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Guu Original Thurlow, Vancouver, BC

Guu Original Thurlow

4.7
4.7
359 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 p.m.
Booked 24 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Lively
  • Good for groups
*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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 359 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Guu Original Thurlow offers a vibrant dining experience with exceptional Japanese cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Guests rave about the "great food, great service," emphasizing the Izakaya's authenticity and value. The welcoming staff and energetic setting make it a beloved spot for many, ensuring a "spectacular experience" every visit.

359 Reviews

  1. Natalie

    Vancouver

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

  4. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  5. David

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My first time dining at Guu and I will definitely return. We were warmly welcomed, the server provided a comprehensive overview and was happy to provide recommendations. The food and sake were delicious. The portions were quite big and well priced. As you leave everyone shouts goodbye which was really cute - loved it!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Paul

    VIP

    Vancouver

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This location is of all the Guu restaurants is always our favourite, especially if it’s just the two of us. Tonight’s dinner was delicious and our server was very friendly and talkative. We had reservations, but we sat at the bar anyhow. It’s interesting to watch the chefs in action. Nobody makes chicken karage as well as Guu! Tonight’s menu had a delicious beef tendon curry that was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  7. john

    VIP

    Vancouver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The food are not good anymore. The place filled up with smoke. Never come back agin

    Is this helpful?

  8. Athanasios

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere, friendly staff, quick service and good food. The appetizers were perfect and the sangria was wonderful !

    Is this helpful?

  9. BONA

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, the regular menu beats today’s specials. And hands down, the yaki udon and kabocha croquette are the best!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Connor

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an amazing time at guu, the food is consistently good as well as the service! Been coming here for a few years now and I’ve yet to have a bad time.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Guu Original Thurlow is rated 4.7 stars by 359 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 p.m.
Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Guu Original Thurlow

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

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