearby?
The Vieux-Port and Estrangin stations are close by, and several city-centre car parks (Vieux-Port, Cours d'Estienne d'Orves) are a few minutes on foot.
What kind of Japanese restaurant is Iwao?
An immersive ramen-ya: the house is centred on ramen, with house-made broths and an open kitchen, in a Tokyo-alley setting.
Do I need to book?
It is strongly recommended, especially in the evening and at weekends. You can book online through the dedicated tool or by phone.
Do you offer vegetarian options?
Yes: the menu includes meat-free recipes, among them a vegetable ramen. Allergens are flagged, and the team will guide you in the room.
Stage clear — table booked
Book your table
The counter and the 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