For brothers Paul and John Stefanapolous, owners of the new Greek restaurant House of Stefas in Millbrook, hospitality isn’t just business–It’s personal.
“In Greece, the tavernas have family names on them, so their reputation is at stake,” says John. “The decision to put our family name on the restaurant is a reflection of how much we care, what we put into it, and the accountability we’re taking.”
The Stefanapolous family’s roots in hospitality run deep, with 13 restaurants in the Hudson Valley (nine of which are the iconic Four Brothers Pizza Inns). House of Stefas is the family’s 14th venture, inspired by John and Paul’s parents: mother Katina, who embodied the spirit of hospitality, and father Vasili, who demonstrated the intrepidness required to manage a large family business. “We were born into an environment of hospitality,” says Paul. “It was always about creating experience, having fun, and being welcoming to people.”
The brothers describe House of Stefas as “freestyle Greek,” blending traditional dishes with international influences that celebrate the cosmopolitan spirit of Athens. Chef Roel Alcudia, with experience from Miami’s Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Komodo, and other renowned eateries, brings a unique flavor to the menu. His sushi experience inspired the Aegean omakase menu, with such offerings as marinated striped bass with red pepper vinaigrette, razor clams with salsa matcha, and raw langoustine.
Traditional Greek favorites are also featured, many inspired by Katina’s own recipes.
Local sourcing from the region plays a key role, anchoring international flavors in the Hudson Valley community—a place the Stefanapolous family has called home since the 1970s. “We had a good feeling about Millbrook, and they’ve accepted us like we were their children,” says John. “We are doing something bold and different here, and hope the restaurant will become a destination for the town.”
The restaurant’s ambience is meant to weave together the brothers’ best memories, combining diverse sounds, tastes, and visual experiences from their travels. When diners enter, they first see the Tiger Bar to the left—a sophisticated lounge with soft lighting and luxe seating. The smaller Veranda Room is on the right, a light-filled space for small plates and coffee or wine. Beyond the Tiger Bar is a four-seat counter, Poseidon’s Palace, where diners can have the Aegean Odyssey (the aforementioned multi-course omakase experience).
Around the corner, the Apollo Room is the floor’s main dining area. Upstairs is the Dionysus Room, a second dining area decked in rich, blue carpeting and velvet curtains; the Blue Room cocktail lounge; a rooftop garden; and a private dining area.
The spaces feel equal parts cozy and breezy, each delivering unique textures and colors: terracotta, slate, and porcelain tile, marble countertops, rose-gold fixtures, oak-wood accents, with modern and classical art intertwined. Elements such as wall stenciling and cheeky plaques (one of which says, “Philosophy and Flash Photography Permitted”) show that there’s fun and spontaneity to be discovered around each corner.
“We don’t want to be stiff, or transactional,” says John. “People go out to eat to feel taken care of; we want to provide that feeling in a space that lifts people up, enables conversation, and serves as a setting for the best parts of life to happen.”
The restaurant is just the start. The brothers envision expanding House of Stefas into a lifestyle brand. There is already a House of Stefas single on Spotify, and a forthcoming jewelry line created in collaboration with designer Barry Kieselstein-Cord in the works. “We want to go all-in—in this experience, life, love, everything,” says Paul. “Ultimately, it just makes us happy to create something that makes other people happy.”
3299 Franklin Ave., Millbrook —houseofstefas.com
By Christopher Stella
Photos by Sabrina Eberhard