Kapitein Zeppos

Tucked away in one of Amsterdam’s most historically significant alleyways, Kapitein Zeppos has served Mediterranean-inspired cuisine since 1987. The café-restaurant occupies an 1880 warehouse building that once functioned as a cigar factory, located on the Gebed Zonder End—a narrow passage whose name translates to “Prayer Without End.”

A building layered with centuries of history

The site where Kapitein Zeppos stands carries over six centuries of Amsterdam’s past. Before the current warehouse was built in 1880, the Gebed Zonder End alley ran through the former grounds of the Sint Claraconvent, a Franciscan nunnery established around 1397. In medieval times, this neighborhood—known as the “Stille Zijde” (Silent Side)—housed roughly 21 monasteries between the Oudezijds Achterburgwal and De Nes.

The concentration of religious communities gave rise to the alley’s evocative name. Amsterdammers passing through the area would quip about the never-ending prayers emanating from the clustered convents. When the Protestant Alteratie of 1578 ended Catholic worship in Amsterdam, the monasteries were repurposed into homes, workshops, and public buildings. The alley’s name, however, endured—though its street sign became so popular with souvenir hunters that city authorities eventually painted the name directly onto a wall to prevent further theft.

The building that houses Kapitein Zeppos served as a horse stable on its ground floor before its transformation into a cigar factory between 1920 and 1970. This tobacco heritage connects to Amsterdam’s broader role in introducing tobacco culture to Western Europe during the Dutch Golden Age.

The Flemish hero behind the name

Founder Bob van Buren named his establishment after a 1960s Belgian television series that captivated audiences across Flanders and beyond. The original Kapitein Zeppos aired on BRT (now VRT) from 1964 to 1968, starring Flemish actor Senne Rouffaer as the dashing titular character—a man described by the restaurant as “a European mix of 007 and Batman, a warrior against evil and a bringer of good.”

In the series, Zeppos drove an amphibious car (an “amphicar”) that became so iconic that similar vehicles in Flanders are still called “Zepposes” today. The BBC broadcast a dubbed English version in 1966, introducing the character to audiences in the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Jamaica.

Van Buren, who spent years working offshore before opening the restaurant, decorated the space with Belgian tile-top tables, mirrored walls, and vintage artifacts to create what he calls a “Flemish feeling.” His own background as a saxophonist led him to establish the venue as a music café, founding the Zeppos Big Band that performed regularly at the restaurant and abroad.

Two venues in one

Kapitein Zeppos operates as both a casual café and a brasserie, adapting to suit everything from morning coffee to late-night drinks. The ground floor café area flows into a more formal restaurant section, while Claire’s Ballroom—a small theater space upstairs—hosts live performances from October through April.

The Zeppos Café-Chantant represents one of Amsterdam’s longest-running cabaret traditions. On the first Sunday of each month during the winter season, Dutch performers take the stage for an evening of chanson and variety entertainment. Co-founders Bob and Claire van Buren organize these evenings alongside Dutch pianist Jan Robijns, with Claire’s musical preferences leaning toward French artists like Jacques Brel, Juliette Gréco, and Édith Piaf.

Private events can be accommodated in the salon (up to 22 guests) or Claire’s Ballroom, which also serves as an official wedding venue. The restaurant has additionally expanded its offerings to include boat tours, with Captain Marc van Gangelen welcoming guests aboard for waterborne excursions through Amsterdam’s canals.

Mediterranean cuisine in a northern city

The menu draws inspiration from the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Mussels prepared in both Flemish and Spanish styles rank among the house specialties, alongside the Mariscos seafood platter—a Portuguese-influenced dish that reflects the kitchen’s commitment to coastal cuisine. Italian, French, and Spanish influences appear throughout the menu, from antipasti to pasta to grilled seafood.

The restaurant’s decor reinforces this southern European identity. Visitors note the space feels more like stepping into a courtyard café in Barcelona or Rome than a typical Amsterdam establishment. During warmer months, the retractable roof of the winter garden opens to the sky, while the alley itself transforms into a flower-filled terrace dotted with colored lights.

Practical information

Address: Gebed Zonder End 5, 1012 HS Amsterdam

Getting there: The restaurant sits approximately 100 meters from the Rokin metro station (North-South Line), exit toward Spui. Tram lines 2, 11, 12, and 24 stop at Spui, a short walk away. From Dam Square, allow seven minutes on foot heading south along Rokin before turning right at Spui.

Opening hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 11:00–01:00
• Friday–Saturday: 11:00–03:00
• Sunday: 12:00–01:00

Reservations: Recommended, particularly for dinner and live music evenings. The restaurant accepts major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).

Private events: Claire’s Ballroom and La Folie room are available for parties and celebrations (not business meetings). Wedding ceremonies can be held on-site.

Finding the entrance

The alley can be accessed from either the Kuiperssteeg or the Grimburgwal, branching off between the Nes, the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, and the Grimburgwal. Look for the painted street name on the wall—a deliberate choice after the original sign was repeatedly stolen. The narrow passage opens into a Mediterranean-style courtyard scene, with Kapitein Zeppos marked by its colorful facade and outdoor seating.

Three of Amsterdam’s most atmospheric canals—the Grimburgwal, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, and Oudezijds Achterburgwal—flow just steps away. The University of Amsterdam’s historic Binnengasthuis campus occupies nearby buildings, adding a constant stream of students and academics to the neighborhood’s mix of visitors and locals.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kapitein Zeppos have live music every night? Live music takes place primarily from October through April in Claire’s Ballroom. The monthly Café-Chantant occurs on the first Sunday of each month during this season. Jazz and other performances are scheduled throughout the week—check the website or call ahead for the current program.

Is there outdoor seating? Yes. The alley itself serves as an al fresco dining area when weather permits, with additional seating in a covered winter garden that opens to the sky on warm days.

Can I visit just for drinks? The café area welcomes guests for drinks, coffee, and light snacks throughout the day without requiring a full meal reservation.

Is the venue suitable for children? Kapitein Zeppos provides high chairs and coloring materials for younger guests. The lunch menu and quieter daytime hours tend to work best for families.

How did the alley get its name? The Gebed Zonder End takes its name from the medieval monasteries that once lined this part of Amsterdam. The phrase means “Prayer Without End”—a reference to the ceaseless devotions that once echoed from the neighboring convents.

---

Kapitein Zeppos has occupied its position at Gebed Zonder End 5 since 1987, making it one of the longest-running establishments in this historic corner of Amsterdam’s old center.