Celebrating the UAE’s culinary prowess, the 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide in Abu Dhabi was just unveiled. Three restaurants retained their one-star status: 99 Sushi, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida. Joining them is Erth which earned a star becoming the first Emirati restaurant to win the most coveted accolade in the culinary world. In honor of Abu Dhabi’s culinary excellence, let’s get to learn more about each restaurant.
Erth
The Emirati eatery brings a taste of UAE to its diners by locally sourcing all its ingredients from farms across the Emirates. Getting a taste for Emirati cuisine at Erth means indulging in their Emirati spiced hasselback potatoes or their own rendition of Margooga served with ravioli. Erth truly stands out by taking typical Emirati dishes but serving them with an international twist.
99 Sushi Bar
With global branches, the Spanish-owned 99 Sushi bar has truly made its mark as the ultimate Japanese eatery. Its Abu Dhabi branch is no exception, especially knowing that its Spanish owners import most of the menu’s seafood from their native country. Based on its name, it specializes in sushi, mainly served warm after being torched. Some of its signature items include its Alaskan king crab Gunkan and lobster maki.
Hakkasan
Founded in 2001, rooted in tradition, the Chinese restaurant Hakkasan with a worldwide presence serves dishes inspired by ancient Cantonese recipes with contemporary influences. Dining at Hakkasan means indulging in Jasmine tea smoked Wagyu beef ribs and premium dim sum.
Talea by Antonio Guida
Celebrating “Cucina di Famiglia” or family-style cuisine is Talea, 2-star Michelin chef Antonio Guida’s restaurant that re-interprets classic dishes adored by households across Italy. Its menu exemplifies excellence from its delectable ravioli to its vitello tonnato, a summer dish of chilled veal in tuna-caper sauce.
Today, with the addition of Erth, there are now four Michelin-starred restaurants in Abu Dhabi reflecting the city’s culinary excellence. Now, the city is looking to claim Michelin’s top honor of earning three stars.
