Erth

Erth is the place to go in Abu Dhabi for modern Emirati cooking at fine-dining level. It holds one Michelin star in the 2026 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi, and it sits within the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site in the heart of downtown, so a meal here connects naturally with the history of the city's oldest quarter.

The building makes a bold first impression, and inside the look is contemporary rather than folkloric: polished concrete, furniture made for the space and a modern take on the majlis, the traditional Emirati sitting room. The result feels rooted in local culture without being a theme restaurant, and it works as well for a business lunch as for a special dinner.

The cooking follows the same idea. The flavours, cookware and many of the ingredients come from the UAE, with produce sourced from farms across the Emirates, but the techniques and presentation are modern. A good example is the kitchen's version of lamb machboos, the spiced rice dish that is a staple of Emirati home cooking: here the lamb is slow-cooked in a sweet and savoury teriyaki-style sauce and served with fragrant rice. For dessert, the Michelin inspectors point to the batheeta made with Liwa dates, a dish built on one of the country's best-known ingredients. If you are new to Emirati food, ask the staff to guide you through the menu.

Erth suits curious diners, couples marking an occasion and visitors who want to taste the local kitchen at its most refined. It is also a good choice for groups with mixed tastes, as the menu leans on familiar ingredients such as lamb, rice, seafood and dates. No alcohol is served, which is in keeping with its setting. Book ahead, particularly for dinner and at weekends, by contacting the restaurant directly.

The restaurant is in the Al Hosn area, with parking at the site, so arriving by taxi or car is easy. It pairs perfectly with a visit to Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans in the afternoon, followed by an early dinner. Smart casual dress fits the setting. Prices are at the upper end for the city, so treat it as a planned occasion rather than a casual stop.