Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – Grill, Chill, and S’Mores
If you’ve read our Honolulu Coffee review, you’ll know exactly where we’re headed next — just a few steps away at 888 Nelson Street. After grabbing a morning latte or one of those pretty mochi donuts there, we decided to come back in the evening for some sizzling Japanese BBQ at Gyu-Kaku. Two tasty spots, side by side — perfect for a downtown food crawl.
Other Barbeque Restaurant
- Dolpan Seoul BBQ (4.5 Stars)
- Kook Korean BBQ (4 Stars)
- Happy Tree House BBQ (3.5 Stars)
Exterior
Located below an office building plaza, Gyu-Kaku doesn’t stand out much from the outside, but once you step in, the warm glow from the grill fires immediately draws you in. You can usually spot groups of friends laughing over sizzling meat, or families like mine getting ready for a cozy dinner.
Interior / Atmosphere
The interior is modern yet cozy, with wooden booths, dark tables, and warm lighting that gives it that intimate Japanese izakaya vibe. The wall mural — featuring a striking red Mount Fuji with Japanese characters — really adds to the atmosphere. It’s bright, bold, and unmistakably Japanese.
Each table comes with a charcoal grill in the center, a pair of tongs, and a handy cooking time chart showing exactly how long to cook each type of meat. It’s especially great if you’re new to Japanese BBQ — no more guessing whether your beef is undercooked or overdone!
Food
The meat quality here is excellent. We ordered a few different cuts — from marinated short ribs to thinly sliced beef — and every piece came well-trimmed and fresh. The portions might look a bit small at first glance, but they’re perfect once you start mixing and matching different dishes.
The flavor really comes alive once you start grilling. You can adjust the char to your liking, and the dipping sauces on the side add that final touch of umami. This time, I got to do the cooking for my wife — a rare chance for her to just sit back and enjoy the meal while I handled the grill.
They also have a kids’ menu with cooked protein, rice, and edamame — simple but perfect for little ones. And of course, the S’More dessert is always my kid’s favorite. Sometimes he insists we come here just for that gooey, toasted marshmallow goodness.
Service
Service was top-notch. Our server was incredibly observant — she changed our grill three times without us even asking. That kind of attentiveness is rare and really adds to the experience. Drinks and sides came quickly, and even during busy hours, the staff stayed friendly and on top of things.
Pro tip: visit during happy hour. Prices drop noticeably, and you can get great deals on meat platters, appetizers, and drinks. The value during happy hour makes it one of the best Japanese BBQ spots in downtown Vancouver.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a fun, interactive dining experience with quality meats and excellent service, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is hard to beat. It’s perfect for date nights, small family dinners, or a casual night out with friends. Just be ready to hunt for parking — and save room for the S’More at the end.
It’s also next door to Honolulu Coffee, so you can grab a latte or pastry after your meal for the perfect finish.
604 Food Critics Summary:
🔥 High-quality meats, friendly service, and a fun, hands-on BBQ experience.
💡 Happy hour offers great value.
🍫 Don’t skip the S’More — it’s a kid magnet.
📍 888 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC (next to Honolulu Coffee)
