Gyoza & starters
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.
Japanese restaurant · Cours Julien
A Japanese restaurant near the Cours Julien
The Cours Julien lives on street art, terraces and good food. For a real bowl of ramen, Iwao waits a little further down, at 27 rue Sainte: one descent and the scenery changes — from the Cours Ju murals to a Tokyo alley, broths steaming in front of the open kitchen.
From the plateau to the bowl
The Cours Ju’s Japanese spot, on rue Sainte
The Cours Julien and its creative hill — the 'Cours Ju' — gather the addresses that make Marseille by night. Iwao rounds out the neighbourhood on the Japanese side: a pocket ramen-ya at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st, where five ramen recipes are served piping hot under the lanterns. From the plateau, count a short walk downhill, or one metro stop, to change continents without leaving the centre.
From the Cours Julien
Getting there, without getting lost
From the Cours Ju plateau, reaching Iwao is a short stroll: you head back down towards the Old Port and the Opéra, and rue Sainte opens up a few steps away. On foot, by metro or by car, the address stays easy to reach from Notre-Dame-du-Mont as well as from the Canebière.
On foot
About ten minutes, heading down from the Cours Julien to the lower Canebière, then rue Sainte towards the Opéra.
By metro
Line 1 from Notre-Dame-du-Mont / Cours Julien to Vieux-Port or Estrangin, then a few minutes on foot.
By car
Several central car parks (Vieux-Port, Cours d’Estienne d’Orves) are a short distance from rue Sainte.
At the table
What we share
Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — enough to carry on an evening started on the Cours Ju.
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.
The mood
A Tokyo alley in Marseille
Once through the door, the buzz of the Cours Ju fades: red lanterns, a counter facing the cooks, a night-alley setting. People come as neighbours from the area, in a group after an exhibition or a gig, for a bowl of ramen and a break away from the plateau.
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 when the Cours Ju is in full swing. Book online to be sure of your table at the counter.
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 on the Cours Julien?
Not on the plateau itself: Iwao is at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, a short walk down from the Cours Julien towards the Old Port and the Opéra.
How do I get from the Cours Julien to Iwao?
On foot, count about ten minutes down towards the lower Canebière then rue Sainte. By metro, line 1 links Notre-Dame-du-Mont / Cours Julien to Vieux-Port in a few minutes.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, several central car parks (Vieux-Port, Cours d’Estienne d’Orves) are a short distance from rue Sainte, a few minutes on foot from the restaurant.
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.
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 you offer vegetarian options?
Yes: the menu includes meat-free recipes, among them a plant-based ramen. Allergens are flagged and the team will advise you in the dining room.
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