Tabelog ratingYakisoba Stand By Me is a small, focused counter in Kyoto that does one thing and does it well: yakisoba. Every plate is cooked to order on a large iron griddle right in front of you. The main draw is the ability to customise your meal completely — choose your protein (pork, seafood, or a mix), your seasoning (a classic sauce or a lighter salt-based one), and your noodle type (standard thin or flat and thick).
Guests consistently praise the house-made noodles for their uniquely chewy and satisfying texture, a clear departure from the standard. The "MIX" yakisoba with both pork and seafood is a popular choice, and the generous portions, often topped with a fried egg, are frequently highlighted. The shop is particularly friendly to international visitors, with a touchscreen ordering system that includes an English menu.
The shop is very small, with only nine counter seats, so queues are common, especially during lunch and dinner. A few reviewers have noted that the sauce is milder than they expected. As everything is cooked on an open grill, the aroma of fried noodles can cling to your clothes, so it's best not to wear delicate fabrics.
The value for money here is exceptional. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥750 for a regular pork yakisoba, ¥1,150 for a medium "MIX" portion, and ¥1,100 for a large meat yakisoba. A full meal with a drink or a side like the rare-chashu bowl (≈¥280) typically lands between ¥1,000 and ¥1,700.
- Getting There: A 2-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.
- Booking: Walk-in only. Reservations are not accepted, so expect to queue during peak hours.
- Seating: 9 counter seats only.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica, Rakuten-Edy, iD), and QR code payments (PayPay, etc.) are all accepted.
- Children: Children are welcome, but please note the chairs are high and there is very limited space for strollers.
- Good to Know: Ordering is done via a multilingual touchscreen. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
