Skip to content
Iwao

Japanese restaurant · Marseille neighbourhoods

A Japanese restaurant across Marseille's neighbourhoods

Iwao is a single address — 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st — but a meeting point for the whole centre: Old Port, Canebière, Noailles, Opéra, Cours Julien. Push the door and you change cities without leaving Marseille.

See the menu
Japanese alley décor inside the Iwao restaurant, at the heart of central Marseille
Japanese ramen bowl with golden broth, soft egg and chashu, served at Iwao in Marseille

The starting point

Rue Sainte, heart of the 1st

Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, in the first arrondissement — the historic heart of Marseille, between the Old Port and the Opéra district. 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.

Immersive dining room of the Iwao restaurant in Marseille, set tables and red lanterns in the neighbourhood

From every neighbourhood

A Japanese spot a short walk away

A few minutes on foot from the Old Port quays, the climb of the Canebière, the stalls of Noailles or the Opéra theatres, Iwao is the Japanese stopover of the centre. People come from all over the 13001 — and often further — for a bowl of ramen and a moment in Tokyo.

At the table

What we share

Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — the same wherever you live in Marseille.

Golden Japanese gyoza with a dipping sauce served at Iwao in Marseille

Gyoza & starters

Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.

Karaage, crisp Japanese fried chicken served at Iwao in Marseille

Karaage & fried bites

Marinated Japanese fried chicken, crisp outside and juicy inside — the classic you nibble at any hour.

Japanese katsu curry bowl with breaded chicken and rice served at Iwao in Marseille

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

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

Which neighbourhood of Marseille is Iwao in?
Iwao is at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement (13001), a few minutes on foot from the Old Port, the Canebière and the Opéra district.
Is it easy to get there from the Old Port?
Yes: rue Sainte runs straight up from the Old Port. Allow five to ten minutes on foot from the quays, heading towards the Opéra.
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' walk away.
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 revolves around 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 on the menu, and the team will guide you in the dining room.
Lucky daruma having its second eye painted

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