The UPPside European Restaurant & Wine Bar has been named Best European Restaurant at the 2026 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.
Around ten minutes south of Clare, The UPPside is the work of husband-and-wife duo Christian and Caity Uppill, combining Christian’s 30 years of hospitality experience and love of European cooking with Caity’s Polish heritage and a deep connection to the region they call home.
For the couple, the win is “an honour” and a particularly exciting moment for the regional venue.
“We are so happy and cannot believe what we have achieved,” Christian said.
Despite the prestigious accolade, The UPPside isn’t a white-tablecloth fine dining affair, instead, it remains relaxed, welcoming and distinctly country.
Rather than sticking to one cuisine, The UPPside moves across Europe with the seasons, from Polish pierogi and German classics to French dishes, handmade Italian pasta and flavours inspired by Spain, Portugal, Greece and Belgium.
Traditional techniques remain at the heart of the menu, with house-made sauces, slow-cooked meats, preserved produce and European-style pizzas, while the ingredients stay firmly rooted in the Clare Valley.
“Today, The UPPside continues to source produce from the family farm while also growing fresh ingredients in its own onsite kitchen gardens,” Chris said.
That local focus extends beyond the plate, with the restaurant composting food waste, worm farming, recycling coffee grounds, repurposing grey water and using solar power.
“The restaurant has also received the internationally recognised Slow Food Snail of Approval, reflecting (our) commitment to the Slow Food principles of food that is good, clean and fair.”
For the full UPPside experience, there’s the Eight-Course European Culinary Journey, which moves through different European influences while showcasing seasonal Clare Valley ingredients.
It’s designed as slow dining rather than simply dinner with eight courses, European traditions, local produce and optional Clare Valley wine pairings.
Then there’s the slightly more playful side of the restaurant, with their Gin & Gelato offering. The tasting experience pairs locally produced gin with artisan gelato and sorbet, creating combinations around botanicals, citrus, spice and sweetness.
The European influence extends into the venues Sip & Savour range, with drinks inspired by Polish vodka and Krupnik, Italian limoncello and Spanish sangria.
For Christian and Caity, being named South Australia’s Best European Restaurant means more than adding another accolade to the wall.
“It’s recognition for the staff, farmers, growers, winemakers, suppliers, locals and guests who have helped build the restaurant, and for the Clare Valley itself.”
So when Europe is calling but the plane ticket isn’t quite in the budget, a road trip to Penwortham might be the next best thing.
The UPPside European Restaurant & Wine Bar
Where: 7812 Horrocks Highway, Penwortham
For more, click here.
