A McDonald’s located in a historic train station has reopened after extensive renovations, drawing comparisons to a “5-star hotel restaurant.”
Situated within the Nyugati Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary, this McDonald’s has long been celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world. The restaurant, which originally opened in 1990, is housed in a building dating back to 1877, known for its architectural grandeur.
In January 2024, the McDonald’s temporarily closed its doors for renovations. After eight months of meticulous work, it has now reopened, showcasing both restored and modernized features. The iconic antique lamps and painted stucco ceilings have been carefully refreshed, preserving the building’s vintage charm. The expansive glass windows and copper-covered light fixtures remain as striking as ever.
According to local news outlet Magyar Építők, the renovation project was carried out with a strong emphasis on maintaining the restaurant’s original character and historical value.
The updates have also brought the restaurant into the modern era. New touch screen kiosks have been installed, and a new outdoor terrace has been added to the McCafé, which has been relocated to the entrance level. Additionally, a second gallery level has been introduced, increasing the seating capacity to over 280, including the terrace area.
Diners at this unique location can enjoy a “one-of-a-kind” experience, watching a food conveyor belt that connects the two levels of the kitchen.
The menu features special items, such as the Goosey Gustav burger, topped with foie gras, and gluten-free buns. Zsolt Égi, managing director of Progress Étteremhárosl Kft., the company operating McDonald’s in Hungary, described this location as one of the “most impressive restaurants.”
“Nyugati tér McDonald’s opened 34 years ago, in 1990, and is considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world,” Égi stated. “We renovated it in half a year, so that we could stay true to this heritage.”
Égi also highlighted that the renovation incorporated unique solutions within the global McDonald’s system, using authentic, natural building materials.
Local reports indicate that the renovation cost 1.8 billion HUF, approximately $5 million USD, and has left visitors in awe.
“The interior is absolutely beautiful and looks more like a restaurant in a 5-star hotel,” one visitor commented. “It feels like you’re traveling back in time,” another added.
“This is the most beautiful McDonald’s I’ve been to,” shared a frequent visitor. “I’ve come here many times over the years, and it never fails to impress.”