March in Lisbon is a beautiful prelude to spring. With fewer crowds, milder weather, and blooming jacarandas preparing to paint the city purple, it’s an ideal time to explore Portugal’s capital. But beyond scenic views and historic trams, Lisbon in March offers a seasonal culinary experience that you simply can’t miss.
Portuguese cuisine shines through its fresh seafood, rich stews, sweet pastries, and robust wines. March brings its own seasonal specialties, many rooted in Easter traditions and early spring harvests. Whether you’re dining in a tasca (local eatery), grabbing bites from a market, or enjoying riverfront restaurants, these 10 must-try foods in Lisbon in March will elevate your taste of Portugal.
1. Caldo Verde: The Ultimate Comfort Soup
Caldo Verde, or “green broth,” is Portugal’s most beloved soup — especially during cooler months like March. Made with thinly sliced kale (or collard greens), potatoes, olive oil, and chouriço (smoked sausage), it’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting.
Served piping hot with a slice of cornbread or rustic bread, it’s a must-try dish for those chilly spring evenings in Lisbon.
Where to Try: Head to traditional tascas in Alfama or Bairro Alto for an authentic bowl.
2. Bacalhau à Brás: A Lisbon Classic
No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying bacalhau (salt cod), and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the city’s favorite versions. It’s made by mixing shredded salt cod with eggs, onions, and finely cut fried potatoes — then garnished with olives and parsley.
It’s light yet filling, and a great example of how simple ingredients become something special in Portuguese kitchens.
Why March? It’s often featured in pre-Easter menus as Portugal gears up for Lent, where fish replaces meat in many traditional meals.
3. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato: Garlic Clams for Spring
March signals the start of warmer days, and Lisbon’s seafood scene begins to buzz. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato, a dish of clams sautéed with garlic, olive oil, coriander, and white wine, is fresh, aromatic, and absolutely addictive.
Perfect with crusty bread and a glass of vinho verde, it brings the ocean straight to your table.
Tip: Look for this dish in coastal neighborhoods like Belém and Cais do Sodré.
4. Lampreia: A Rare Seasonal Delicacy
Lampreia (lamprey) is a seasonal delicacy you’ll only find on menus in February and March. Though it may look intimidating, lamprey has been cherished in Portugal since Roman times. It’s usually stewed in a rich, vinegary sauce with rice, called Arroz de Lampreia.
The flavor is bold and earthy — perfect for adventurous eaters who want to try something unique and traditional.
Note: It’s considered an acquired taste, but many locals look forward to it each spring.
5. Folar de Páscoa: Sweet Bread of the Season
As Easter approaches, bakeries across Lisbon start preparing Folar de Páscoa — a lightly sweet bread often spiced with cinnamon and orange zest. It’s traditionally topped with a whole hard-boiled egg and symbolizes rebirth and good fortune.
Though Easter might fall in April, Folar appears in bakeries by mid-March, making it a festive treat you don’t want to miss.
Best enjoyed with: A galão (Portuguese latte) on a sunny café terrace.
6. Pastéis de Nata: The Iconic Custard Tart
These famous Portuguese custard tarts are delicious year-round, but March is perfect for enjoying them warm and fresh without long tourist queues.
Flaky pastry, silky custard, and a sprinkle of cinnamon make pastéis de nata irresistible — especially when eaten straight from the oven.
Top Spot: Visit Pastéis de Belém, the legendary bakery near Jerónimos Monastery, where the original recipe is still a secret.
7. Sardinhas Grelhadas (Grilled Sardines)
Though sardines are most popular during Lisbon’s summer festivals in June, you’ll start to see early arrivals in March, especially in traditional restaurants.
These are typically grilled whole, served on a slice of bread, and accompanied by boiled potatoes or salad. Their smoky aroma fills Lisbon’s narrow alleys and riverside grills.
Fun fact: March-caught sardines are smaller but often more tender and flavorful.
8. Polvo à Lagareiro: Octopus Perfection
For seafood lovers, Polvo à Lagareiro is a must. This dish features octopus that’s boiled until tender, then roasted with garlic, olive oil, and potatoes until it’s crisp on the outside and buttery soft inside.
March, being still in Portugal’s cooler months, is a great time to enjoy this hearty coastal dish, especially in Lisbon’s old taverns.
9. Arroz de Marisco: Seafood Rice Stew
Think of Arroz de Marisco as Portugal’s answer to paella — but richer and more soulful. A medley of shrimp, mussels, clams, and sometimes lobster are simmered in a tomato-wine broth with rice and herbs.
It’s comfort food with a splash of the sea, ideal for a long, leisurely lunch in March’s mild weather.
Recommended wine pairing: A crisp glass of Alvarinho from the Minho region.
10. Queijo da Serra: Creamy Mountain Cheese
Imported from the mountains of Serra da Estrela in northern Portugal, Queijo da Serra is a soft, buttery sheep’s cheese that’s best enjoyed in late winter and early spring when it’s at peak maturity.
Many Lisbon cheese shops and markets sell this seasonal treat by the slice or whole wheel. Spread it on rustic bread with a drizzle of honey for a taste of the Portuguese countryside.
Tip: Try it at the Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) or any gourmet deli.
Conclusion: Lisbon’s March Menu is Fresh, Festive, and Flavorful
Lisbon in March is a hidden gem for food lovers. The city’s culinary scene bridges winter comforts and spring freshness, offering a delicious mix of hearty dishes and seafood delicacies. Whether you’re nibbling on a pastel de nata by the Tagus River or sampling bold seasonal flavors like lamprey or mountain cheese, March gives you the chance to enjoy Portugal’s cuisine without the chaos of peak tourist season.
So, if you’re heading to Lisbon this March, don’t just sightsee — eat your way through the city. The flavors of early spring will leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
1. Are restaurants in Lisbon open in March?
Yes, most restaurants, cafes, and markets in Lisbon are open year-round. March is a quieter month, so you’ll enjoy easier reservations and less crowded dining experiences.
2. What time do locals eat in Lisbon?
Lunch is usually around 1:00–2:30 PM, and dinner starts later, around 8:00–9:30 PM. Many restaurants don’t open for dinner before 7:30 PM.
3. Is seafood fresh in Lisbon during March?
Absolutely. March is still a great time for fresh clams, octopus, early sardines, and shellfish, especially in coastal Lisbon neighborhoods and markets.
4. Are there vegetarian options in Lisbon in March?
Yes, though traditional Portuguese cuisine is meat and seafood-heavy, Lisbon has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene. Look for vegetarian restaurants in Chiado, Príncipe Real, and Campo de Ourique.
5. Can I take a food tour in Lisbon in March?
Yes! In fact, March is a great time for small group food tours or market walks since the crowds are thinner. Look for tours that include tastings of cheese, cod dishes, pastries, and wine.
