5x hotspots with a story

In and around the city centre, you’ll find plenty of great places to enjoy a meal in Hilversum. But a few stand out just that little bit more. Whether it’s a social impact, historic setting or Instagram-worthy interiors. We’ve picked 5 culinary hotspots for you, each with a story worth discovering.

1. Mout

Marktplein 1

This building has had many lives. Over 100 years ago, it started as a garage and showroom for luxury cars, built for the wealthier residents of Hilversum. The design was inspired by the Art Nouveau style from Paris, known for its elegant and decorative look. Soon after, it became the Dutch Signal Factory, an important place in the early days of broadcasting. This played a big role in Hilversum growing into the Dutch Media City it is today. Later, the building was turned into a ballroom and casino with a cinema. During this time, the original design was hidden. When the cinema was demolished years later, the beautiful front of the building was rediscovered and carefully restored.

Today, the building is home to Mout: a lively food hall with seven different kitchens and a local brewery. It’s now one of the most popular places in Hilversum to eat, drink and meet.

2. Bij de Tuinman

Buitenplaats De Hoorneboeg, Hoorneboeg 4

Just outside Hilversum, you’ll find Bij de Tuinman, a cosy restaurant set on the green estate of De Hoorneboeg. Here, it’s all about fresh, seasonal vegetables and simple, honest flavours. The menu offers a variety of vegetable-focused dishes and drinks, from coffee to wine and garden-inspired cocktails. You can enjoy them inside the small, welcoming restaurant or outside on the terrace, right next to the kitchen garden. Many ingredients come straight from the estate or nearby. Think honey from the on-site beekeeper, apple cider from a local distillery, and vegetables grown in their own garden or sourced from nearby growers.

TIP: Visiting in the weekend? Grab a coffee to go at Bij de Tuinman and take it with you on a walk through the beautiful nature around De Hoorneboeg.

3. Chef aan de Werf

Werf35, Mussenstraat 11

You’ll find Chef aan de Werf in a former industrial warehouse at the old municipal yard of Hilversum. Today, this area is known as Werf35: a creative hotspot just outside the city centre. The restaurant still features many original elements of the building, giving it a raw, industrial feel. It’s the kind of place where creativity and good food come together. The menu is built around smaller dishes, perfect for sharing. Ideal if you want to try a bit of everything and enjoy different flavours together.

4. Ketelhuis aan de Werf

Werf35, Mussenstraat 9

We’ll stay at the Werf a little longer. At Ketelhuis, you get a true taste of the region: fresh, organic ingredients sourced straight from their own greenhouse and from local farmers and makers. In the kitchen, it’s all about passion and craftsmanship. But there’s more to this place than just good food. Ketelhuis aan de Werf is also a learning space for the chefs of tomorrow. People who face barriers to the job market are given the chance to gain experience here, in a warm and supportive environment.

5. Natalia's Kitchen

Gijsbrecht van Amstelstraat 111

A hidden gem for anyone who loves truly homemade comfort food from Eastern Europe. At Natalia’s Kitchen, you’ll taste dishes from Ukrainian and Polish cuisine. From stuffed pierogi and hearty stews to rich, comforting soups. Everything is made with care, based on family recipes. The restaurant is run by Weronika from Poland, with Ukrainian chef Natalia leading the kitchen. When the war in Ukraine broke out, Weronika, who had already been living in Hilversum for some time, took in a Ukrainian family. Natalia was part of that family. Wanting to help her get back to work, Weronika gave her that opportunity. That’s how Natalia’s Kitchen came to life: a place full of stories and flavour.

Unrivaled nature

Enjoy Hilversum’s natural surroundings. From sweeping heathlands and forests to historic country estates, parks and botanical gardens right in the heart of the city. Each one is a beautiful spot for a day out, outdoor sports or simply a breath of fresh air.

Nature in Hilversum
Unique architecture

Hilversum is a stage for architectural highlights. A city like an open-air museum, where icons such as Dudok, Cuypers and Duiker take centre stage. When it comes to architecture, there’s so much to explore here.

Architecture in Hilversum
Shop till you drop

In Hilversum, you can shop to your heart’s content. From international brands and local heroes in the city centre to unique boutiques and artisanal delicatessens along the charming Gijsbrecht. Hilversum has it all. Come and shop, and let our finest stores surprise you.

Shopping in Hilversum