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Iwao

Japanese restaurant · Old Port

A Japanese restaurant by the Old Port of Marseille

A few steps from the quays, rue Sainte climbs towards the Opéra — and at number 27 you push open the door of Iwao. A pocket ramen-ya where you leave the Old Port for a Tokyo alley, just long enough for a piping-hot bowl facing the open kitchen.

See the menu
Interior of the Japanese restaurant Iwao, a Tokyo-alley setting steps from the Old Port of Marseille
Japanese ramen bowl with golden broth, soft egg and chashu, served at Iwao near the Old Port of Marseille

The address

Steps from the quays

Iwao sets its broths at 27 rue Sainte, in the first arrondissement — the historic heart of Marseille, just above the Old Port. A five-minute walk from the quays is enough to change scenery: five ramen recipes are served piping hot, built to order facing the open kitchen, under the paper lanterns.

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

The journey

From the Old Port to Tokyo

You leave behind the lapping of the quays and step into a recreated Japanese alley: red lanterns, posters, the buzz of the open kitchen. The room is intimate, you sit at the counter as in a real ramen-ya. The Old Port is only two streets away, yet you feel a world apart.

At the table

What we share

Beyond ramen, honest Japanese cooking made to share, from small bites to hearty bowls — to savour between two stops on the Old Port.

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 when the Old Port comes alive. Book online to be sure of your table.

Explore

Iwao, worth a look

The ramen-ya from every angle, and the rest of the house.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How far is Iwao from the Old Port?
Iwao is at 27 rue Sainte, a five- to ten-minute walk from the Old Port quays: rue Sainte runs straight from the port up towards the Opéra.
Which neighbourhood of Marseille are you in?
In the 1st arrondissement (13001), the historic heart of the city, between the Old Port and the Opéra district.
Is there a metro or car park nearby?
The Vieux-Port and Estrangin metro stations are close by, and several city-centre 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 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 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 open the door of Iwao, rue Sainte.

Continue → book your table

Or by phone: +33 4 91 54 08 27