Gyoza & starters
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings, edamame, miso-glazed aubergine: the small plates that open the meal.
Ramen-ya · Marseille 1st
Japanese restaurant on rue Sainte, Marseille
At 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, Iwao slips a Tokyo alley between the Old Port and the Opéra. Push the door, sit facing the open kitchen, and Marseille fades away for the time of a bowl of ramen.
The address
At the heart of the first arrondissement
Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, one of the oldest streets in Marseille, running from the Old Port up toward 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. Here the setting is as much part of the meal as the bowl.
A short walk from everything
The Tokyo alley off the Old Port
Five minutes from the Old Port quays, the climb of the Canebière and the Opéra theatres, rue Sainte is the Japanese stopover of the centre. People come down from all over the 13001 — and often further — for an immersive break, among red lanterns and rising broth steam.
At the table
What we share
Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — served piping hot facing the counter.
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, for the biggest appetites at lunch or dinner.
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 dining room and counter fill up fast, especially in the evening and at weekends. Book online to be sure of your table on rue Sainte.
Explore
Also worth a look
Iwao from the neighbouring districts, and the rest of the house.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Iwao Japanese restaurant on rue Sainte?
Iwao is at 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille (13001), a few minutes on foot from the Old Port, the Canebière and the Opéra district.
How do I get to rue Sainte from the Old Port?
Rue Sainte runs straight off the Old Port: allow five to ten minutes on foot from the quays, climbing toward the Opéra.
Is there a metro or parking near rue Sainte?
The Vieux-Port and Estrangin metro stations are both close, and several central car parks (Vieux-Port, Cours d'Estienne d'Orves) are a few minutes' walk away.
Do I need to book at Iwao?
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.
Is there a terrace and vegetarian options?
Yes: around fifteen seats on the terrace on rue Sainte, and several meat-free recipes on the menu, including 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