Authentic Izakaya
in Vancouver.

Vancouver's first dedicated uni bar, Takenaka was opened by Japanese chef-owner Shogo Takenaka in Gastown. It offers a focused menu of sea urchin preparations, premium sashimi, and an intimate omakase experience for two priced at C$168.

A charming neighbourhood café-restaurant in Marpole, Cafe de L'Orangerie blends Japanese culinary sensibility with French and Italian influences under Japanese chef Yamato Takahashi, offering elegant small plates and house-made desserts.

Guu Davie, opened in February 2019, is Vancouver's first izakaya specialising in traditional Japanese hot pot — oden and shabu-shabu — alongside the full Guu izakaya menu, with a beloved patio in Davie Village.

Founded in August 2000 by Japanese owner Yoshinori Kitahara, Guu Izakaya with Garlic on Robson Street pioneered izakaya culture in Vancouver and remains the most authentic Japanese small-plate and drinking experience in the city.

The original Guu Izakaya on Thurlow Street has defined Vancouver's izakaya scene since 2003, owned by Tokyo-based Yoshinori Kitahara of Kitanoya Marketing Corp. It remains the city's most influential Japanese izakaya, famous for its extensive small-plate menu and authentic Japanese energy.

The Gastown expression of Yoshinori Kitahara's Japanese-owned Guu group, Guu Otokomae brings a contemporary twist to the classic izakaya format in one of Vancouver's most vibrant historic neighbourhoods.

Guu Toramasa, opened in 2023, is the newest addition to the Tokyo-owned Guu Izakaya group, introducing Osaka street food culture to Vancouver with a menu of takoyaki, kushikatsu, and Osaka-style small plates alongside daily lunch service.

Gyu-Kaku is an authentic Japanese yakiniku (table-grilled beef) restaurant operated by Reins International, headquartered in Minatomirai, Yokohama, Japan. At the Downtown Vancouver location, guests grill premium marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables over smokeless tabletop grills—faithful to Japan's beloved yakiniku culture.

Hapa Izakaya has defined Vancouver's izakaya scene since 2003, founded by Justin Ault after immersive training in Tokyo izakayas. The Japanese-led kitchen—most recently under chef Wataru Kakiuchi—delivers creative Tokyo-style small plates in Yaletown's stylish dining room, with the signature irasshaimase greeting on arrival.

Since 2006, Japanese owner Minoru Tamaru's Kingyo Izakaya on Denman Street has been a West End institution, offering stone-grilled Kobe beef, tan-tan noodles, and the full breadth of Japanese izakaya cuisine seven days a week.

New Fuji is the newest addition to the Tamaru Shoten Group's Vancouver portfolio, bringing retro-Japanese aesthetics and robata charcoal grilling to a lively Kitsilano izakaya. Opened in 2023, it channels nostalgic Showa-era Japan with an open robata counter and a fun, vibrant atmosphere.

Opened in December 2023 by Japanese owner Takeshi Hasegawa, Oku Izakaya earned Michelin Recommended status within its first year of operation. Located in Gastown at 2 Water Street, it serves artisanal Japanese small plates, premium sashimi, a hand-roll selection, and inventive Japanese cocktails until 1–2am.

Raisu is a polished Japanese izakaya on W 4th Ave in Kitsilano, part of the Tamaru Shoten Group helmed by owner Minoru Tamaru. It specialises in teishoku combo sets, artistic shoukado bento boxes, and an impressive sake selection of over 50 labels.

Formerly Rajio Public House, Rajio Shokudo is a beloved Point Grey izakaya from the Tamaru Shoten Group that won a loyal following with its Osaka-style kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). It relaunched as Rajio Shokudo in December 2025 under the same Japanese ownership.

Hashigo is the sake-focused izakaya concept from Vancouver's Japanese-owned Zakkushi Group, offering an intimate dining experience centred on premium sake, yakitori skewers, and classic Japanese bar snacks on Granville Street.

Suika Snack Bar is a lively Japanese izakaya on West Broadway, owned by Minoru Tamaru of the acclaimed Tamaru Shoten Group. The menu celebrates summer in Japan with bluefin tuna carpaccio, small plates, and handcrafted cocktails.

Founded in 2005 by Japanese couple Noriki and Misa Tamura who immigrated from Tokyo, Japadog is Vancouver's most iconic Japanese street food concept, applying authentic Japanese flavours — teriyaki, katsuobushi, nori, and Kurobuta pork — to the classic North American hot dog.