Guu Original Thurlow

4.6

355 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Lively
Neighborhood 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
Neighborhood
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 355 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
4.6Service
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

D
David
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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?
P
Paul
Vancouver
11 reviews
vip
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?
j
john
Vancouver
1 review
vip
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?
A
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?
B
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?
C
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?
P
Phoebe
Vancouver
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on September 29, 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!
Is this helpful?
A
Anh
Vancouver
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 21, 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.
Is this helpful?
R
Robin
Vancouver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great time, great food and service! Excellent
Is this helpful?
R
Raoul
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 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 4.6 stars by 355 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2

Additional information

Cross street
Robson
Neighborhood
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 355 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