Mediterranean magic

The newly opened Migas Mercado's head chef Miguel Casal Zapata focuses on authentic Spanish cuisine but innovates with a fusion of Chinese spices and ingredients. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

A new Migas Mercado bar and restaurant brings a taste of Spain to Beijing. China Daily reports.

Sipping sangria, nibbling tapas and watching the hustle and bustle of the Chinese capital to soundtracks spun by a DJ－indeed, the newly opened Migas Mercado offers a taste of Spain in Beijing.

The 400-square-meter balcony of the restaurant and bar on the China World Mall's seventh floor offers sweeping vistas of the Guomao commercial area.

Head chef Miguel Casal Zapata seeks to bring authentic Mediterranean fare, with a focus on seafood and fresh seasonal produce, and an occasional flourish from Chinese cuisine.

The balcony offers tapas and tipple, while fine dining is enjoyed indoors.

Miguel and his team serve over 40 tapa varieties and five sangrias.

Chocos fritos is one of the most popular tapas, since it's ideal for sharing. The traditional treat is topped with fried cuttlefish with ink alioli.

Other favorites are the soft-shell crab burger with alioli, and the white sausage with tomato sauce and crispy onion. The crab's umani is distinctive. And the way the sausage's salt-and-pepper flavor blends with the sour and spicy sauce renders a strong impression on the palate.

The finger foods are best washed down with sangria.