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Guu Original Thurlow, Vancouver, BC

Guu Original Thurlow

4.5
4.5
355 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Japanese

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 19 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
  • Area
    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 355 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Guu Original Thurlow offers a "vibrant and welcoming" atmosphere reminiscent of Japan, with enthusiastic staff and an exciting dining experience. Guests rave about the "consistently good food" and attentive service. Enjoy a variety of delicious, shareable dishes at this beloved spot, perfect for celebrating special occasions.

355 Reviews

  1. David

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 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!

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  2. Paul

    Vancouver

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 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!

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  3. john

    Vancouver

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 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

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  4. Athanasios

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 November 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 !

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  5. BONA

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 November 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!

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  6. Connor

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 30 September 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.

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  7. Phoebe

    Vancouver

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on 29 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Guu Original on Thurlow holds a special place in my heart, having been my go-to spot for over 20 years. The atmosphere remains vibrant and welcoming, just as I remember it from my first bite of Kabocha Korokke two decades ago—love at first taste! The energy of the staff and the lively setting make each visit a joy. I hope to snag a seat at the counter next time to soak in the action up close. Guu Original continues to be a special part of my Vancouver life, and I look forward to many more delicious memories!

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  8. Anh

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 21 September 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Sashimi salad was decent. The lamb was tough and salty.The Yaki Udon was not edible as they put too much salt/ sot sauce. We have been to Guu in the last 15 years abd this probably our worst experience.

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  9. Robin

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 29 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great time, great food and service! Excellent

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  10. Raoul

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was so good… so tasty and filling. Highly recommend this place. It was recommended to me and o pass it on. Great energy from the staff. Felt like I was in Tokyo

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Guu Original Thurlow is rated 4.5 stars by 355 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Guu Original Thurlow

838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Robson
  • Area
    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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