Erth Restaurant Review: A gastronomical gamechanger for Emirati cuisine

The MICHELIN-starred restaurant puts local flavours on the culinary map.

The UAE is a melting pot of different cuisines and cultures. Despite this, local restaurants are few and far between. Erth Restaurant in Abu Dhabi is a gastronomical gamechanger. Not only does it put the country’s cuisine on the map, but it was the world’s first Emirati restaurant to be awarded a MICHELIN Star. 

Located in Qasr Al Hosn, Erth Restaurant prides itself on showcasing Emirati hospitality. The site is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. And, in keeping with the local philosophy, the interior design has been created by the Dubai-based company, Bone.

When you enter, it feels like you’ve arrived in a chic yet contemporary majlis. The space includes different levels, sunken seats, and raised floors. Features include patterned carpets, flowing drapes, and soft, subtle tones spanning browns to beige.

Erth Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The main menu is divided up by the categories: just for you, start, share, indulge and end. Plus, the ingredients are sourced locally from farms in Al Ain, Hatta and across the Emirates. 

On our recent visit, Erth Restaurant welcomed a mix of locals and tourists. We were seated by the floor-to-ceiling windows and could admire the neighbouring historic fort. The menu comes alive on a digital tablet and includes pictures of all of the dishes.

The starters range from Beetroot and Chami Salad to Chickpea Puree. We started with The Healthiest Salad on Erth. The colourful concoction included avocado, grapefruit, kale leaves and pomelo, and was full of fresh flavours. 

The mains offer a modern twist on classics, from the Braised Lamb Machboos with teriyaki sauce to the Farid-inspired Ravioli Fusion. The Emirati Ghee Chicken Salona wouldn’t look out of place in an old Indian curry house in the United Kingdom and comes with a rich, creamy sauce. Moreish and marvellous, it is served with a cheese naan. 

The desserts combine fun with finesse, from the Liwa Date Sphere Batheeta with pop rock chocolate soil to the Emirati Style French Toast with sidr honey and saffron. The Chocolate Fondant was served with beetroot ice cream. While it hit our sweet spot, it felt like a universal classic rather than a local creation.   

Erth Restaurant oozes a quiet confidence. Critics of the UAE might think of a local restaurant as a bling-fest with caviar, gold and truffle on the menu. Instead, this is elegantly understated with an effortless charm.

The staff offered swift service. While they were knowledgeable about the popular dishes, we would have preferred more storytelling that shared their history.  Despite this, the concept should be praised for standing out from the restaurant crowd and creating a dining experience with a difference. 

Habibi, come to Erth Restaurant. 

GO: Visit https://erthrestaurant.ae for more information.