Guu Izakaya

What is Guu Izakaya? Occupying 1314 Queen Street West on the border of Parkdale and Roncesvalles, Guu Izakaya brings Vancouver's pioneering Japanese tavern culture to Toronto's west end. The space is intimate and mood-lit, featuring warm timber finishes, glowing paper lanterns, and bustling counter seating that overlooks the open kitchen. Guests are immediately greeted with the trademark chorus of energetic Japanese welcomes as they settle into bar stools or cozy wood tables.

Guu Izakaya Menu & What to Order The kitchen specializes in bold, shareable drinking snacks built to pair with house highballs, Nama chu-hi, and cold draught beer. Do not skip the blowtorched salmon oshizushi, the rich kakimayo (baked oysters finished with mayo and cheese), or the ultra-crispy chicken karaage served with garlic mayo. Vegetarians can build a satisfying spread around kale gomae, nasu agebitashi, and zucchini tempura, while dessert calls for the crowd-favourite Oreo tempura.

Know Before You Go Reservations are available on Resy with a standard 90-minute dining window during peak evening rushes, though solo diners and pairs can frequently score walk-in bar seating early in the night. Street parking along Queen West is scarce, so taking the 501 Queen streetcar is the smoothest route. The restaurant opens for dinner from Tuesday through Sunday starting at 6:00 p.m., staying open late on Friday and Saturday, and remains closed on Mondays.