Toronto · Izakaya · a la carte
Guu Izakaya Toronto
Authentic Japanese izakayaVancouver-founded izakayasake houseJapanese pub foodcasual sharing platesUberEats available
Toronto's only outpost of Vancouver's legendary Guu Izakaya, founded by Japanese entrepreneur Yoshinori Kitahara and helmed by Yokohama-born chef Masaru Ogasawara. Expect authentic Japanese pub fare, an extensive sake list, and an energetic communal atmosphere.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Parkdale
- Since
- 2016
- Chef
- Masaru Ogasawara
- Owner
- Yoshinori Kitahara
Plate № 27
About
Guu Izakaya was born in Vancouver by Japanese founder Yoshinori Kitahara and became one of Canada's most celebrated izakaya chains for its genuinely Japanese recipes and atmosphere. The Toronto Parkdale location opened in 2016 and is the city's only Guu — a badge locals wear proudly. Chef Masaru Ogasawara, who grew up in Yokohama, oversees a menu of original izakaya classics: grilled skewers, house-made tofu, fresh sashimi, and rotating daily specials. Nightly specials and seasonal ingredients keep regulars returning, while the sake cocktail program rivals any bar in the city. Guu Toronto has established itself as a Parkdale community staple, closing only on Mondays.
Neighborhood & visiting
Guu Izakaya Toronto sits in Parkdale, one of Toronto's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Founded by Japanese entrepreneur Yoshinori Kitahara with Yokohama-born chef Masaru Ogasawara in the kitchen
- Toronto's only location of one of Canada's most authentic and celebrated izakaya chains
- Lively communal atmosphere with an extensive Japanese sake and shochu selection
- Rotating daily specials using fresh seasonal ingredients in the true izakaya tradition
More authentic izakaya in Toronto
See all →
Other authentic cuisines in Toronto
See all →
Authentic izakaya in other cities
See all →
Frequently asked
About Guu Izakaya Toronto
- Is Guu Izakaya Toronto an authentic authentic japanese izakaya restaurant in Toronto?
- Yes — Guu Izakaya Toronto is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for authentic japanese izakaya in Toronto: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Guu Izakaya Toronto located?
- Guu Izakaya Toronto is located at 1314 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4, Toronto, Canada in the Parkdale neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Guu Izakaya Toronto?
- Guu Izakaya Toronto accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Guu Izakaya Toronto?
- Guu Izakaya Toronto sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for authentic japanese izakaya of this format in Toronto.
Keep exploring