Gyoza & starters
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.
Japanese restaurant · Préfecture district
A Japanese restaurant near the Préfecture
Steps from Estrangin-Préfecture, Iwao is the neighbourhood ramen-ya: five ramen recipes with house-made broths, served piping hot facing the open kitchen, at 27 rue Sainte. One step inside and you leave Marseille's 1st for a Tokyo alley.
The landmark
Rue Sainte, at the gates of the Préfecture
Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, in the first arrondissement — on the hinge between the Old Port and the Préfecture district. From the offices of rue Saint-Ferréol, the streets around the Préfecture or the Estrangin station, it's a few minutes' walk to this pocket ramen-ya where five recipes are served under the lanterns of a recreated Tokyo alley.
From the Préfecture
A Japanese spot a short walk away
Workers from the business district, Préfecture residents or Old Port strollers: you push Iwao's door for a break that changes cities without leaving Marseille. The room dives into a Japanese alley — red lanterns, painted signs, an open kitchen — over a bowl of ramen at noon or in the evening.
At the table
What we share
Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — for a quick lunch break or an evening in the room.
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 at lunch with the business district and in the evening at weekends. Book online to be sure of your table, at the counter facing the open kitchen.
Explore
Also worth a look
The ramen-ya neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and the rest of the house.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Iwao close to the Marseille Préfecture?
Yes: Iwao is at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, a few minutes on foot from the Préfecture district and the Estrangin-Préfecture station.
Can I have a quick lunch from the offices nearby?
Absolutely: the lunch service is designed for an efficient break, with ramen and rice bowls served piping hot facing the open kitchen.
Is there a metro or car park nearby?
The Estrangin-Préfecture station is very close, and several central car parks (Old Port, Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, Préfecture) are within walking distance.
Do I need to book?
It is strongly recommended, especially at lunch 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 room.
Stage clear — table booked
Book your table
The counter and dining room fill up fast, at lunch and dinner. 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