The Clare Valley’s own The UPPside European Restaurant is celebrating some fantastic news. This charming spot has just received the coveted Snail of Approval from the Slow Food Movement, an international organisation that champions “Good, Clean and Fair food” for everyone. This award puts The UPPside on the global map, recognising their commitment to quality and ethical practices.
It is the second South Australian restaurant to gain the accolade in April 2025, joining the Watervale Hotel for their commitment to the principles of good, clean, and fair food.
The Slow Food Movement, which began in Italy back in 1986, has since spread its roots worldwide. It encourages producers, chefs, businesses, and growers to embrace a food philosophy that benefits both people and the planet. For Christian and Caity Uppill, the owners of The UPPside, this philosophy isn’t new. They first became members of the movement in 2017 with their initial venture, Il Toro pasta and espresso bar. It was during this time that Chef Christian began sourcing fresh ingredients directly from his parents’ farm, with a little help from mum and dad.
In January 2022, after navigating the initial challenges of the pandemic, Christian and Caity returned to the picturesque Clare Valley countryside. There, they opened The UPPside European Restaurant and Wine Bar in Penwortham. This Euro-inspired eatery blends classic European flavours with a touch of warm Australian country charm.
The UPPside offers an experience crafted with passion and a deep respect for ingredients. Owners Christian and Caity Uppill have created a welcoming space where the focus is on delicious, honest food and a relaxed atmosphere. Their European-inspired menu showcases seasonal produce, often sourced directly from local farms, including their own family’s land. This commitment to freshness shines through in every dish.
Since opening, The UPPside has gone above and beyond in its dedication to fresh, locally sourced produce. Their commitment extends far beyond the plate, with a strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They actively engage in raw and cooked food composting, worm farming to enrich their soil, and careful soil management. They also utilise enviro-cycle systems to recycle grey water, harness the power of solar energy, and partner with ethical and sustainable producers and suppliers.
This recent Snail of Approval is a real nod to Christian and Caity’s hard work and dedication to promoting good, clean, and fair food right here in the heart of the Clare Valley.
To explore more about their philosophy and offerings, you can visit their website at www.theuppside.com.
Other ‘Snails of Approval’
As of April 2025, several establishments in South Australia have been awarded the Slow Food “Snail of Approval” for their commitment to the principles of good, clean, and fair food. These include:
- Watervale Hotel / Penobscot Restaurant (Watervale)
- Wiech’s Barossa Valley Egg Noodles (Barossa Valley)
- Unico Zelo Wines / Applewood Distillery
- Millbrook Valley Farm
- Paracombe Premium Perry
- Chef Kane Pollard
- Chef Nick Tadija
- Chef Enrico Sgarbossa
More News
