Iconic Mesón del Roser Restaurant in Reus Closes After 46 Years

Chef Joan Musté retires at 73, marking the end of a legendary era for traditional Catalan breakfasts.

Generic image of a traditional Catalan 'fork breakfast' in a rustic restaurant.
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Generic image of a traditional Catalan 'fork breakfast' in a rustic restaurant.

The city of Reus is bidding farewell to Mesón del Roser, a landmark of traditional Catalan cuisine, as owner and chef Joan Musté announces his retirement this February.

Since 1979, the restaurant located near the Sang church has been a cornerstone for 'esmorzars de forquilla' (traditional fork breakfasts). Musté, who took over the business at age 24, built a reputation on homemade dishes like cap i pota and his famous fried squid, serving generations of local residents and visitors alike.
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"I cook as if the plate were for myself. Good breakfasts are made with love."

Joan Musté · Chef
Despite his desire to find a successor, necessary building renovations discouraged potential buyers. The premises will now be rented for a different commercial activity, ending nearly five decades of culinary history in the Baix Camp region.