my favorite of the Guu's is Guu with Garlic on Robson . For izakaya, Guu Robson and Kingyo (on Denman) are at the top of my list. Favorites are the daikon salad, salmon carpaccio, pumpkin balls, and kim chi.
The other Guus (838 Thurlow and 375 Water Street) are great. At the Guu in Gastown, the spinach gomae is unbelievable.
Rodney's Oyster House
Two locations - Yaletown and Gastown.
(1228 Hamilton Street, between Davie & Drake St.) is a lively restaurant; my favorite place to sit at the bar and drink beer and eat oysters. Other great seafood plates too.