About Us
Our Story
Where It All Began
Korto was opened in August 2018 by friends Paul Tocher and Russell Stinson whose vision has always been for Korto to be a place to eat in Muswell Hill where anyone can come to feel comfortable and part of a community.
Our name, Korto, is Esperanto for Yard, which we believe sums up what it’s all about for us: somewhere close to home you can hang out with family and friends, drink great coffee, a place to eat simple, fresh food that’s filled with flavour.
Families, couples, groups, parties are all welcome, as are your canine pals too. It’s all about having somewhere you know you’ll be just as welcome enjoying a coffee after you’ve dropped the kids at school Add schools, a juice after that gym session at The Laboratory, setting up your laptop on our work station, meeting friends for cocktails or sitting down to a cosy meal for two.
Outside Space
In the Spotlight
Who We Are
Paul Tocher and Russell Stinson
Paul and Russell couldn’t have come from more different working backgrounds: Paul a trained chef and experienced restauranteur – was part of the team that opened what was The Great Eastern Hotel and also The Orrery with Chris and Jeff Galvin, while Russell is a City escapee who wanted to take his finance experience and combine it with his love of good food and wine.
What they both had in common from the start was a passion for excellence, building a great team, genuine customer service and fresh, wholesome food packed with flavour but without the Michelin-Star price tag or stuffiness.
In 2013, finishing a Sunday morning run around Alexandra Palace, Paul spotted a great site that would be perfect for their vision of an all-day restaurant. Having completely gutted and refurbished the place, Korto was opened in 2018.
Giancarlo Vatteroni – Head Chef
Giancarlo Vatteroni was born in rural Northern Tuscany and has lived and worked as a chef in the UK since 1993. His love of food was inspired by his family’s passion for growing and cooking everything from wine and olive oil, to vegetables and bread. He began working in his family pizza restaurant aged 13.
Arriving in the UK in 1994, he has worked with many of the country’s most inspirational chefs from Sam and Sam Clarke of Moro, Peter Gordon at The Providores, Anna Hansen at The Modern Pantry and Ben Tish at Dehesa.
He has been Head Chef at Korto since we opened in 2018.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
"Had dinner tonight for the first time. The place looks great from the outside, and feels warm and cosy inside. The food was outstanding, as was the wine and the service. This could be the place to go in Muswell Hill."
Reinier Van Dongen
"Lucky me to find Korto it’s a little gem, stylish, comfortable and friendly. Just off Muswell Hill close to Alexandra Palace. Such a great menu I ate here more than once during my stay in the area it was that good! The dhal and Babaganoush were standouts for me! "
Paul Tennant-Moore
"Service is so friendly and caring, I could come back just for that, even if the food was just ok, but my house breakfast was mind-blowing, and same for my dhal when I went back for lunch. My new must go to place when I'm in the area."
Lilith Borgia