A business lunch for 48 shekels? Guido takes us on a nostalgic trip
In a world where even a simple falafel costs nearly 30 shekels, the pasta restaurant Guido in Tel Aviv offers business lunches at prices that seem impossible. For less than 60 shekels, diners get a full appetizer, a huge plate of pasta, and a drink.
Do you remember when business lunches were designed for people who needed a quick, affordable meal in the middle of a workday? Today, that concept has been eroded by the rising cost of living. Restaurateurs cite staff shortages and sky-high expenses as reasons why affordable lunches have become a rarity. Even at hummus joints, a business lunch often nears 50 shekels. However, Asaf Shami, owner of the pasta restaurant Guido, seems to be the last "righteous man" in Tel Aviv, serving excellent business lunches for 53–57 shekels.
A touch of nostalgia
From Sunday to Thursday, between 12:00 and 18:00, Guido offers a lunch menu where ordering a pasta or main dish includes an appetizer and a drink. The selection of appetizers is impressive: from a daily rotating soup to a Caesar salad or garlic bread. There are 10 pasta dishes to choose from, six of which cost under 60 shekels, with one priced at just 48 shekels. As an added bonus, house wine is priced at 19 shekels per glass or 59 per bottle.
The quality of the food is a pleasant surprise. The ziti in tomato sauce with mozzarella and parmesan (53 shekels) was hearty and delicious, just like a home-cooked meal. The spaghetti with eggplant, tomatoes, and basil (57 shekels) was equally impressive in both portion size and richness—they don't skimp on ingredients here. Even the "small" Caesar salad was substantial, and the lentil soup was thick and flavorful.
While you won't find trendy gastronomic fads or meat-heavy dishes, finding a lunch at this price point today is a challenge. When the cost of parking in the area exceeds the price of the meal, Asaf Shami’s efforts deserve a round of applause. Guido lacks elaborate design, but it carries a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of the legendary HaShdera restaurant that, 20 years ago, revolutionized the scene with dishes priced between 15 and 30 shekels.
34 Ben Gurion Blvd, Tel Aviv. Not kosher.
