Guu is great. It's loud, it's fun, and for $30/person you can drink and be satisfied. There are many reviews so I will try to provide helpful tips:
- They take reservations online, and I'd make sure you do that regardless of the day as waiting times for walk-ins can be over an hour on any given night.
- I would highly suggest sitting at the bar if you're going as a couple, watching the cooks prepare food and the interaction with them is a lot more fun than the tables. (It is also easier to lean in and talk vs. yelling across a table)
- Speaking as someone who only ever orders the house sake, Guu's is way above par in taste at the price point ($20 for 300ml).
- The seating is uncomfortable with wooden stools and benches, plus there is not much leg room if you happen to be above average in height.
- Just to reiterate: IT'S LOUD. Your ears will hurt.
For the dishes, most of it is really good. I loved the seared tuna and salmon sashimi, the tuna tartare, octopus balls, sashimi salad, fried prawn, and of course the fried brie - all were delicious. The pork rice bowl was underwhelming, the mackerel was good but not outstanding in flavour, but the most disappointing dish I've had in my two visits was the bbq pork. The sauce was watery and flavourless, while the pork was really overcooked (super dry and chewy) and very fatty.
They are still doing the best/some of the best Izakaya in Toronto. You won't be disappointed in your experience here!