Chef David Nayfeld Opens Adia in Historic St. Helena Star Building
Chef David Nayfeld has opened Adia within the historic St. Helena Star building in downtown St. Helena. This development matters because it converts a landmark 1900-era office into a high-end Italian restaurant. The opening introduces a new luxury dining destination to the northern Napa Valley while preserving a significant architectural site. Nayfeld, the chef and co-founder of San Francisco's Che Fico, leads the project.
The restaurant is located at 1310 Church Street. The property served as the headquarters for the St. Helena Star newspaper for over a century. The renovation project required significant seismic upgrades and a complete interior build-out. The design includes an open kitchen where guests can observe the preparation of handmade pasta and wood-fired entrees. Adia offers a menu centered on regional Italian traditions and local Napa Valley produce.
The Napa Valley Register reported that the project received unanimous support from the local planning commission [^1]. This approval allowed for the conversion of the legacy office space into a luxury hospitality venue. The commission viewed the project as an essential step in increasing foot traffic for nearby retail shops. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that Nayfeld designed the space to facilitate a neighborhood atmosphere [^2]. The layout includes a dedicated lounge area and an outdoor patio for seasonal use.
Locally, the opening addresses a need for evening dining options in the downtown district. Many businesses in the immediate area close by late afternoon. Adia contributes to the revitalization of the Church Street corridor. It also signals a trend of San Francisco chefs expanding their footprint into the North Coast. The North Bay Business Journal indicated that the move follows several other high-profile hospitality expansions in the valley [^3]. These developments help diversify the local economy beyond traditional tasting rooms.
Related developments include the continued growth of the Back of House hospitality group. This company also manages Che Fico and Che Fico Alimentari in San Francisco. According to Eater SF, the wine program at Adia emphasizes Italian varietals alongside a deep selection of Napa Valley labels [^4]. This strategy aims to appeal to both residents and wine country tourists. The project represents a significant long-term commitment to the St. Helena business community.
[^1]: Napa Valley Register - https://napavalleyregister.com [^2]: San Francisco Chronicle - https://www.sfchronicle.com [^3]: North Bay Business Journal - https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com [^4]: Eater SF - https://sf.eater.com