Guu Izakaya

For Valentine's Day, I decided to take my wife to a popular Japanese restaurant over at Guu Izakaya located in the heart of downtown Toronto.  This popular place is located beside Ryerson campus and is frequented by many of its students who attend school there.  We got there early on this special day but as one can see it was packed already when we got there.

Takowasabi - Marianted Octopus

Amber Jack and Lobster Sashimi

Hotate Carpaccio - Scallop Sashimi

There was their regular menu and there was a Valentine's Day menu so we decided to order a little bit from each menu.  Included in tonight's orders was an order of Takowasabi, Maguro Tataki, Salmon Calpaccio, Lobster Sashimi, Kanpachi, Gyu Tongue, Hotate Carpaccio, Ton Toro, Blackrod Hot Pot and Kurogroma Tempura.  To top it all off we also ordered a Guu Sake to go with the meal.

Maguro Tataki -Seared BC Tuna

Salmon Calpaccio

The portions were slightly small however quality replaces quantity.  We surveyed the room and the biggest dish they had I think was the hot pot rice.  There really is no need to go through each dish as every single dish was amazing.  Appearance wise for each dish was a ten out of ten.  They had about six guys working in the kitchen and about 6 servers on the outside.  The food arrives very quickly however I think the kitchen keeps an eye on your table so that you are not bombarded but that it comes just as you finish the last one. You can watch them make your dinner while you are sitting up at the bar. 

Ton Toro - aka Pan Fried Pork Cheek

Blackrod Hot Pot

My favorite one had to be the amber jack and lobster sashimi.  They somehow are able to sear the outside part of the lobster just enough so that it is slightly cooked out on the outside and raw on the inside. None of the freshness and the true taste of the lobster is lost. The addition of the amber jack sashimi which is a special fish was also a great addition with the lobster sashimi.  The Hotate Carpaccio was also a close second as the scallop sashimi was very sweet and tasty.  The dressing that they used complimented the scallops very well.  The salmon was a little fatty in the salmon calpaccio and it still had a tiny bit of the ocean bitterness to it.  Still it was very good and it certainly should not deter anyone from ordering it.

Gyu Tongue - aka Beef Tongue

Kurogroma Tempura

Overall I have no complaints whatsoever with this place.  There is a paid parking lot directly across the street.  The staff was very nice as were the chefs.  There is a lot of yelling and screaming but that's their way of keeping you entertained and they WILL greet you as you arrive and as you leave.  Many students from the downtown area will know this is a great establishment.  I saw many of them that night as I am sure it is a hot spot to be even when it is not Valentine's Day.  I think everyone should give it a shot at least once if you haven't done so yet.  Total was just a tad over $100 tax and tip included. I give this place a 5 out of 5.

Guu Izakaya
398 Church Street
Toronto Ontario

416-977-0999