Gyoza & starters
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.
Japanese restaurant · Opéra district
A Japanese restaurant in the Opéra district
Between the theatres, the Old Port and rue Saint-Ferréol, the Opéra district beats to the rhythm of Marseille evenings. Iwao opens a Japanese parenthesis there: 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st. Push the ramen-ya door and slip into a Tokyo alley, steps from the stage.
The neighbourhood
In the heart of the Opéra district
Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, right in the Opéra district — one of the living hearts of central Marseille, between the municipal Opera house, the Old Port and the shopping streets. A pocket ramen-ya where five ramen recipes are served piping hot facing the open kitchen, under the paper lanterns of a recreated Tokyo alley.
From the Opera house
Japan before the curtain
A few minutes on foot from the Marseille Opera house, the bars of cours d'Estienne d'Orves and the shops of rue Saint-Ferréol, Iwao is the Japanese stopover of the district. Dine here before the show, or carry the evening on over a bowl of ramen.
Steps from the theatres
The municipal Opera and the Odéon are a few minutes on foot — the ideal spot for dinner before or after the performance.
Vieux-Port & Estrangin metro
The Vieux-Port and Estrangin stations frame rue Sainte; the tram and the Canebière are close by.
Along the evenings
In a district that comes alive at night, Iwao brings its Japanese note, honest and house-made, until the last service.
The atmosphere
Push the door, change cities
The moment you enter, the district buzz fades. You walk into a rebuilt Tokyo alley: weathered façades, glowing signs, red lanterns and the steam of bowls rising from the open kitchen. A set designed down to the detail so every table has its own corner of Japan, a few steps from the Opera.
At the table
What we share
Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — enough to fill up before the show or carry the evening on.
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 on show nights and at weekends. Book online to be sure of your table before the curtain rises.
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 Marseille Opera house?
Yes: Iwao is at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, a few minutes on foot from the municipal Opera, right in the Opéra district.
Can I have dinner before a show?
Absolutely: the house is ideal for dinner before or after the performance. Book early on show nights, the room fills up fast.
Is there a metro or parking nearby?
The Vieux-Port and Estrangin stations are very close, and several central car parks (Old 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 indicated, 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