Stefan’s at L.A. Farm

Richter, right, chats with diners in his restaurant.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

A handful of Richter’s creations, including sliced pig’s head with Champagne-chive vinaigrette, radishes and frisee, reflect his Finnish-German heritage.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Here’s a not-exactly spin on an Italian pasta dish. It’s ravioli stuffed with celery root purée and served in a creamy sauce dotted with diced celery root, pancetta and sage leaves.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Pan-seared whitefish is served on a ragout of green lentils with some parsnips for sweetness. The cocktail is called the Finnish Me Off.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

A veal chop is served with a green peppercorn sauce and accompanied by a cauliflower purée.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

For dessert, options include this lollipop trio.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

A fire pit glows in an atrium dining area.  (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times)

The restaurant’s redone look is sophisticated and contemporary, complemented by color-soaked abstract paintings.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Beef is on the menu. And on the door. Grab a steer horn and pull.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The wall opening seems very “farm”; the dining area beyond feels contemporary.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Steer sculptures keep watch over Stefan’s at L.A. Farm, in the Lantana office complex on Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)