Reviews Guu Original

Zomato
Joanne Liu
+5
Although this place is quite squishy, the service at this place is exceptional. The only fault I'd have with it, is that the serving sizes could have been a bit bigger, given the prices. 

We ordered:
1) Tuna and salmon sashimi, which was marinated perfectly- it was super delicious
2) Deep fried melt, which tasted a bit like sardines and was probably more like an appetiser than an actual meal
3) Garlic and butter squid- this was probably my least favourite dish because it was really hard to eat all the ingredients together, especially as we were sharing between us
4) Yaki ramen- can never say no thick udon noodles! I liked how the lightness of the toppings complemented the heaviness of the noodles. 
5) Pork belly- super well done
6) Takoyaki- just like any other :)

We went at 5:30, and it was already pretty full (and we had a booking too), but apparently, the lines can get super long later into the night, so book before you come. Would 100% recommend this place! :)
Oct 23, 2018
Zomato
Foodie Muggles
+4.5
Went here on our first day in Vancouver. Wanted some good izakaya and boy did this place deliver. :)

The taco Wasabi (octopus marinated in wasabi) was surprisingly good. Monkfish liver was nice, the barbeque lamb in honey sauce was absolutely delectable, we had to order it again. Also got cod-fish collar, Karaage with garlic mayo - perfectly juicy from inside and crisp from outside..Kimchi udon with cod roe was really good too.. not too strong a kimchi flavor and perfect amount of cod-roe. There was also sweet potato croquette.

We would certainly go here again. Liked the place.
May 08, 2018
Zomato
Vanfoodie
+4
This place gets really busy at night! I would recommend making reservations if they take them. The food here was super tasty! Portions are quite small. The takoyaki was the best I’ve ever had. My SO did get food poisoning from the seared beef as it was mostly raw. But other than that, the food was amazing!
Mar 09, 2018
Zomato
Nuinui The Cat
+4
Friendly service. Crowded even on weekdays. Quality of food were god sent!
Love the “horumon” intestine stir-fried. Will go back even just for this.
Jan 28, 2018
Zomato
B & E
+3.5
A pretty solid Izakaya place - a little more crowded than the other locations. The place is tucked around the corner from busy Robson Street.

Generally, their food is good, easy to share, and inexpensive.

Sometimes it can get a little bit loud/noisy with everyone shouting, and space is limited, but overall it is a pretty solid experience.
Jan 24, 2018
Zomato
Karen
+4
I never knew Guu Original had lunch menus! Tons of selection and my donburi came out in about 10 mins. The restaurant is pretty squished though, not recommended for groups larger than 4.
Aug 09, 2017
Zomato
Yes. We,re Eating Again.
+4
I avoided the temptation to order the usual stuff that has been excellent in the past, and tried a couple of new things (new to me ). First up was Marinated Smoked Monk-fish Liver. It was spectacular. I am not an organ meat guy having grown up with regular mandatory meals of calf or pork liver but this was completely different. It was mild and wonderfully textured (almost foie gras)  but the smoke and maybe citrus(?) sauce made it memorable. Not to be missed. Next I had the Pork, Tofu and Kimchee Hot Pot. In retrospect, not the perfect choice for a hot day but so good. I had to eat slowly so as not to sweat (not overly spicy just warm). The broth at the base was wonderful. Finally Grilled Pork Jowl with Yuzu Ponzu Sauce. I had to ask for this a couple of times (the place is so busy, I am not surprised that things go astray once in a while) but once it arrived it was great. Mildly bacon like in flavour with a perfect citrus and soy flavor. I sat across from the chefs and watched in fascination. Everything these guys prepared looked amazing. The racket in here is part of the fun. Everyone is boisterously welcomed and sent off and I wish I could have understood the banter from the chefs. I found myself laughing without knowing the jokes! Great all around experience. Make a reservation and keep in mind that it can be a little warmer if you sit across from the cooking facilities (totally worth it!). Service is attentive and they make their share of the noise!
Aug 07, 2017
Zomato
Gristle & Gossip
+4.5
Robson street is also home to the Original Guu, of which offers traditional Japanese-style pub, small plates & sake in a boisterous atmosphere. When you walk in the traditional Japanese greeting is almost shocking! Luckily I was prepared, so when I heard "Ohayō gozaimasu" I graciously, smiled and nodded. The Cherry Blossom Cocktail has been added to my list of staples at GUU. Any place with Ramune is my kind of place!
Jun 09, 2017
Zomato
Camera Gourmet
+5
Guu Original is located on Thurlow Street at Vancouver Downtown. It is a very small restaurant, and it always has people waiting. You will receive a text message when your table is ready. This means you can continue your shopping at Robson Street. 👠👜👗💄

We like to order from their special menu because we never get disappointed. 👍

Services: 4.5/5
Food: 5/5
Apr 23, 2017
Zomato
Arthur Yim
+4.5
A small but generous Japanese joint serving unique tapas on a cool handwritten menu. Should probably make a booking so you don't need to line up down the street, it gets super busy!
Feb 20, 2017
Zomato
Joshua Hueller
+3.5
First of all I recommend you either come very early or have reservations because of how small the restaurant is and how busy it gets. Second, if you're someone on a budget and wants to get filled up, this is not the place for you. Japanese tapas have very small servings and are a little bit pricey. I'd also recommend going in a group, that way you get to try many different foods while saving some money.
Food wise, this place is pretty tasty. Lots of interesting flavours and items to choose from. The sea urchin wasn't my cup of tea but I loved the scallop sashimi and beef tongue! If you're a fan of salmon, definitely give the salmon tataki a whirl.
Jan 22, 2017
Zomato
Natalie
+4.5
Atmosphere and food is great here. Sometimes it can get a bit loud when the chefs yell when someone enters or leaves the restaurant, but it somehow feels welcoming. This restaurant is always busy, so making a reservation would be a good idea.

Some of the things we tried were the jellyfish, sashimi salad, assorted oden, BBQ lamb, and kimchi udon. All the food came out quick! For the assorted oden, you get to choose 5 kinds, so we chose the puffed fish cake and the squid rolled with fish cake. This is great for a cold day. The puffed fish cake was very tender. Jellyfish was flavourful and not too salty. The lamb was cooked just right and was tender. There wasn't anything that I didn't like. I'd definitely come back to try more.
Dec 23, 2016
Zomato
Massal
+4.5
Sit at the bar and you will get the full-on experience of the constant enthusiastic greeting of the customers, server order responses while watching the food being prepared. Oh, and the food is fantastic both visually and taste-wise. An excellent experience. Be sure to book your spot....very busy.
Nov 13, 2016
Zomato
Eataholic
+5
Do yourself a favour and make it a must to eat here when in Vancouver. If not for the food...which happens to be awesome by the way...think melt in your mouth tuna tataki, luscious sashimi, crackly crispy squid and just-right-salty-miso salmon...

Then at least for the palpable happiness that you get when eating there. The service was quick and always with a smile and the chefs were always happy while making their dishes. I think that's what makes their food so delicious!

Tip: ask to be seated at the counter if possible. It's slightly noisier but more fun! Plus you get to see your food getting prepared and see what might be the next good dish you might want to order!
Aug 18, 2016
Zomato
Boozy Bunch
+4.5
There’s one major problem with living in London: Japanese food is expensive. Even “cheap” Japanese food (I’m not just talking sushi like Vicky mentioned in her Dinings review). When I went to the soft launch for an Izakaya with Bella, she was floored at how expensive the food is as an Izakaya in Japan is what a pub is like here: A place to get cheap drinks and eats and hang out. They seem to want to upscale everything in London (or maybe it’s just the prices) so when we were sitting in the nice weather drinking fairly mediocre locally brewed Canadian beer overlooking the water in Vancouver and Teresa mentioned getting Japanese food, we were definitely on board. We did hit a bit of a snag in that there seemed there were too many places to get Japanese food in Vancouver. Too many places. And way too many of them didn’t take bookings. But we did find Kitanoya Guu and even though both Becky and Andrew said they didn’t really care for it when they went, we were too bitten by the Japanese bug to not give it a try. (I’m pretty sure we didn’t even have a booking, that’s how bitten we were, as everyone knows I don’t like to queue.)
Aug 11, 2016
Zomato
Natasha Ratwani
+5
Amazing food topped off with great service! Puts the other Guu Gardens to shame. I've tried quite a few dishes from the menu and have never been disappointed. The overall ambience of the restaurant is welcoming. It's always busy but totally worth the wait!
Jun 13, 2016
Zomato
Relaxnsip
+4
Food is pretty good, but their service could use some improvement.

I enjoyed their Shanghai Yakisoba. Quite tasty.

Sat at their shared table in the back because the tables out front were reserved.
May 09, 2016
Zomato
Jenny
+4.5
Probably the best Guu out of all of them. They're constantly busy and with lineups at night. Their tapas are unique and delicious. Perfect for going with a small group to try out multiple dishes as they are meant more for sharing.
May 08, 2016
Zomato
Jelizatin Eats
+4
In our opinion, Guu Original is the best Guu restaurant. We've been here a few times and these are our favourite dishes:

Karaage, comes with mayo sauce and the pieces are big and juicy. Kimchi Udon, portion is a little small but it's delicious, the tobiko is a nice touch. Kabocha Croquette, pumpkin is delicious with the tangy sauce, the egg inside is a nice surprise. Salmon Yukke, so good! Raw salmon with a sesame oil and soy blend for sauce, also comes with a raw quail egg yolk and pine nuts. Accompanied by shrimp chips to eat the salmon with. Tuna Tataki, not bad but kind of small, the fried garlic pieces are scrumptious.

We have also tried the beef tataki, we found the slices to be a bit too thick, we prefer the tuna tataki. We also ordered the beef tendon which comes with fish cake, tofu and egg. This dish was very salty and the tendon was way too fatty. 

Service is good and prices are reasonable.
May 04, 2016
Zomato
Agnes Wong
+4.5
Convenient location just on one of the side street on Robson. Very inviting atmosphere and attentive staff! Food was served hot, much better than the Richmond location. The yakiudon is a must get and paired with beer!
Apr 23, 2016
Zomato
Chicas
+4
The place is damn busy and have to wait a while to get seated. Their tapas are quite unique. We ordered the beef tataki, tuna tataki, beef tongue, ebi mayo and grilled pork cheek. Overall we enjoy the food but the price is little pricy for small portion. The place is quite noisy and waiters and waitresses are yelling out orders to chefs in kitchen. Not that we are complaining but we just notice it's restaurant's style of placing orders.
Apr 21, 2016
Zomato
Jentaro
+4
I usually never get full from eating Guu for dinner and it's pricey but the lunch option here is very filling and well worth the $8. I had Katsu-Don. It was a great lunch.
Mar 26, 2016
Zomato
Guillermo Saavedra
+4.5
Can't go wrong with Guu Original. Was my second house during my 3 year stay in Vancouver. Staff is super professional, caring and really eager to let you know they appreciate you being there! I had the honor to try some dishes of future menus to give my opinion. I appreciate that. I recommend grilled mackerel with an ice cold Sapporo... and the grilled ribs...
Feb 01, 2016
Zomato
J.Chews
+5
Always a classic, this restaurant has inspired a chain of other locations around the city. Fun atmosphere combined with delicious Japanese food makes this restaurant a must visit for anyone looking to explore Vancouver's food scene!
Sep 11, 2015
Zomato
RaymonDo
+4.5
Went to this restaurant on Wednesday evening, no line up, short 2 minute wait for them the set up the table, the restaurant was about 90% full, I ordered steamed mussels, salmon with prawn crackers, signature pumpkin crocket, baked black cod, egg plant, BBQ tuna, negi toro, and signature fried rice, the fried rice thee is the best and a must have, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes tapa, style Japanese food.
Sep 10, 2015
Zomato
CyniC-
+4
This is my second Guu experience.  The first being Guu with Garlic.  I like the branding of this place - the ever-changing menu and the Guu'dale.  I also loved watching Jungle Wa Itsumo Hare Nochi Guu.  So Guu is something special to me :)

I think Guu is good (Or Guu'd) but it was over-hyped for me.  If people didn't tell me how awesome this place was and I just came in to enjoy myself and to find out its history, I would've enjoyed it more.  I found the food to be very creative and interesting, but sometimes it is done at a cost of quality and taste.  I still appreciate the effort because who would want to eat the same thing every visit, right?  

The Kabocha Croquette was interesting but it tasted just OK.  Maybe squash wasn't my thing because it was a little sweet and bland.  Maybe I just wanted the traditional korokke (croquette) with potatoes and corn.  

The Oden was a first for me.  I've had this from T&T before.  Bought it from the frozen section and cooked it myself.  It was full of MSG and salt.  The one I got here were much more natural tasting, which led me to think that they made it themselves.  If so, I'd be highly impressed because it'd be so much easier to import it frozen!  It was alright to me.  Something heart warming and light.

The chicken karaage and the guu'd ale really sealed it for me though.  If it weren't for these two things my night would've been ruined a bit... LOL.  I had 3-4 meals prior to this and I couldn't eat any more so that might've attributed to me "meh" factor.  Or I was just comparing it too much to my previous Hapa Izakaya meal where it blew my mind away too much.

One thing I do like to mention is that a lot of people around me were eating alone at the bar.  I'm so proud of Vancouverites or other travellers (such as myself) doing that.  Food tastes the freshest at the restaurant at the expense of looking weird or feeling awkward.  This is never really the case at Izakaya though it seems like and I appreciate the solitude.

Last but not last, the service was beyond awesome.  I loved how the servers (non-Japanese) spoke Japanese to each other and to the chefs.  What a great way to learn Japanese here!  They are very into their jobs and they do a great job of making the customers feel like home.
Aug 17, 2015
Zomato
Alice Yuan
+3.5
Always a good time at guu. Tasty eats and fun atmosphere. Great hang out place with a group of friends. Getting a few drinks and tapas can definitely add up though
Aug 11, 2015
Zomato
Constant Cravings
+4
Their lunch sets are really cheap ($8-9)!!! You might have to wait a bit but it's worth it :) I love the fried chicken with egg and onion on rice (their version of an oyako don).
Jul 13, 2015
Zomato
Kabir
+4
Great Japanese food, and excellent service! Their menu varies during the day (different for each meal), and their prices are reasonable too!
Jul 07, 2015
Zomato
Picky Diner
+4
I used to live right around the corner from Guu Original, and I have missed coming  here for quick lunches and fried rice takeouts. It is a bit of walk for me from my office, but their delicious lunch specials are so worth it!. Today I got their lunch special Negitoro Don, or Chopped Tuna Sashimi on Rice ($8.60), and it also came with a miso soup. I guess this is like having a giant Negitoro Roll but with less seaweed. I mixed up everything: tuna, green onion, seaweed, rice, soy sauce and wasabi – welcome to healthy delicious eating! It was very light, but the natural sweetness from the fish bound everything together. It was simple food at its best and I savored every single bite!
Jun 13, 2015
Zomato
Kukukukuma
+3.5
The atmosphere is great. The specials are great. The Yaki udon? Not so much. It might be me personally but it felt a bit too greasy. Of course, I understand, it's a izakaya type place. Of course the food is greasy and fat heavy. But I think if I am to come again, which I will, I might stick to the sashimi and the rest of the lighter version of the menu. 

The ramune was awesome. They also offer a range of plum wine (? Not sure that's the correct words). I also enjoyed the pumpkin croquette and the kimchi hotpot a lot. 

Come early, seats fill up quickly. Try to sit beside the bar since that's where you will truly feel the atmosphere
Jun 09, 2015
Zomato
Vancity Food Guy
+5
Always exciting to eat up front near the chefs. I've been coming here for nearly over a decade and it's always been consistent. Love the specials and love the service. Authentic or with a touch of West coast flair I gobble up every plate bone dry. God bless this place. Be warned, this place gets crazy busy during peak hours can line ups are long. Don't complain, cause your eating at one of the best places in Vancouver's food scene. You'll have a great experience. Just make sure your not shy to ask for anything.

Update: November 15 2016
Went to try out their lunch and it's just as fantastic. Prices are reasonable for lunch and service is fast and friendly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone.
Apr 30, 2015
Zomato
Limecone
+4.5
My favourite izakaya in vancouver. I've been to guu several times and I have been raving about the place for decades. It really feels like japan once you enter the store and everything we order always tastes great. The only complaint I have is the fact that sometimes they forget your orders but because the food is so great, I always come back. I love their tuna tataki and kobocha croquette!
Jan 11, 2015
Zomato
Skygirl_0708
+4.5
Unbeatable, best in Vancouver!. My very fav restaurant for lunch, they have real good deals from ~$7 till 2pm, one time I complained they served me late (after 45mins I ordered), they gave me a $25 voucher to compensate and the manager sincerely apologized, very impressed with the service, I go there very often for lunch and recommended many friends to visit as well. I miss the food!
Dec 28, 2014
Zomato
Roland Arby
+4.5
Great menu and environment. I really enjoyed this restaurant. The staff and chefs are enthusiastic and passionate. I will be returning soon
Oct 06, 2014
Zomato
Luke
+4.5
Good but prefee guu izakaya in toronto. The food was pretty good at this location. Although the service wasn't as loud and energetic as my first guu in toronto. but the service was good.
Oct 05, 2014
Zomato
FraserValleyFoodSpy
+4.5
Welcomed by the staff on arrival and we sat at the bar. Had beers, ordered 6 dishes to share. Fun to watch our food being prepared and see other plates. The staff worked hard and pumped out the food all the while interacting with each other and customers. The food was great. We will be back next time we are in town. Great start to our night.
Sep 29, 2014
Zomato
D
+4.5
Simple excellence!! Service atmosphere and food were all superb! Chefs and servers are loud and prompt and the kimchi soup and seared tuna will invite me back for another taste!! Great work to the staff at Guu! Thanx for a fantastic meal
Sep 28, 2014
Zomato
Asquared
+4.5
Lunch specials most under $8 - big portions, good quality and most times quick service. Fills up fast during the 1140-140 time frame.
Sep 25, 2014
Zomato
Harryslapper99
+4.5
Tasty. Great atmosphere and happy staff. Food was delicious and came quick.
Jul 10, 2014
Zomato
Adl99
+4.5
This place you won't see just walking down the street. The location is cool because you feel like you're at a rooftop party. The variety of food and quality is what makes this place what it is. If you think Japanese food is just about Teriyaki chicken you definitely need to go open your eyes and taste buds at Guu
Jun 14, 2014
Zomato
Michael Howard
+4.5
Waited 35 minutes on Friday night. Worth it. A cultural experience. Spicy calamari done just right, ahi tuna steak and salted mackerel were excellent. Crowded, noisy, fun, and loved watching the chef. Did their best to accommodate gluten free wife.
May 25, 2014
Zomato
Chippy
+4.5
Awesome food. I love this place. Food is always great. The only downside is that there is a long wait since there is only one chef.
May 19, 2014
Zomato
Lindsay
+4.5
The food here is so yummy! And I absolute love the atmosphere it's so fun and uplifting definitely a place to be if you're feeling down or just want to eat and enjoy!
May 01, 2014
Zomato
Bob And Kittie
+4.5
Loved the salmon salad. Lov.... Loved the salmon salad.
Loved the okonomiyaki.
Loved the Pumpkin ball with egg centre and pumpkin skin chips on garnish.
Loved the lotus chips.
Loved the tuna tataki.
Loved the beef udon. Beef was done a little bit too dry.
Loved the taste of guu'ed chicken wings. They were however way too oily on the appearance.
The only dish was disappointing was the grilled squid legs, just too chewy.
Dec 06, 2013
Zomato
Highburycatherine
+4.5
Great Izakaya and Very Fair Price. I first visited this izakaya when I was in high school. I recently went back and was delighted to find out that many things hadn't changed. Boiled egg in pumpkin tastes like heaven, amazing how simple ingredients can have a complex flavor to them. Wasabi octopus goes great with drinks. Their drinks are cheap but have too much ice in them, I might have just been too picky.
Nov 22, 2013
Zomato
Cheese Me Please
+4.5
Carb-alicious!. Every now and then my friends and I will get together, stand in front for what feels like hours, just so we can order egg croquets and the yaki udon.

Its basically the best combination of carbs that you will ever eat in your life!
Nov 11, 2013
Zomato
Ria
+4.5
My number 1 favourite restaurant in Vancouver! I come here whenever I can. They have a very friendly atmosphere, great food, and good service. This place is so good and popular so it can have a looong waiting list during friday&saturday dinner time. This restaurant have a very friendly and LOUD atmosphere, so if ur looking for a quiet and intimate time...this is not the place for you.
Aug 27, 2013
Zomato
Ani
+4.5
Love it! Love all the Japanese tapa places. Authentic food and great hangout spot with friends. Servers are very polite and attentive and awesome!
Aug 16, 2013
Zomato
Mr. Smith
+4.5
Great food, but sharing a table sucks. Great food. Had the pan-seared tuna. Fantastic.
However, had to share a table with four other diners we didn't know and they were not very pleasant. Need a bigger place for sure.
Jul 02, 2013
Zomato
Jane
+4.5
Yummy yummy yummy. It's a small cramped space but the food here is (I think) pretty authentic and definitely delicious. The price isn't shabby either and I will definitely come back. I love trying all of the different dishes!
May 01, 2013
Zomato
Zipper
+4.5
What a great hidden gem Guu is. Seared Mackerel is mind blowing for lunch with their Guuuud beer. In the evening the meat sushi was spectacular, also with Guuuud beer. The atmosphere is great and energizing. They great you loudly when you walk in the door and say goodbye and thank you just as energetically when you leave. I recommend sitting at the kitchen bar to get the full experience at this location.
Mar 12, 2013
Zomato
Jin Heo
+4.5
Masasan!. I love you masasan!!
thank you all the time ;)
Mar 12, 2013
Zomato
Ellen L.
+4.5
Very good.... This place is small but the food is fabulous. i love crispy food so that is why i come here a lot. Here is my favorite from their restaurant. I love the crispy shrimps. The crispy shrimps are HUGE but very crunchy on the outside of it. I also like the soba. With seaweed it taste better. Always eat it with the seaweed! The washrooms there are clean. For each washroom, only one person can go in there. it is small but BEAUTIFUL. The people that work there are really nice. When you go into the restaurant, they will greet. I understand them a little because i speak a little japanese. They have many food for you to eat. The more you eat here, the more the place will be your favorite restaurant. Always try the new food that they have. Every single thing they have in their menu, you will like all of them. I recommend this place for japanese people. For western people, maybe you will like it. This place is mostly for japanese.
Feb 18, 2013
Zomato
Izzy
+4.5
LOVE LOVE LOVE!. This place is so fab.
i'm pretty sure it is original japanese food, which is hard to come by in vancouver, considering most of their japanese is "sushi".
this place has the most fantastic hot plates!
sashimi salad.
that's all i will say.
Feb 08, 2013
Zomato
Foodielover
+4.5
Tasty. The Chicken Karaage is to die for! Short ribs were also nice. Beware to those who don't eat seafood - not many options.

The food is served in small proportions and its a bit pricy. And the interior of this location leaves a lot to be desired.

However, very friendly service.
Jan 13, 2013
Zomato
Hyufer
+4.5
Love.. So every time I go to downtown I look for an excuse to eat dinner here. It's insanely crowded pretty much every night so you gotta go super early :(
Other than that, despite the overwhelming rush of customers, the service and food is always awesome! Especially..well, about 95% of the menu.
Dec 13, 2012
Zomato
604Foodie
+4.5
So guuuuud. I absolutely luv this rustic, traditional japanese tapas eatery. especially with it being the original guu of all guu's. as with all guu's, expect a wait before getting seated. a fave there are the bacon wrapped scallops on skewers. mmMMMmmmmmm.
Aug 14, 2012
Zomato
Hs7373
+4.5
Delicious clam bowl! Great price for a yummy lunch.
Jul 12, 2012
Zomato
SteamedBao
+4.5
Walking into an izakaya is always a great experience. This one is no different. Great atmosphere, great service (though the servers might not speak fluent English, but that doesn't hinder their service). Of course, we had to try Ramune cocktails and their Guuu'd Ale. For the cocktails, snow white and aloha mojito were among our favorites. The ale is on the more bitter side, but still a great drink. For food, we indulged in some beef tataki, tuna tataki and king salmon sashimi. All were nicely presented and tasted fresh. The Yaki udon definitely has enough flavor to it (the extra flavor that you can taste when enough "fire" is used). The okonomiyaki had a crunchy outside with a soft inside. Yums. Guu would be a great place to hang out, snack, and drink.
Jul 12, 2012
Zomato
Frank B
+4.5
Good food and great atmosphere. Love the takoyaki and the yelling!!! would recommend to friends.
May 11, 2012
Zomato
Martin A Faim
+4.5
If you have to wait a few minutes please do, it is worth it. I ordered from the special menu. Sea urchin sashimi, shrimp sashimi (so delicate), fried maquerel and grilled calamari with a large bottle of Guu beer.....perfect exotic diner. Look around you and feel like in Japan.
May 10, 2012
Zomato
Boourns
+4.5
THE original izakaya in Van!. Been around for years and never disappoints. Atmosphere is welcoming and the aromas from the kitchen make you want to order everything on the menu. Gone on several occassions and particularly liked the pumpkin croquette, noodles, braised cod and sashimi. Service is also friendly and most importantly, prices are cheap even though food is great quality!
Apr 10, 2012
Zomato
Jeremy Ward
+4.5
The Gin Dara is to die for! I have never tasted such amazing fish! Nice and sweet.
Dec 20, 2011
Zomato
Food_Tourist
+4.5
Good food Good Service. I love the food and service there. The environment is great and staff are friendly. Most importantly, the food there are rare and won't be able to find a similar taste Izakaya in Downtown.
Dec 01, 2011
Zomato
Ramin
+4.5
Yummy. The best restaurant everrrrrrrrrrrrr
Nov 26, 2011
Zomato
Rlu81
+4.5
I WANT MORE!. Visited friends and family in Vancouver. Went here for lunch after a long walk around downtown Van City. Way better japanese food compared to Edmonton. But being in Edmonton for a long time I thought Japanese food there was good untill i tried Guu. I would love to go here again if i was ever in Vancouver again. Love it!
Oct 28, 2011
Zomato
Herb
+4.5
That meal was a party. What a rocking little place. I just picked items off the specials. The place was cramped and rocking. I loved it but it might not be for everyone.
Aug 10, 2011
Zomato
KingstonBWB
+4.5
A MUST to try while in Vancouver. It was the most wonderful evening of sensual pleasures -- smells, sights, sounds, tastes (out of this world) -- an experience par excellence!
Aug 01, 2011
Zomato
EatLover
+4.5
The food was soooo GOOD!!!. The service was excellent, but the food came a bit slow...
May 23, 2011
Zomato
Scotty
+4.5
Fresh oysters at $1.25 per shell, better quality than restaurants selling them at more than double the price. Everything else was fantastic too. About as good as it gets for Izakaya. Two of us were had a couple rounds of sake and all the food we could eat and still came out under $60 bucks.
May 20, 2011
Zomato
Tofu Ly
+4.5
Great place!. Guu rocks! The food is delicious (the smoky flavour in their fried udon is so addictive!) and getting drunk at this place is very easy when you're with friends...
I have a low threshold for noise tolerance, but for some reason at Guu...I like it, I feel like I'm somewhere else - it always feels a bit weird when I step out of the restaurant.
Will be going back soon! Happy eating!
May 02, 2011
Zomato
MarkSF
+4.5
Guu Guu Kachoo. Throw darts, roll dice, actually know the menu and order what you want - it doesn't really matter. The food is going to be excellent. The atmosphere is going to be cramped, festive, and fun.

Yes, you are going to have to wait. Get over it already. Some things are worth the wait. Once you get seated, and the yummy tidbits of food start rolling in, you will forget about the wait.

Just a few favorties:
Taiko Wasabi (a little eight tentacled yumminess)
Hotato Butter (yeah scallops)
Ebi Mayo (Throw another shrimp in the fryer - mate)
Karubi (Some Guu Guu Moo Moo)
Apr 28, 2011
Zomato
Joey Boayes
+4.5
One of the best in Japanese tapas in Vancouver. A favourite I usually take out-of-town guests to try out. Loud, cramped, but with creative and tasty dishes, Guu really is that good!

Favourites are: yaki udon noodles, ebi mayo shrimp, pumpkin croquette, kimchi rice
Feb 18, 2011
Zomato
Articuno
+4.5
Good food but about the same as other branches. Although the food was above average among the japanese food in Vancouver, I wasn't really impressed by their food. Their gyutan (beef tongue) were like cardboard and were really difficult to bite. Other food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, beef sashimi were about the same as other branches. But I was impressed by Snow White, one of their drinks. It's basically Soho mixed with lemonade and ramune. However, since food quality was a bit lower than Guu with Garlic, I would just go back to that store for the next I want some Guu'd food...
Jan 16, 2011
Zomato
Rac
+4.5
Love!. Last time my friend and i went to Guu for dinner. i have to say, it was a reaaaaally nice dinner! even my friend who doesn't love japanese cuisine, enjoyed so much.
my favourite dishes are pumpkin balls, takoyaki and ebi furai.
the sauce of pumpkin ball is perfect!!^0^
i even call the waitress to give me some more>_
Dec 01, 2010
Zomato
Kevin McGrew
+4.5
This is my first time to Guu! I loved it...I haven't been to a Japanese Tapas restaurant before but everything looks delicious. I am doing the Yakitori (Chicken Bowl) this time. Dying to try the Sanma which is fried mackerel...looks Yummi! Very authentic Japanese feeling but that's what I like about it. Prices are under $10 for pretty much any plate here. This looks like my new favorite place for lunch.
Aug 24, 2010
Zomato
Millie
+4.5
Yum!. Been going there for years and still loving it! They got a pretty awesome lunch menu too.
Aug 23, 2010
Zomato
Rachie
+4.5
YUM!. I've been to all the Guu restaurants and this is definitely my favourite location. Lunch and dinner are very different experiences and I don't I'll be back too often for lunch. Dinner menu offers way more interesting dishes and the staff and dinner crowd add so much to atmosphere. Great place for a night out to go for drinks and dinner with friends.
Jul 30, 2010
Zomato
T.a.
+4.5
Deep fried guudness. Tasty, great prices, quick service, good energy. Vegetarians go elsewhere, though.
Apr 11, 2010
Zomato
Tae Woo Kim
+4.5
The reason... I go to downtown sometimes for the fine & unique Japanese dish here. There should be more REAL Japanese restaurant like Guu in lower mainland, no more just sushi bar.
Mar 20, 2010
5
Ricard CT
+5
Excellent Japanese restaurant! We found it looking for late dinner and we did the best choice! Service was really kind with us, top! Food was really good and price is reasonable. We will be 4 days in the city but probably we will come back! 100% recommendable!
4
Calvin Cheng
+4
Solid izakaya in downtown Vancouver, in keeping with the Guu brand. I visited here at the end of December, and had a fairly decent experience. Unfortunately, the heat was not working that night, so much of restaurant was uncomfortably cold, even with multiple layers on. The food itself was solid, although unfortunately a number of our food selections were sold out by the time we ordered. The food that we did get, however, was definitely very good. Overall given the choice I would probably choose the Guu with Garlic location over this, but this location is certainly not a bad choice if you're in the area either.
5
Henry Chen
+5
Really packed space and always lots of customers. Good value for your money as it’s quite cheap and has good portion. I feel like this restaurant gives me Asian street food kind of vibes, you know, the noise, the grease, the mess, the yummy food, the smoke from open kitchen; it was a good dining experience. My 2 y/o daughter enjoyed it very much as the servers were very nice to her.
5
Alex Tavares
+5
Fantastic place to eat, would definitely go back and highly recommend. Food quality - Amazing Service quality - Amazing Presentation - Great Restaurant cleanliness - Clean Washroom - Yes, separate men’s and women’s washroom, kind of dirty. Accessibility - No
5
Jean-Philippe Lessard
+5
Visiting from Montreal and wanted to try an authentic Japanese pub. This place was above and beyond my expectations. Sat at the bar and watched the friendly cook make excellent food all night. We tried the sashimi plate, the udon noodles with beef and the Korean fried chicken. All very fresh and tasty. The service was impeccable.
4
Azi Jahan
+4
Great taste and food. Great staff that are taking care of your order and table. Pumpkin ball they have, was amazing and unique 👌🏻 I got an oil smell after leaving the restaurant which is almost common in open kitchen restaurants. A little tight in a covid situation otherwise you will enjoy everything.
5
JonnyBeoulve
+5
What a truly exceptional experience. There are a multitude of authentic dishes here, my favorite being the udon and beef tataki. I additionally enjoyed the taiyaki pancake dessert. All the inside is standard fare that may remind you of genuine Japanese diners, it was the service that made this it truly special experience. All the staff welcome and say bye as customers head in and out of Guu, which is unlike anything I've seen before.
4
Kelly W
+4
Nice izakaya in the centre of the city. Service was friendly and fast and the food was good and cheap. Would definitely recommend the curry rice gratin I’ve never seen a dish like that anywhere else. Our mains were light on protein but we ordered lots so was all good. The fried takoyaki were awesome and tasted like something you’d grab on the street in Japan. The space is small so when the door opens it’ll make anyone sitting nearby chilly but that’s life in the winter, definitely still worth a visit! Grateful they let my friend and I catch up without rushing us. Thank you!!
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