Harlequin is a relaxed neighbourhood joint in Fulham where the kitchen is headed up by chef James Erasmus, who has previous experience working in the kitchens at the likes of Michelin-starred The Ledbury and nearby Harwood Arms.
Harlequin’s dining room is an intimate affair that’s rustic in style, featuring an open kitchen, wooden furniture and foliage which cascades down the plaster-washed walls. In the centre of the room is a striking carved wooden table which is ideal for communal dining or groups, while there are also a few tables for two dotted along the side of the room.
The restaurant serves a set menu which changes monthly to reflect which produce is in season, making sure the kitchen uses the best ingredients available. Although the menu champions seasonal British produce, the dishes do take some inspiration from Erasmus’s family roots in South Africa.
What the menu will look like on your visit depends on what time of the year you go, but dishes you might come across include the likes of a homemade pretzel served with a cheese and ale dip, or perhaps breaded plaice paired with parsnip, clams and bacon. Harlequin’s set menu ends with a tempting dessert, which may be something like orange and almond cake topped with custard and served alongside a scoop of chocolate ice cream.
A dedicated vegetarian menu is also available each month alongside the regular set menu, and there’s a modestly priced wine list that’s worth exploring too (plus a wine cellar that doubles as a private room; if you like what you drink, it’s all available to buy to take home from the on-site wine shop). The five-course set menu, meanwhile, represents good value at under £50 per person, while diners who visit on warmer evenings can make the most of the charming terrace, which features a small number of tables for al fresco dining.