We chat to Christina Paterno, co-owner of Little Betty’s, about going from Kiama to the world and back again–and bringing the best of the big city home to the coast.

Words Lauren Pomphrey

Images Anna Wiewiora

While a burgeoning restaurant scene gains pace in Wollongong, along the coast, exciting things are happening in not-so-quiet Kiama. Formerly the stronghold of breezy beachside cafes, fish and chip shops and classic Aussie pubs, the past couple of years have brought a culture shift to town – and Little Betty’s is leading the charge.

Growing up in Kiama and relocating first to Sydney, then to Los Angeles via a decade of experience in upscale New York venues, Christina and her brother Paul grew up with hospitality in their blood. “We had around 150 styles of venue dreamed up together before we ever had a space,” Christina says. When they felt the call to collaborate back on home turf, they know it was going to be something special.

“We wanted to curate incredible Australian products and deliver them directly to our community in a space that feels elevated, but approachable and comfortable”, Christina explains. “We’ve worked in some amazing places and tried to combine the best parts of these into a venue where people love to gather, eat and drink, for all different reasons.”

Since opening in 2021, Little Betty’s has become exactly that; a destination for quality food and drinks, designed to meet people where they’re at in the moment. “I personally can’t go anywhere without eating, but we wanted a place where people didn’t have to eat if they didn’t want to”, Christina says.

“You can enjoy a rosé on the balcony, tuck into a corner lounge for cocktails and snacks, or pull up at table for the full dining experience. It’s a place where many different adventures can be happening concurrently under the one roof.”

When the time comes to do the latter, there’s a couple of Betty’s dishes that Christina can’t go past. “The dry-aged, bone-in ribeye from Mountain Side Farm (in the Shoalhaven) is some of the best meat I’ve ever had.”

Meanwhile her drink of choice – a margarita on the rocks with salt – isn’t necessarily the pairing you’d expect. But that’s exactly what’s at the heart of the Little Betty’s experience – there are no rules as to how you enjoy it.

In fact, the only rule is their starting point to every decision. “We have some of the most exciting producers, farmers, winemakers and distillers all on our doorstep”, Christina says.

“It’s always been a prerequisite for us to look at home first when we’re bringing products to the menu. We’re still finding so many incredible local providers in our region that sometimes we just get excited about some produce and go from there.”

This ethos extends beyond food to the rest of the menu, too. For cocktails, the team will often start with an Aussie liquor or spirit rather than a classic big brand, with changing flavour profiles to match the season. And when it comes to good wine, there’s a long list of criteria, although allowances can be made for the right drop.

“Initially I had a strictly Australian wine list, though I can’t help but throw in an international guest star from time to time”, Christina admits. “But it always has to be delicious”.

It's no surprise then that the bar’s frequent tasting and pairing events have become laser-focused on championing local and regional producers. While the evenings themselves take on a distinctly upmarket theme – four winemaker “Jazz Drop” events are the latest on the agenda – they’re all delivered with the same relaxed and welcoming Betty’s energy.

“It’s all about building community in the end”, Christina says. “Those nights are the best, because it’s usually a long communal table, and even if you only booked for two, you end up making friends with the whole room.”

So, what’s next for Kiama’s dynamic sibling duo? With this year’s opening of their newest venture, Mae Mabel in Wollongong, they’re bringing another “fancy but fun” space to the Illawarra. “Similar to Betty’s, somewhere with great booze and service, where you can sink in and feel welcome to enjoy everything from a beer to a $50 top-shelf tequila.”

Next on the list is a top-secret wine project – “We just love wine so much and want to offer even more!”. And long term? “Living on a bit of land with people gathering for great food, great drinks and great company.”

Sounds good to us… and in the meantime, we’ll enjoy exactly that at Little Betty’s.

Visit Little Betty’s at 1/55 Collins Street, Kiama, or find out more about the latest community events at littlebettysbar.com.