Guu Original Thurlow

Name: Guu Original Thurlow
Address: 838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 1W2
Telephone: (604) 685-8817
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

365 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 26, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 14 times today

Lively
Neighbourhood gem
Charming

*Please note that our patio is not allowed to serve any alcoholic drinks due to the license we have.

Guu Original on Thurlow is where the Izakaya boom started. It’s not only the first Guu to open, but is the very first Izakaya in Vancouver.

Established in 1993 as “Raku” & changed to “Guu” in 2000, this Guu offers the most authentic Izakaya experience, offering classic dishes like Yaki Udon & Oden. This is as close you’ll get to the real deal….unless you fly to Japan.

We keep seats for walk-in customers as well. No available seats on OpenTable do not mean we are fully booked. Please be aware that the time-limited per table is two hours during peak hours.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Tapas / Small Plates, Fusion / Eclectic
Hours of Operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm
Phone number
(604) 685-8817
Website
https://guu-izakaya.com/Original_QR
Payment Options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Cross Street
Robson
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Canada Line: get off at Vancouver City Center station and 10 min walk Sky Train: get off at Burrard station and 8 min walk #005 bus, the closest stop is Robson + Thurlow
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wine

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver

What 365 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Guu Original Thurlow offers a lively dining experience with "energetic staff" and "fabulous" food. Regulars praise its "great atmosphere," and "amazing" service, making it their go-to spot for celebrations. While some dishes occasionally miss the mark, its "outstanding food" and "fun vibe" consistently draw patrons back.

365 Reviews

k
kailiang
VIP
Vancouver
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Not as good as previous years, drop in food quality and creativity
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing staff with carefully crafted food for its presentation and taste.
Is this helpful?
D
Darryl
Vancouver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
I'm a big fan of Guu and have been for over a decade. Guu Thurlow is usually a pretty safe bet (if you can find space). This time, however, three of the items wanted to order off the specials menu were sold out (octopus carpaccio, jellyfish on tofu, and steamed mussels). As well, the sashimi we ordered was not quite up to Guu's usual standards as far as freshness and quality - every piece just tasted a little more fishy than we were expecting. The Yellowtail Carpaccio was also just OK. Combined with recent price increases, we're beginning to reconsider Guu as our Izakaya of choice. We'll still go back as we're hoping this experience was one-off, but are beginning to get concerned.
Is this helpful?
M
Maricel
Seattle
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our go to spot when visiting Vancouver. The food and service are always great. They never miss the mark. Will be back again.
Is this helpful?
S
Stephen
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The house special Kimchi fried rice is not to be missed! Energetic staff, great food and fair prices make this Guu a fun dine-out.
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H
Howard
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great value for excellent Japanese cuisine. Service was prompt and attentive, and they worked to accommodate our 10 person group!
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N
Natalie
Vancouver
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We come here frequently to celebrate all our big things in life (Birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) We love this place because the service is always amazing, staff are incredible, food is always 10/10, and the vibe is always incredible. We love Guu.
Is this helpful?
N
Nina
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Small, cozy, neighborhood spot with great food and fun staff.
Is this helpful?
J
Joan
VIP
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s a really fun experience at Guu on Thurlow. The staff are so welcoming and the food is fabulous.
Is this helpful?
L
Lanie
Portland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a cool place with outstanding food!!!! Love the music and the energy, And the food is soooo good. We were in Vancouver for four nights and we spent two of them at Guu. That’s how good it is!
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FAQs

Guu Original Thurlow does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Guu Original Thurlow is rated 4.6 stars by 365 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 26, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2

Additional information

Cross Street
Robson
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Tapas / Small Plates, Fusion / Eclectic
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Canada Line: get off at Vancouver City Center station and 10 min walk Sky Train: get off at Burrard station and 8 min walk #005 bus, the closest stop is Robson + Thurlow
Payment Options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wine

Website
https://guu-izakaya.com/Original_QR
Phone number
(604) 685-8817

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver

Guu Original Thurlow

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver

Menu

What 365 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Guu Original Thurlow offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Guu Original Thurlow restaurant rated?

Is Guu Original Thurlow currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver