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: 4.8

4.8

308 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Japanese

Top tags:

*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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

10:30 p.m.

Booked 15 times today

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 308 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Vancouver / British Columbia
Best Overall
Vancouver / British Columbia
Best Value
Vancouver / British Columbia
Japanese
Vancouver
Best Overall
Vancouver
Best Value
Vancouver
Hot spot
Vancouver
Japanese

308 Reviews

MO
MichaelO
Vancouver
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We live nearby to Guu on Thurlow, and we always enjoy the casual yet energetic atmosphere. We appreciate the fast service and the delicious meals and cold drinks. The specials are always a surprise! We have our favourite items, but always try something new. I've been to Japan a few times and for me, Guu on Thurlow feels like an authentic Izakaya experience!
Is this helpful?
EG
EatGoddy
Vancouver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
great service that always make sure you are well served with true enthusiasm that you feel warm and welcome. Love the atmosphere!
Is this helpful?
JP
JeremyP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Guu brings you an authentic higher end japanese izakaya experience. Everything tastes incredible!
Is this helpful?
L
Lily
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fresh, well seasoned, tasty .. just amazing. This place reminds me back in Japan at an alley izakaya bar. Best of all the chefs, waitress and waiters were all so friendly and good looking. Made the quaint izakaya very enjoyable. Highly recommend.
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D
Daniela
Monterrey
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant! So far one of my favourites :) never disappoints!
Is this helpful?
k
koko
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All of us were driving so we couldn’t order alcohol. It was a fairly cheap night but the staff at Guu Thurlow were so respectful. Food was delicious, service was great and we had fabulous evening. Definitely coming back! Thank you!
Is this helpful?
K
Katelyn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful selection with fresh seafood and great service!
Is this helpful?
O
Oben
Vancouver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've heard great things about Guu for a long time, and they really did not disappoint. Service was SO friendly and energetic – starting from the host and server and extending through everyone in the kitchen staff. Every interaction made you feel like they were happy to have you. Especially impressive since it was busy and packed while we were there. Food was all incredible, some the items we just got on a whim turned out to be favourites. Very unique flavours and textures and good portion sizes. Felt like you really couldn't go wrong. We sat at the bar, which I'd always recommend, as you get to watch the kitchen staff do their thing and chat a little bit about the food. The vibe was great, music was nostalgic – think early 2000s Kanye – and everything just felt like it worked together. Left feeling like we'd been hosted by old friends, and looking forward to the next time.
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TM
TimM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food was excellent, as per usual, as was the waiter service. But the music was far too loud which meant that customers had to raise their voices a lot just to carry on a conversation, which resulted in even more noise.
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YN
YoshiNZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Overall was excellent. It’s not a huge and wasn’t awful or such but waiter couldn’t open wine bottle and might’ve been new to the job or first time opening wine bottle hence service is 4 stars. If I could choose, I would put 4.8 stars or something close to 5 stars.
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HK
HeejooK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They were super nice. I asked to celebration for my friend's birthday and they were willing to give super nice birthday congratulations. My friend's said that she never forgot yesterday night and really appreciated everything. And most important thing was food. Food was fabulous! Thank you so much.
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LL
LuizaL
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved the experience and will definitely return.
Is this helpful?
A
Anirudh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience! The servers were extremely courteous and the food was splendid. Would definitely come back here again!
Is this helpful?
K
Kaway
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I recommend to use bringing friends from overseas and of course, using them with Japanese friends.
Is this helpful?
K
Ksyu
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food quality was great! Loved sashimi and karage. Oden was tasty as well! Chirashi was a bit disappointing though because of the size of the portion- a couple of other famous izakayas in Vancouver offer bigger portion for similar price and quality. So I felt that this one was overpriced.
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W
Walter
RP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Was a very nicht experienc, very good food, staff very friendly, cool to waschen the Chefs cooking
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have visited Guu for more than 10 years and it is on my must go list every time I visit Vancouver. Never disappointed me once.
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VY
VivY
Vancouver
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The noise level is part of this restaurant's charm. Never ceases to amaze me just how friendly their staff is and how consistently delicious every dish is. Thank you for always delivering, one of my favorites for sure!
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JW
JosephW
Vancouver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasty foods and good service. Thumbs up to all the staff! An izakaya to grab a drink and enjoy comfort food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sembra di essere in Giappone Cibo ottimo ben preparato e ambiente tipico
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SS
SunnyS
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They made my birthday dinner special! I am so thankful to all of the staffs :). They are super kind!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food and quick service and were seated promptly at reservation time
Is this helpful?
SV
SophieV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant was truly amazing. The well priced food was really delicious. We sat at the bar which was great because we saw all the food getting made, very nice people as well. We had high quality Japanese with dishes that we were familiar with, but also many different new flavors and structures. Really recommend this place!
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ET
EtotheT
Vancouver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience2
Different vibe than the normally lively izakaya atmostphere, seems like everyone ran out of energy. Food was delicious but the hanger steak portion is smaller than before now
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MM
MMJJ
Vancouver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
In our top 3 favourite restaurants in Vancouver. Always 10/10 food and service. Thank you to the staff for fitting us in the restaurant early! Amazing!
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I
Iann
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really good food, awesome and energetic atmosphere. Perfect place for drinks!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great time at Guu! Great team, great food.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great but the service was even better. Big shout out to the staffs!! Great customer service.
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CM
ConnorM
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a good time, food is always consistently good as well as the service!
Is this helpful?
B
Bernadette
Vancouver
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love GUU! Service is always amazing, food is fantastic!
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RT
RachelT
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
Portions were not consistent. Some menu items were really good and others were just OK. Overall, enjoyed our time there. Service very friendly and quick!
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JW
JudyW
Vancouver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were so impressed with this restaurant. Great ambiance, super great food and wonderful service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. Will definitely go again next time in VC.
Is this helpful?
WC
WadeC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
The food was not well cooked. Pretty salty. After seated, wait for a long time to get the food. Overall not worth the value
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TD
TomD
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 29, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience2
Very enthusiastic greeting was followed by poor service and inconsistent food. I understand the new guy has to learn on the job but putting him in charge of our first two dishes, including sashimi for which he wasn't trained, and then forgetting to put in our next two dishes, led to a very subpar experience. Pass on this one.
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AB
AliceB
Gloucestershire
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved Guu Original on Thurlow💯👌👌👏👏 It was recommended by another resturant manager when we asked for a good authentic Japanese place to eat he said it had a good vibe too & he was 💯 correct ! The food was excellent & reasonably priced it made our last of 4 evening in Vancouver so good & fun & memorable🙏 Team Guu 😎🥰😘
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P
Patsy
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our servers were very attentive and helpful. The food was beautifully served and sooo delicious! Such a different menu than the sushi restaurants we usually go to and we'll definitely go back.
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CV
CesarV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and drinks! This is our first time at luch!
Is this helpful?
ZW
ZhengzhengW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good service. The food is in good quality and with reasonable price. Highly recommended
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always good , never disappointed Not only food the service was fantastic
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

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

Guu Original Thurlow is rated 4.8 stars by 308 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

10:30 p.m.

Booked 15 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 308 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

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