Little Duck | The Picklery

Salima Syerah Virani

My visits to London are generally more about memorable culinary experiences than about tours and landmarks. Last night, we had an "unforgettable" dining experience at Little Duck, a small restaurant in Dalston, East London. Small because it's entirely intended to be that way. The restaurant is essentially the kitchen and the dining area is one large communal table around the kitchen. All meals are cooked in front of you (no glass dividers). You can hear the chefs talk, the dishwasher do the dishes and the service staff put the plates and cutlery together. You would think, it would be chaotic and noisy. It's not. The entire ambiance is of hushed elegance, quiet efficiency and fantastic (entirely freshly prepared) food brought to your table by the server (but the Chef could also easily just slide it over to you on the giant table). We had the fish stew (OMG!), the lamb, and the pasta. Portions are not large but enough to share. You can read the fancy descriptions for all these items on their menu but it was like the best homemade meal you'll ever eat. It's not cheap but still feel we got great value for the experience and the quality of the food. Great place if you want to try something that's not your ordinary run-of-the-mill restaurant dining.

Nathaniel Moore

Mostly delicious and consistently fresh and inventive. I do think their prices are a smidge too high at times but we had two dishes today that were absolutely outstanding and frankly worth any price (oxheart and lamb broth). Feels very homey inside and atmosphere is lovely, welcoming and relaxed.

Emre Can Ökten

Let's begin with the Tuscan fish stew; it was simply divine. It might just be the most flavorful and aromatic seafood dish you'll ever taste. The soused sardines with kohlrabi, paired with a creamy sauce, mustard seeds, and dill, offer a distinct and delightful taste, making it an excellent choice for a cold starter. As someone who loves pickles, I found every pickle, whether served alone or incorporated into a dish, to be exceptional. The bread stands out with its unique tang on the outer crust. Additionally, the zhoug paired with the white beans and tahini dip proved to be a harmonious combination. The ambiance inside is both intimate and inviting, with the counter seating being a particular highlight. I'd recommend opting for it over a regular table. From there, you can watch the kitchen in action and observe the chefs at work, enhancing your overall dining experience.