Foodie Corner: folly by Nick and Scott

Uninterrupted views and exciting European cuisine make this Madinat Jumeirah restaurant a must visit. 

When it comes to dinner with a view, there are very few Dubai spots that are more picturesque than folly by Nick and Scott. The multi-level European restaurant is set within a prime location in the very heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah overlooking the palm-fringed waterways where wooden abra boats sail. Head to the folly Rooftop, and you’ll likely be astounded by the views over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah and what is easily the best vantage point of the majestic sailed-shaped Burj Al Arab.

Despite gaining a reputation as THE place to go for sundowners, folly by Nick and Scott represents more than just quality mixology and impressive rooftop views. First and foremost folly is a restaurant and one that is serving up some of the most exquisite and thoughtful cuisines in the city.

The food comes to use from the dynamic duo of Nick Alvis and Scott Price who both worked for celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay before opening folly in 2016. It has been four years since the restaurant opened its doors. In that time the restaurant has garnered a solid following and picked up numerous accolades along the way, including a recent win for ‘best al fresco dining restaurant’ at the Fact Dining Awards Dubai 2020.

The restaurant’s charms are apparent from the moment you ascend the narrow staircase into the charming dining room with its exposed brick walls, wooden furniture, and open show kitchen where you can witness the folly team tirelessly crafting plate after plate of audacious European cuisine. 

The small restaurant space may be charming and complemented by exceptional service that always comes with a smile. Still, the garden terrace and lounge should be your priority if dining at folly during the winter months. Situated beneath foliage laden pagodas and with views of the water, we embark on folly’s ‘signature menu’, an absolute steal at AED 350 per person, with an additional charge of AED 250 for the accompanying grape pairing.

The five-course tasting that makes up the folly signature menu is executed with bravado and confidence, showcasing the very best dishes in one thoroughly enjoyable menu. We are still surprised that so few restaurants in Dubai offer a tasting menu, and it’s a shame because the formula used here at folly appears to be a winning one. 

Beginning with fried bread, sage, onion and spelt, the first course is a robust option that utilises the lesser-known grain known as spelt to surprising effect in what can only be described as a picture-perfect plate. The delicate monkfish cheeks follow in quick succession. The fish is prepared with intricate precision, and the flavours are perfectly balanced thanks to the inclusion of lemon and paprika.

The crispy hens egg is a dish of legend amongst foodies in Dubai and is held in such high regard, but it’s easy to see why. Served with pancetta and maple syrup, it’s the perfect interplay of sweet and salty and is further enhanced by the egg’s velvety yolk that results in an undeniably moreish dish.

The lamb saddle represents a beautiful main course, and the tender meat served gloriously pink is full of rich flavour and enhanced by whipped pine nuts and salsa. It’s a plate that speaks for itself and acts as the perfect precursor for the dessert course. 

The finale is a gloriously dusted chocolate, root ginger and milk combination that harmonises the individual ingredients and makes for a memorable course to end the signatures menu.

With it’s contemporary, ingredient-led dishes, folly continues to offer a unique dining experience for enthusiasts in Dubai and provides a Michelin-comparable dining experience in the city. Combined with strong and knowledgeable service and those stunning views, folly ticks all the boxes when it comes to dining out.

GO: Call (0)4 430 8535 for reservations and more information.