Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Vancouver / British Columbia
  4. Vancouver
  5. Downtown
Guu Original Thurlow, Vancouver, BC

Guu Original Thurlow

4.6
4.6
355 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 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

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

4.6
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

  1. 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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

  4. 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?

  5. 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?

  6. 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?

  7. 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?

  8. 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?

  9. 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?

  10. 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
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Guu Original Thurlow

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

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo