Gyoza & starters
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.
Japanese restaurant · Le Panier
A Japanese restaurant near Le Panier, Marseille
Le Panier is Marseille's oldest quarter, all steep lanes and washing at the windows. Across the Old Port, a few minutes on foot, Iwao awaits at 27 rue Sainte: a pocket ramen-ya where you change cities without leaving Marseille.
The landmark
Rue Sainte, steps from Le Panier
Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, right across from the Old Port. From Le Panier, just follow the harbour to rue Sainte: a ten-minute walk between ochre façades and terraces. A ramen-ya where five ramen recipes are served piping hot facing the open kitchen, under the paper lanterns of a recreated Tokyo alley.
From Le Panier
Cross the Old Port
Le Panier climbs north of the Old Port; Iwao sits to the south, on rue Sainte. Between the two, a stroll along the quays with all of Marseille before you. Here are the bearings to come for lunch or dinner over a good bowl of ramen.
On foot by the quays
Come down the Montée des Accoules, follow the harbour to the end of the quai de Rive Neuve, then walk up rue Sainte — about ten minutes.
By metro & tram
The Vieux-Port station (line 1) is halfway; from there, rue Sainte is a short walk towards the Opéra.
By car
Several central car parks — Vieux-Port, Cours d’Estienne d’Orves — are a few minutes on foot, handy to reach the table from Le Panier.
At the table
What we share
Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — the perfect way to round off a walk through Le Panier at a real table.
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.
Change cities
The Japanese stopover of the centre
Push the door and leave the Marseille lanes for a Tokyo alley: red arch, lanterns, an open kitchen and the steam of the broths. An immersive interlude a few steps from Le Panier, for a bowl of ramen and a real journey.
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 located in Le Panier?
Iwao is not in Le Panier itself but just across from it, on the other side of the Old Port: at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement (13001). It is about a ten-minute walk from Le Panier.
How do I get from Le Panier to the restaurant?
Head down to the Old Port, follow the quays to the quai de Rive Neuve, then walk up rue Sainte. The route, entirely in the city centre, takes about ten minutes on foot.
Is there a metro or car park nearby?
The Vieux-Port station (line 1) is very close, and several central car parks (Vieux-Port, Cours d’Estienne d’Orves) are a few minutes on foot.
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 have vegetarian options?
Yes: the menu includes meat-free recipes, among them a plant-based ramen. Allergens are flagged on the menu, 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