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Calong

London, Stoke Newington - Korean Fusion - Restaurant - ££

Effortlessly cool modern Korean bistro

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

‘Calong’, Google helpfully tell us, means 'stylish' in Busan dialect – a good name for Joo and Sujin Won’s effortlessly cool modern Korean bistro, which has taken over the former home of Rubedo. It’s a tiny site, little more than 30 covers, still with Rubedo’s bentwood chairs, white walls, and blackboard menus. If that makes it sound a little French – like it wouldn’t look out of place in Paris – that's not surprising given that Joo was head chef at Galvin at Windows for 15 years. The dialogue between his Gallic training and his Korean heritage is discernible on every plate, from his trademark kimchi fritters and buttery mushroom claypot rice to BBQ onglet with greens and bulgogi jus. Sharp lines and vivid flavours characterise Sujin’s desserts too. The baked Alaska deserves all the attention it gets. A handful of interesting cocktails (soju spritz, sesame Old Fashioned) lead on to a sensibly priced natural wine list, with bot...

‘Calong’, Google helpfully tell us, means 'stylish' in Busan dialect – a good name for Joo and Sujin Won’s effortlessly cool modern Korean bistro, which has taken over the former home of Rubedo. It’s a tiny site, little more than 30 covers, still with Rubedo’s bentwood chairs, white walls, and blackboard menus. If that makes it sound a little French – like it wouldn’t look out of place in Paris – that's not surprising given that Joo was head chef at Galvin at Windows for 15 years. The dialogue between his Gallic training and his Korean heritage is discernible on every plate, from his trademark kimchi fritters and buttery mushroom claypot rice to BBQ onglet with greens and bulgogi jus. Sharp lines and vivid flavours characterise Sujin’s desserts too. The baked Alaska deserves all the attention it gets. A handful of interesting cocktails (soju spritz, sesame Old Fashioned) lead on to a sensibly priced natural wine list, with bottles from £36.

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C Conn

1 April 2026

Calong is one of those places you keep going back to — the food’s always good, it feels relaxed, and it’s become a real part of the neighbourhood.

S Cho

31 March 2026

Calong is a great local restaurant because it’s personal, consistent, and deeply connected to its neighbourhood. It offers refined, seasonal cooking with a clear Korean identity, while remaining warm and accessible. More than just a place to eat, it builds lasting relationships with its community — the essence of a true local restaurant.

D Mackeith

28 October 2025

We had all the vegetarian options and everything was amazing and unique. Kimchi fritters are the kind of food you fantasise about. The mushroom sot bap was deeply flavoured and delicious. The pancake was wonderful and all of the salads and sides were excellent and so unusual.

VENUE DETAILS

35 Stoke Newington Church Street
Stoke Newington
N16 0NXGB

020 3561 4798

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OTHER INFORMATION

Family friendly

New events are coming soon

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