Toronto has tortillerias, tratorias, tavernas and tapas. And now, an authentic izakaya finally joins the mix.

Izakayas are Japanese watering holes where the after-work crowd goes to nibble on small bites and knock-back sake before heading home to dinner. Guu Izakaya is the first Toronto outpost of the popular Vancouver-based group of restaurants.

It’s loud and lively and bursting with character. Cozy up at one of the four communal tables and dig into kakimayo (giant oysters with garlic mayo, spinach and cheese, $6.80), gindara (miso-flavoured cod, $9.50), and okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancakes, $6.50). Wash it all down with a mug of Sapporo.

Lineups are snaking out the door, so we suggest bringing a bag of turtle shell senbei for the wait.

Guu Izakaya, 398 Church St, Toronto, 416-977-0999, www.guu-izakaya.com