Markus ir Ko

The city's original steakhouse

Markus ir Ko is the grand old name of Vilnius dining — the oldest steakhouse in the city, run since 1995. It sits at M. Antokolskio g. 11, tucked into the Old Town near Town Hall (Rotušės) Square but just off the busiest lanes, which gives it a quieter, more grown-up feel. The room is a warm, candlelit, old-school pub, and on some evenings live professional jazz, blues or piano fills it, making it a long-standing choice for a romantic dinner or an unhurried business lunch.

The food is squarely about beef. The kitchen specialises in steaks with generous portions, headlined by the signature 'MARKUS' steak with its special brandy-and-herb marinade, alongside pepper steak, fillet mignon and customisable hot mains where you choose your garnishes and sauces. Diners overwhelmingly agree the meat is top-tier — the kind of place steak lovers return to.

Good to know

Prices sit on the higher end, but diners consistently feel the indulgence is worthwhile for the quality of the steaks and the portions. The restaurant is small and popular — the main hall seats around 40, with two more intimate cellar rooms — so booking ahead is strongly advised, and you should be prepared for a possible wait at peak hours even with a table.

There's a seasonal terrace for warmer months, and service is generally noted as professional and attentive. Confirm current opening hours and whether live music is on before visiting if the atmosphere is part of the plan.

• Operating since 1995 — Vilnius's oldest steakhouse; reservations advised.
• Higher-end prices; check current hours and live-music nights before visiting.