Downtown Lumaire, Sphere 14, Chelidon, Ancoria

Tucked between a corner bookstore and an artisan candle shop on one of Downtown Lumaire’s cobblestone lanes, Little Duckling is more than a restaurant — it’s a love letter to the valley and the people who call it home. Founded in 2008 by Trey Madison, the firstborn of the prominent Madison family and a beloved local hero, the restaurant was built on the bones of an old bakery and quickly became a town staple.

The menu reflects the region’s soul: slow-roasted vegetables from Thara Meadow, hearty stews inspired by Qranthi spice routes, and fluffy pastries that feel like childhood memories. Signature dishes like Duck Egg Tartines, Briarberry Jam Crêpes, and the beloved Swan Soup — a comforting carrot-and-ginger blend — draw both tourists and locals alike.

But it’s not just the food that makes Little Duckling special. It’s the atmosphere — the kind where strangers chat across tables, and students from Harmony Hills drop by after school for pie. It’s the framed newspaper clipping of Trey’s return from service. It’s the basket of books for kids by the door. It’s the duck-print napkins during parade season.

Rooted in community and carried by heart, Little Duckling is a place where stories are swapped over soup, and the warmth lingers long after the plates are cleared.