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: 4.7

4.7 (374)

CAN$30 and under

Japanese

838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Lively
Healthy
Neighborhood gem

*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.

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

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver

What 374 people are saying

Guu Original Thurlow reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Guu Original Thurlow offers a "unique and tasty" dining experience with "fresh food" and "great atmosphere." The staff is "friendly and welcoming," enhancing the "authentic cultural experience." While some dishes might take longer to arrive, the "fantastic service" and "delicious food" generally make up for any delays.

374 Reviews

P
Paul VIP
Vancouver / British Columbia13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is the original Guu, that was called Raku even before that, back in the 90s. I like all the Guu restaurants, but this one has the most authentic feel. Not greta for big groups, go to Toramasa Guu for that. I love chicken karaage, and this location makes the best off all the Guus! When you eat at Original Guu you will feel like you are in Japan!
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
Vancouver / British Columbia4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I always love eating at Guu! The food is fresh , unique, and tasty...and the staff have great energy, always making me feeling welcome.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
Vancouver / British Columbia1 review
3.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice restaurant but took a very long time to receive my food whereas my partner got his right away and was done for quite some time before a server came around to check in and I had said I hadn’t received my food yet. We ended up leaving and I ate somewhere else.
Is this helpful?
R
RAFFAELE
Vancouver / British Columbia2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
If you need a place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a tasty meal with a great vibe, this is one of Vancouver’s best spots. The staff is friendly and welcoming—just order from their ousume menu, sip a fresh beer, and let the atmosphere fill your soul.
Is this helpful?
J
Jack
Vancouver / British Columbia1 review
5.0
Dined on May 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, great atmosphere, nice dishes! Came for birthday dinner, everything went well!
Is this helpful?
M
Maria
Dallas - Fort Worth6 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great variety Happy place Yummy food We really enjoyed our meal
Is this helpful?
J
Julia
Vancouver / British Columbia3 reviews
3.0
Dined on April 21, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Have emailed Direct review to restaurant. Food was great.
Is this helpful?
M
Madi
Vancouver / British Columbia1 review
5.0
Dined on April 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this place! Food is outstanding, service is friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere. Definitely an authentic cultural experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Shauna
Vancouver / British Columbia35 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fantastic service and delicious food! The kimchi rice is so good, full of flavour and just the right amount of spice. I reserved a window spot and we got sat at the bar by a big party that was really loud. But the excellent service and food made up for it.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver / British Columbia1 review
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good food , have to reserve seat a bit earlier Incase
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Guu Original Thurlow is rated 4.7 stars by 374 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

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

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

About this restaurant

Additional information

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver

Menu

What 374 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

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

Additional information

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Vancouver