Stonewell Restaurant, Farmington

When chef and artist Stelios Koutouvides and his wife, Niki, founded the Stonewell Restaurant, they did so with help from family. Over the years, their restaurant has been staffed by sons, Ari, Daki, and Niko; Niki’s sisters Starno and Loukia; and a revolving cast of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. The Stonewell even keeps the decor in the family—Stelios’s original paintings of local landscapes decorate the three dining rooms, adding a personal touch that, unlike papering the walls with old diary entries, is pleasant to behold. Complementing these paintings are photographs of old stone wells, which hang from exposed brick walls, potted plants, a white fence, and the crackling fireplaces that warm each dining room.

Behind the scenes, Stelios and his team massage Mediterranean seasonings into USDA-certified Angus beef, sea scallops, and coastal fish. They toss traditional sauces and feta cheese with pasta, and grill lamb chops. Servers pair these dishes with beer and more than 40 wines, relaxing guests during dinner, private functions, and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.