Erth Restaurant, located near Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, is known for blending Emirati heritage with modern culinary creativity. Under the leadership of Chef Debi Prasad Rath, the restaurant has earned and maintained a Michelin star since 2023, along with several design and dining awards. Its striking architecture—created by BONE Studio with contributions from regional artists—pairs raw concrete with warm traditional elements, offering guests a refined experience rooted in local culture.

Key highlights:
- First Emirati restaurant to receive a Michelin star
- Located in Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building
- Combines traditional Emirati flavors with modern cooking techniques

PROFILE

Erth Restaurant sits in the heart of Abu Dhabi. It's next to Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation. The restaurant got its first Michelin star in 2023. And kept it for 2024 and 2025 too. Chef Debi Prasad Rath leads the kitchen team. He makes food that mixes Emirati traditions with new ideas. Erth has won lots of awards. Like the FACT Award for Best Middle Eastern & North African Restaurant. And it won best restaurant in the MENA category at Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2024. The restaurant and BONE Studio got the 2022 identity Design Award for Design of the Year and Best Interior Design – Restaurant.

AMBIENCE

The place looks like an architect's dream. BONE Studio designed it. They dug out the floor to make a sunken majlis. That's a traditional Arabic seating area. The floors and walls are concrete. But they added warm touches with patterned carpets and light wood. The outdoor terrace is even prettier. It overlooks a water feature that looks amazing at sunset. The designers worked with local artists. They used materials that show off Emirati culture and values. People like Al Joud Lootah, Khalid Shafar, Zuleya,Toru, and Bahraini Danish helped make the space special. The restaurant feels both modern and connected to local traditions. It's in Qasr Al Hosn, which was built in 1761. This old palace is now a museum. It shows off stuff about UAE's history.

MUST-TRY

You gotta try the Margooga ravioli. It takes traditional Emirati soul food and stuffs it inside pasta. The Emirati spiced hasselback potatoes are amazing too. Don't skip them. For something fresh, get the "healthiest salad on Erth." It has kale, pomelo,grapefruit, avocado,and lime achar dressing. The Al Ain miso baby chicken is another winner. If you like seafood, try the torched salmon crudo with ponzu, fennel salad, and fresh hamba. For dessert, the deconstructed dates cake looks like a desert scene. It's super popular on Instagram. They also make a cool luqaimat and gahwa chocolate cake.

FOOD

The food at Erth is both nostalgic and experimental. It's authentic but evolved. The chefs use ingredients from about 90 farms across the Emirates. Places like Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Hatta. They take traditional Emirati spices and dishes and turn them into something new. The menu is divided into sections like "just for you," "start," "share," "indulge," and "end." The casuella hot pot with risotto rice, basil pesto, and black garlic is really good. Everything is beautifully presented. The food looks as good as it tastes. The flavors are rich but not overwhelming. You can taste the chef's attention to detail in every bite.

SERVICE

The staff carries forward the proud Emirati culture of hospitality. They make you feel welcome right away. Waiters are attentive without being annoying. They give you space to enjoy your meal. They know the menu well and can recommend popular dishes. Some guests wish the staff would tell more stories about the history of the dishes. But overall, the service is warm and professional. The generosity of spirit feels sincere.

PRICING

Erth Restaurant is on the pricier side. It costs about AED 215 for two people. But considering it's a Michelin-starred restaurant, the prices are fair. The quality of ingredients and the skill that goes into each dish justify the cost. They accept both cash and cards. Table booking is recommended. This place gets busy, especially for dinner.

SUMMARY

Erth Restaurant is changing how people see Emirati food. It's putting local flavors on the world map. The combination of traditional ingredients with modern techniques creates something special. The restaurant's location in Abu Dhabi's oldest building adds to its charm. The beautiful design, creative dishes, and great service make Erth worth visiting. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this place offers a unique dining experience. It's open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with breakfast on weekends from 8:00 AM.

FAQs

Is Erth Restaurant suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Erth Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly options. They also have vegan and gluten-free choices on their menu.

Do I need to make a reservation at Erth Restaurant?
Table booking is highly recommended, especially for dinner service. You can call them at +971 2 497 5831 or +971 58 600 6922 to make a reservation.

What makes Erth Restaurant special compared to other restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
Erth is the first Emirati restaurant to receive a Michelin star. It combines traditional local flavors with modern cooking techniques, and it's located in Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building, Qasr Al Hosn.