Welcome to Guu Original Thurlow
Guu Original Thurlow, located at 838 Thurlow St, Vancouver, is a vibrant izakaya offering an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, Guu serves a delightful array of dishes, from crispy karaage and fresh sashimi to flavorful donburi and unique appetizers like okonomiyaki. Diners rave about the premium garlic beef tongue and savory oden, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional flavors. With attentive service and a charmingly intimate space, Guu Original Thurlow is the perfect spot for casual meals or lively gatherings, making every visit a delicious experience.
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838 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2, Canada838 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2, Canada Hotline: +1 604-685-8817
If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Vancouver, make sure to stop by Guu Original Thurlow, a gem nestled at 838 Thurlow St, Vancouver. This izakaya-style restaurant effortlessly merges the lively atmosphere of Japanese dining with a menu that is both diverse and deeply satisfying. With a rich selection of dishes ranging from traditional appetizers to heartwarming mains, Guu has earned its reputation as a beloved locale among locals and visitors alike.
The heart of Guu's appeal lies in its authentic cuisine. The Beef Tataki stands out, featuring perfectly seared beef sashimi enhanced by garlic chips and a delightful ponzu dipping sauce, compelling you to savor every bite. At CA$10.80, this dish epitomizes the balance of flavors that Guu strives for. Another highlight is the GINKAMA, which showcases grilled black cod neck marinated in garlic soy sauce, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts at just CA$11.80.
Vegetarians and anyone looking for lighter fare can indulge in the Jellyfish, seasoned with sesame, or the perfectly cooked Edamame—great starters when paired with a drink from their extensive beverage menu. And if you’re in the mood for something filling yet comforting, the Teishoku Combo—featuring AAA BBQ beef—provides a satisfying rendezvous of flavors for CA$17.80.
What truly enhances the dining experience at Guu is its lively ambiance paired with attentive service. Regular patrons like Ethan Chang rave about the friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a casual dinner or a celebratory outing with friends. Jennifer Bee’s experience with the okonomiyaki is a testament to Guu’s ability to bring unique spins on classic dishes, ensuring that both new and seasoned diners find something to delight their palate.
The essence of Guu Original Thurlow is captured beautifully in the words of satisfied customers who often speak to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. As Michael San Felipe noted, the flavors resonate with those seeking a taste of Japan, while Arzan B appreciates the small yet charming setting that adds character to each visit.
To sum it up, Guu Original Thurlow is not merely a place to dine; it's an experience that celebrates Japanese culinary traditions. With its consistently excellent food, lively atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s no wonder this izakaya remains a cherished part of Vancouver’s dining scene. Whether you are a newcomer or a returning fan, Guu will not disappoint—every meal here is a delightful journey through authentic Japanese flavors.
Guu is one of my favourite izakayas in Vancouver! The food is consistently excellent and the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming. I highly recommend the premium garlic beef tongue - tender, flavourful, and perfectly charred. The salmon garlic yaki is another must-try, melts in your mouth with a delicious smoky finish. And don’t miss the oden, the broth is light and savoury, and the ingredients like daikon and egg are cooked to perfection. The service is friendly and attentive, even when the place is busy. Whether you’re out with friends or just looking for a casual dinner, Guu never disappoints. Highly recommended!
Great dinner at Guu Original! We ordered the okonomiyaki. It was different from the Osaka okonomiyaki I’m used to, but still good. My friend had never tried it and so had nothing to compare it to, but she enjoyed it. Garlic prawn fried rice was excellent and I would order both again.
I was here for lunch on a Monday. Love everything I ordered. The sashimi is super fresh. The beef was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The saba fish was fresh and sweet. Everything tasted so authentic and just like back in Japan. Very friendly service, reasonable price, high quality food. I'm so satisfied with my meal here. Strongly recommend.
Wow! Amazing spot! Great food and amazing amenities. Got some appetizers, 2 mains and the shrimp fried rice. Shishito peppers and the egg plant were delivered appetizers. Highly recommend. Tataki beef was delicious. It had a really good sauce that really complemented the meat. Pork intestines was *chefs kiss*. It might not be for everyone, but if you like intestines the sauce/gravy was delicious. Didn’t even need the dipping sauce it comes with. Shrimp fried rice had great flavor and tons of shrimp. Food was great but definitely surprised find a Japanese bidet in the wash room. Seat warmers. Different cleaning settings. Would definitely come back here again.
The restaurant is small and cramped but that is what adds to its charm and character. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the food is always authentic, unique and on point. I have been coming to this location for years and it is one of my favourite restaurants in the city.
Such an amazing experience. We sat at the bar before a concert and all the food was so nice and fresh, and great value for its price! I can’t wait to return to try more food items. Had to hunt down the servers a couple of times for water refill and wasabi but it was during peak dinner time so I understand :) I would say definitely sitting at the bar adds an extra layer of authenticity to the Japanese Izakaya experience- if you don’t mind walking out feeling a bit smoky and greasy!
Guu is my favourite restaurant in Vancouver. Hands down the best I have seen! Probably the only authentic Japanese food in BC. And huge cheers to their hosts for always making you feel warm!!
One of the top Izakaya in downtown! Firstly, the chicken karaage here is divine! Its always so fresh and juicy every single time! I love that they have a special menu that is changed every now and then so it keeps customers coming back for more and wanting to try out new menu items each time! Food presentation is top notch and the attention to detail is greatly appreciated! One of my favs :)