Restaurants
Izakaya Explosion
published Dec 1, 2008
Guu/Guu with Garlic/Guu with Otokomae 838 Thurlow St., West End, 604-685-8817; Guu with Garlic, 1698 Robson St., West End, 604-685-8678; Guu with Otokomae, 105-375 Water St., Gastown, 604-685-8682. Guu-izakaya.com Tasty shared plates reign supreme in these rooms teeming with hungry ESL students and thrill-seeking foodies. Like a bullet train to Tokyo, the authentic Japanese tapas come fast and furious—plunge into spicy hot pots ($6), grilled pork cheek with ponzo sauce ($4.80), and black cod with miso mayo ($6.30) that will have you calling for another bottle of sake. The best seats at all three locations are at the bar, which provides an entertaining glimpse into the frenetic kitchen.
Gyoza King 1508 Robson St., West End, 604-669-8278. The house favourite is, of course, gyoza—plump Japanese dumplings. Choose among chicken and vegetable, pork and chives, or a veggie version with spinach (about $4 for six, $7 for ten). Ramen or udon soup is popular, the nabeyaki udon tops—it’s packed with pork, egg, prawn and fish cake for $8.95. Japanese students and tourists frequent Gyoza for an authentic taste of home.
Hapa Izakaya 1479 Robson St., West End, 604-689-4272; 1516 Yew St., Kitsilano, 604-738-4272. Hapaizakaya.com Hapa blends casual Canada and young Tokyo with a soundtrack as modern and loud as the dark, super-cool room. Young, homesick ESL students and local foodies seek out and share homerun Japatapas like the negitoro (spring onions mixed with roughly chopped tuna belly). Must haves include the ika, a grilled whole squid marinated in garlic teriyaki. The drinks list is fine, and the quality of the food hasn’t wobbled since expansion.
