Arlequin Restaurant

Arlequin Restaurant occupies 17 rue Racine, a few minutes’ walk from the Palace of the Popes square but on a street away from the busiest part of the esplanade. It opened in 2019 and centres its identity on contemporary French cooking, a welcoming dining room and a menu that chef Corentin Roustan changes each month. Sommelier Thibault curates the wine list, so the offer extends beyond the plate: the restaurant invites guests to take their time over a meal paired with wines selected for it. This is a place to book and linger, not a quick fix after sightseeing.

The restaurant’s website describes its use of fresh, local produce and publishes a monthly menu, meaning the experience can change from one visit to the next. Customer reviews mention dishes such as lobster brioche, octopus, gnocchi and meat, as well as praise for the wine recommendations and friendly staff. A detailed recent criticism also describes slow service and disappointing dishes; opinions are not unanimous, and a strong overall score cannot guarantee the same evening for every guest. Checking the published menu and mentioning dietary restrictions when booking helps travellers decide whether that month’s offer suits their tastes and budget.

Arlequin serves lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 23:45, Monday to Friday; the official website lists weekends as closed. Reservations are taken by phone only at +33 9 50 14 94 52, and the restaurant also offers private hire for events. Its position makes it easy to combine with the Palace and the old streets on foot, but the five-day schedule calls for planning. Compared with O’Papilles, which foregrounds Provençal produce and terrace dining, Arlequin focuses on a compact menu that changes monthly and the sommelier’s pairings.