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Guu Original Thurlow, Vancouver, BC

Guu Original Thurlow

4.6
4.6
365 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Japanese

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2 people
19:00
Booked 13 times today
  • Lively
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
*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 05:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–00:00 Lunch Daily 11:30–14:00
  • 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 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Guu Original Thurlow is a lively Japanese izakaya in Vancouver, celebrated for its authentic atmosphere and "consistently excellent" food. Guests love the "great food choices" and "friendly staff," making it a top choice for "big occasions in life." Despite occasional wait times, the "energetic atmosphere" and "delicious meals" ensure a memorable dining experience.

365 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Good food , have to reserve seat a bit earlier Incase

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  2. kailiang VIP

    Vancouver3 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 24 February 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Not as good as previous years, drop in food quality and creativity

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  3. Amy

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Amazing staff with carefully crafted food for its presentation and taste.

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  4. Darryl

    Vancouver1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 17 February 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.

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  5. Maricel

    Seattle10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 31 December 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.

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  6. Stephen

    Toronto3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 31 December 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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  7. Howard

    Vancouver2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 24 December 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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  8. Natalie

    Vancouver9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 December 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.

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  9. Nina

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 6 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Small, cozy, neighborhood spot with great food and fun staff.

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  10. Joan VIP

    Toronto3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 December 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?

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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 13 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 05:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–00:00 Lunch Daily 11:30–14:00
  • 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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