Our Team
Welcome to Natalia’s Kitchen, a place where flavors tell stories and every dish feels like home. Our journey began in the most unexpected way, a story of friendship, shared passions, and the desire to create something special for our community.
Natalia's kitchen
The beginning
This is a story of turning lemons into lemonade—or rather, beetroots into the most delicious Borscht. In March 2022, Weronika and her husband opened their home in Hilversum to a Ukrainian family from the Donetsk region, offering them refuge from the war. What began as an act of kindness soon became life-changing for both families. Natalia, a talented chef, and Weronika bonded over their shared love of Eastern European cuisine. Their friendship grew, leading them to pursue a mutual dream: opening a restaurant that celebrates their cultures, their connection, and their love of food.
weronika
FOUNDER/OWNER
With over 15 years in the corporate world, Weronika never imagined a career in hospitality. Originally from Poland, and now living in the Netherlands with her husband and two daughters, she decided to leave her corporate life behind. The inspiration came from her connection with Natalia and their shared love of food and community. Weronika focused on creating a warm, inviting space where people could experience authentic Eastern European cuisine. Her passion for hospitality and design makes Natalia’s Kitchen not just a restaurant, but a welcoming place to gather and enjoy.
NATALIA
CHEF
Natalia’s culinary journey began in the Donetsk region, where she fled her home twice due to the war. Despite these hardships, her passion for cooking endured. As a professionally trained chef, Natalia specializes in traditional Eastern European dishes and creative pastries. At Natalia’s Kitchen, her skills shine through in every dish, from comforting Borscht to unique seasonal desserts. With a rotating menu that includes vegan options, Natalia brings the flavors of her homeland to life, offering a taste of both tradition and innovation to every guest who visits the restaurant.
tetiana
Originally from Poltava region and formerly a maternity nurse (!), Tetiana was the first team member by Weronika and Natalia's side. Difficult to imagine now Natalia's Kitchen without Tetiana's warmth and caring spirit. Tetiana lives in Laren with her husband and two daughters.
rymma
As much as she misses her family and friends back in Ukraine, our Rymma is very excited to build the best life possible for her and her young daughter in the Netherlands. Always optimistic and composed - best partner in the kitchen on a busy Saturday evening!
Ramona
'Impossible' doesn't exist in Ramona's vocabulary. Extremely driven and enthusiastic, she will go over and above for our guests to ensure they have the best experience at Natalia's Kitchen. Origially from Poland, calls Hilversum home to her family of three (plus cat).
tetiana
Possibly the best pierogi/varenyky maker in the Netherlands comes from the city of Novomyrhorod in Ukraine. Tetiana followed her daughter Rymma, and is now a truly irreplaceable member of Natalia's Kitchen team!