Little Duck The Picklery is the kind of Dalston spot you stumble into for a glass of natural wine and end up staying three hours. The menu changes monthly, leaning into Mediterranean-inspired small plates with a house obsession for all things pickled and fermented — think bright, tangy, seasonal cooking that pairs perfectly with their low-intervention wine list. It's intimate, unfussy, and genuinely beloved by locals who keep coming back.
A monthly-changing Mediterranean small-plates menu and natural wine list in an intimate Dalston room where pickles and ferments steal the show.
Book ahead for weekends — the small dining room fills up fast, and weeknights offer a more relaxed pace with the same menu.
Dalston's seasonal small-plate favourite with a pickle obsession
Little Duck The Picklery has carved out a loyal following in Dalston by doing something deceptively simple: a monthly changing menu of Mediterranean-inspired small plates paired with a seriously good natural wine list. The pickling and fermentation angle isn't just a gimmick — it runs through the menu in ways that genuinely elevate the food, adding brightness and depth to dishes that might otherwise feel familiar. Reviewers consistently praise the seasonal creativity, with many noting that the frequent menu changes give them a reason to return again and again.
The room itself is small and intimate, with dark wood interiors that give it a romantic, slightly moody charm. It's the sort of place where you can settle in for a long evening — order a few plates, let the staff guide you toward a wine you've never heard of, and let the night unfold. OpenTable reviewers highlight the "fantastic vibes" and "super lovely staff," and the consensus is that everything from the food to the service feels considered without being precious.
If there's a caveat, it's that the small space means it can feel tight on busy nights, and the ever-changing menu means your favourite dish might not be there next time. But that's also the point — Little Duck rewards regulars who trust the kitchen to deliver something interesting every visit. Go for a weeknight dinner when the pace is a touch more relaxed, and let the staff pick your wine.