A Spanish tapas bar in Watertown has closed, making way for a fresh concept from the same owner.
On January 3, 2025, Olespaña Whiskey & Tapas announced its closure via social media. “Bye Bye. We closed for good,” wrote chef-owner Peter Pyne. “Thanks to everyone for your support.”
However, the now-vacant space at 645 Mt Auburn St won’t remain empty for long. In an interview with What Now Boston, Pyne shared plans to transform the former tapas bar into a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant called La Rosalía.
The name, derived from the Latin word for “rose,” inspires the floral theme woven throughout the space. Renovations will introduce colorful decor and a garden ceiling, enhancing the ambiance to evoke the vibrance of a blooming garden.
Unique elements from Olespaña will remain, including rustic chandeliers, functional pianos, and a collection of vintage radios from the 1940s and 50s.
The redesign also aims to make the exterior as distinctive as the interior. Since Olespaña’s opening in the summer of 2023, the building’s outdated facade has posed challenges.
“People still think we are a dive [bar],” Pyne admitted. “We have 25,000 cars passing every day, but they don’t see the restaurant… I don’t know if it was the city, the frontage, or my marketing campaign, but we’ve been relying on word of mouth to spread the news.”
With the redesign and new concept, Pyne is eager to broaden the restaurant’s appeal. The menu at La Rosalía will feature roughly 80% Spanish dishes and 20% Mediterranean fare. “This time, I want to open the spectrum,” Pyne said. While specifics are still under wraps, he plans to incorporate French, Italian, and Greek influences alongside Spanish staples.
Pyne hopes to launch La Rosalía in the coming weeks, promising a rich new chapter for Watertown’s dining scene.
